Electrical Safety

surge protector
Surge suppressor with overcurrent protection

Updated October 3, 2024

The UW Electrical Safety Program establishes the key requirements to ensure the safety of University personnel and prevent personal injury that could result from conducting work on electrical systems between 50 and 600 volts (V).

University personnel and students who are designated to perform work on, or near, energized electrical circuits and components; operate, maintain, and repair electrical equipment and systems; or design, construct, install, and use electrical equipment or systems in research and development are required to follow the UW Electrical Safety Manual.

Roles and responsibilities

Identify and control electrical hazards

Refer to the risk assessment procedure defined in NFPA 70E, sec 110.3 (H) to determine if a task meets exemption criteria for energized work, identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls to reduce risk.

Safe work practices

Use safe work practices to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contact when work is performed near or on equipment or circuits, which are (or may be) energized. 

Specific safe work practices must be consistent with the nature and extent of the associated electrical hazard. These practices must be conducted in combination with appropriate training, regulatory requirements, and risk assessments.

What you need to know

Emergency response and reporting

Report workplace incidents, injuries, near-miss events, and work-related illnesses within 24 hours. Some incidents, including fires, require immediate notification.

Visit the Incident Reporting webpage for more information.

More information