What is the role of an employer regarding live electrical parts?

The role of an employer regarding live electrical parts primarily focuses on maintaining safety and reducing hazards for employees. When it comes to scenarios involving live electrical components, an employer has the responsibility to clearly demonstrate that deenergizing the equipment is either infeasible or that doing so would increase the danger to employees. This includes conducting thorough evaluations to substantiate the need for working on energized systems under controlled circumstances.

In situations where workers must operate near live electrical parts, proper risk assessments must substantiate that deenergizing the equipment is more hazardous than performing work while the equipment is energized. This may involve considerations of the specific tasks to be performed, the risks associated with deenergizing, and the available safety measures in place.

Establishing proof that deenergizing is not a safe option emphasizes the importance of protecting employees and reinforces the need for adequate safety measures if live work is necessary. It also highlights an employer's commitment to employee safety by ensuring that all necessary precautions and protective measures are in place during such operations.