How do we benefit from TempCovers® when used on a construction site?

A typical OSHA 1926 regulated construction site generally does not allow for working on live conductors. OSHA reasons in a construction zone electrical power can be de-energized because the loss of power will not cause a greater hazard. In other words, the project is still in construction, so is not fully functional. Typically, once the contractor installs a permanent service panel(s) on the job, this replaces the temporary electrical power source(s) for the jobsite. So there are times during construction that this service panel is open with live power on in incoming lines to pull wires and connect new circuits. Final electrical system commissioning also requires workers to work on live exposed energized conductors. In this case the worker may leave the service panel to check or verify the circuit in the field. If an electrician walks away form an open service panel, he needs to do one of the following:

• Re-install the dead front panel.
• Station another qualified electrician by the open service panel.
• Magnetically secure a TempCover® over the open panel.

Because OSHA 1910 General Industries contains more specific details on exposed live conductors than OSHA 1926 Construction, I have included related references from both documents.

1. 1926.416(b) ﾖ Passageways and open spaces. (1) Barriers or other means of guarding shall be provided to ensure that workspace for electrical equipment will not be used as a passageway during periods when energized parts or electrical equipment are exposed.
2. (b) 1910.333(c)(9) Housekeeping Duties. ﾖ Where live parts present an electrical contact hazard, employees may not perform housekeeping duties at such close distances to the parts that there is a possibility of contact, unless adequate safeguards (such as insulating equipment or barriers) are provided. Electrically conductive cleaning materials (including conductive solids such as steel wool, metalized cloth, and silicon carbide, as well as conductive liquid solutions) may not be used in proximity to energized parts unless procedures are followed which will prevent electrical contact. (The TempCover® panels meet this requirement.)
3. (c) 1910.335(a)(2)(ii) ﾖ Protective shields, protective barriers, or insulating materials shall be used to protect each employee from shock, burns, or other electrically related injuries while that employee is working near exposed energized parts which might be accidentally contacted or where dangerous electric heating or arcing might occur. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for maintenance or repair, they shall be guarded to protect unqualified persons from contact with the live parts. (This is the language used to make sure the panel has a cover on it when the qualified worker leaves for any duration or reason)
4. (d) 1910.335(b)(3) ﾖ Attendant. If signs and barricades do not provide sufficient warning and protection from electrical hazards, an attendant shall be stationed to warn and protect employees. (If the qualified worker does not put the permanent panel cover back on the panel when they have to leave for any reason or duration then they must either use a TampCover or have another employee stand guard in the qualified workers absence. Which do you think is the most feasible?)