Electrical safety has become a high priority due to the increasing numbers of electrical injuries, deaths and arc flash/arc blast incidents. One of the most common causes of these incidents is the misuse or use of damaged electrical testing devices. This Arc Flash University Webcast on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. EDT, will explore the types of testing devices available for electrical testing and the proper precautions to assure electrical safety in the workplace. Topics include: -Proper meter selection -Meter inspection -Hazard assessment -Personal protective equipment -Safe testing procedures

1. Arc Flash University: Safe Use
of Electrical Testing Devices
Sponsored by:

2. Today’s Webcast Sponsor

3. • Bob LoMastro
MS, CSM-WSO,
President, LoMastro & Associates, Inc.
• Bob Vavra
Content Manager and Moderator,
Plant Engineering
Speakers

4. Electrical Safe Work Practice
Safe Use of Electrical Testing Devices
LoMastro & Associates, Inc. 847-566-6766
Presented by Bob LoMastro Developed by Wes Van Huss

5. Course Objectives
Upon completion of this webcast the student will be able to:
Note: Every meter is different, this webcast is designed as an overview of electrical testing
equipment. Always refer to the owner's manual for the specific use, limits and controls of your meter.
•Determine the hazards associated with electrical testing
•Select the correct type of electrical tester for the task assigned
•Properly inspect the meter prior to use for damage
•Verify the meter is working properly before and after testing
•Know where to go to determine the correct PPE for the task.

10. All of the hazards aren’t electrical

11. Electrical Test Meters
Used for a wide variety of different types of tests.
Multimeters are commonly used to test voltage (AC and
DC), current (AC and
DC), resistance, temperature, frequency and checking
diodes.

12. Selection of Testing Equipment
Note: Always refer to the owner's manual for the specific
use, limits and controls of your meter.

13. Multimeters
Note: Always refer to the owner's manual for the
specific use, limits and controls of your meter.

14. Solenoid Testers
Note: Always refer to the owner's manual for the
specific use, limits and controls of your meter.
On 07-31-2003, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
published a recall regarding Ideal Solenoid Voltage Testers due to a
potential burn hazard.
Model numbers 61-065, 61-066, 61-067, 61-076, 61-079, and 61-080

15. Amp meters
Note: Always refer to the owner's manual for the
specific use, limits and controls of your meter.

16. Meter Category Ratings
Approved for electronics only
IEC 61010
UL 61010-1

17. Canadian
Standards
Association
Underwriters
Laboratories
European
German
Equipment Listing/Labeling
Double Insulated

18. Destructive Level Testing

19. Pre-test Hazard Assessments
Performed by “Qualified Individuals” only

20. Clothing, Gloves & Tools

21. Always refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions and limits for your meter
Inspect Your Meter & Accessories

22. Which meter offers the widest variety
of testing options?
 Multi meter
 Clamp meter
 Voltage indicator
 Wiggins tester

23. What category of meter must be used
for distribution systems?
 I
 II
 III
 IV

24. Which agencies provide listing or approval
for electrical equipment?
 UL
 OSHA
 ANSI
 CSA

25. Performing Tests with a Multi-meter

26. Voltage Testing
 Correct meter setting
 Probes properly placed
 Equipped for live work

27. Voltage Test in Panelboard

28. Current Tests
 Correct meter setting
 Probes properly placed
 Equipped for live work

29. In-line Current Testing

30. Clamp-on Current Testing

31. Continuity Testing
 Correct meter setting
 Probes properly placed
 Verified electrically safe

32. Motor Resistance Testing

33. VFD Resistance Testing

34. Cord/Plug Resistance Testing

35. What resource provides guidance on the
proper clothing and clearance distances to
perform safe electrical work?
 ANSI Z87
 NFPA 70E
 OSHA 1910
 NIOSH

36. When must a meter be verified to assure that
it is functioning properly?
 After the test
 It worked fine earlier in the day
 Before and after the test (live – dead – live)
 Prior to the test

37. Information on the hazard assessment for
each piece of equipment may be found…
 In the OSHA manual
 In NFPA 70E
 Who cares, it’s all the same
 On a detailed label found on the equipment

38. Dielectric gloves are only required when?
 Only when performing an amperage test
 When I feel like wearing
 For any task where the risk of shock exists
 Only when performing a voltage test

39. Ultimately, what determines whether or not
a person is qualified to perform electrical
testing? (trained, authorized, and properly equipped)
 The worker has lots of experience
 The employee decides
 Only the employer can decide
 They’ve taken Bob’s class

40. Proper PPE must be worn during the
lockout verification process
 True
 False

41. A circuit is considered energized until…
 You ensure the breaker is off
 The equipment does not turn on
 It has been proven de-energized by a contact
test
 A voltage indicator has been used and it does
not light up

42. Employee training should be ongoing.
NFPA 70E requires retraining:
 If the annual inspection identifies noncompliance,
 When new equipment, technology or procedures are introduced,
 Unusual work practices are required and
 At least every 3 years.
Electrical Safe Work Practices Training
Electrical Meter Safety Oct 24, 2013
Bob Vavra

43. • Only workers qualified by their employer can perform electrical testing;
(Trained – Authorized - & Properly Equipped)
• Determine the hazards for each task before electrical testing;
• Only use the correct type/rating of electrical tester for the task assigned;
• Inspect the meter prior to each use for damage;
• Verify the meter is working properly before and after testing;
(Live-Dead-Live Testing)
• Always wear the correct PPE and use the proper tools for the task.
• Remember, it’s live until you prove otherwise!!!!
Summary

44. Bob LoMastro has been a safety
consultant and trainer for over 30
years. He was an army Combat
Engineer and Special Forces
Demolition Expert, a navy Hospital
Corpsman and the supervisor of the
National Safety Council's Training
Institute. He started LoMastro &
Associates (LMA) in 1992 and
provides a wide variety of safety
training services and program
development for every type of
environment and makes training both
informative and fun. LMA teaches
most OSHA courses, OSHA
Education Center Courses, custom
training and keynote safety
presentations.
LoMastro & Associates, Inc.
847-566-6766
Website: Safetywizard.com
E-mail: Safetywiz2@aol.com

45. • Bob LoMastro
MS, CSM-WSO,
President, LoMastro & Associates, Inc.
• Bob Vavra
Content Manager and Moderator,
Plant Engineering
Speakers

46. Thanks Today’s Webcast Sponsor

47. Arc Flash University: Safe Use
of Electrical Testing Devices
Sponsored by: