Job Hazard Analysis: Temporary power setup

A general example for this task. Your JHA should reflect your crew, equipment and site — review it with a competent person before work starts.

Steps, hazards and controls

1. 1. Plan the layout: pick the pole location and walk the route for feeders and cords.

   • Contact with overhead power lines while carrying or raising the poleHigh
     • Place the pole where it cannot reach any overhead line, even if it falls.
     • Keep the pole, ladders, and tools at least 10 ft from overhead lines up to 50 kV.
     • Assign a spotter whose only job is to watch the lines while the pole is moved.
   • Struck by trucks or equipment while walking the siteMedium
     • Route the pole and cords away from haul roads and equipment swing areas.
     • Tell equipment operators where you will be working.
     • Wear a hi-vis vest.

2. 2. Dig the hole and set the temporary power pole or pedestal.

   • Hitting a buried gas, electric, or water line while diggingHigh
     • Call 811 and wait for the utility marks before digging.
     • Hand dig near any marked line; do not use the power auger there.
     • If you hit a line, stop, clear everyone out, and call the utility.
   • Back strain or crushed hands and feet when lifting and setting the poleMedium
     • Use a machine or at least two workers to raise the pole.
     • Brace the pole and backfill and tamp it before anyone climbs or mounts gear.
     • Wear leather gloves and safety-toe boots.
   • Power auger kickback twisting your arms or bodyMedium
     • Use a two-person auger or one with a torque bar; never run it alone.
     • Keep loose clothing and hands away from the turning bit.

3. 3. Mount the meter base and temp panel, and drive the ground rod.

   • Fall from a 6-ft fiberglass stepladder while mounting the meter baseMedium
     • Set the stepladder fully open and locked on firm, level ground.
     • Do not stand on the top cap or top step; keep three points of contact.
     • Use only fiberglass ladders around electrical work.
   • Flying chips or a missed hammer strike when driving the 8-ft ground rodMedium
     • Drive the rod with a rotary hammer and ground rod driver bit instead of a sledge.
     • Keep other workers clear while driving.
     • Wear safety glasses and leather gloves.

4. 4. Wire the temp panel, GFCI breakers, and outlets with the panel de-energized.

   • Shock from a circuit that gets energized while you are workingHigh
     • Do this wiring before the utility sets the meter, or lock out and tag the main disconnect.
     • Test before you touch with a meter you checked on a known live source.
     • Only a qualified electrician removes locks and tags.
   • Wiring errors that leave outlets ungrounded or without GFCI protectionHigh
     • Put every 120V 15/20/30A receptacle used by workers on GFCI protection.
     • Bond the panel to the ground rod and check torque on all lugs.
     • Have a second qualified person check the panel before energizing.

5. 5. Energize the system after the utility connects, then test every outlet.

   • Arc flash when closing the main breaker on the energized 240V panelHigh
     • Install all covers and dead fronts before energizing.
     • Turn all branch breakers off, then close the main and stand to the side of the panel.
     • Keep everyone else at least 10 ft back.
     • Wear arc-rated clothing, a face shield, and voltage-rated gloves.
   • Shock while testing live receptaclesMedium
     • Use a plug-in GFCI tester instead of probing with meter leads.
     • Push the TEST button on each GFCI and confirm it trips.

6. 6. Run extension cords and temporary string lights for the crews.

   • Shock from damaged cords, missing ground pins, or cords in waterHigh
     • Use only hard-usage or extra-hard-usage cords (SJOW/SOOW); no flat household cords.
     • Inspect each cord before use and tag out any with cuts, tape repairs, or missing ground pins.
     • Keep cords and connections out of water and off sharp edges.
   • Trips and falls over cords in walkways and stairsMedium
     • Hang cords overhead on insulated hooks or run them along walls.
     • Use cord ramps where cords must cross walkways or drive paths.
   • Broken bulbs or contact with hot lamps on string lightsLow
     • Use string lights with guards on every lamp.
     • Hang lights at least 7 ft high and do not hang them by the cord unless rated for it.

7. 7. Secure the setup, clean up, and inspect it daily.

   • Untrained workers opening the panel or resetting breakers on a faultMedium
     • Keep the panel cover closed and locked; post a warning sign.
     • Tell the crew to report a tripping GFCI instead of resetting it over and over.
   • Rain getting into outlets and connectionsMedium
     • Use weatherproof in-use covers on all outdoor outlets.
     • Inspect the pole, panel, and cords at the start of each shift and after storms.
   • Trips and cuts from wire scraps, knockouts, and packagingLow
     • Pick up scraps and knockouts as you go and put them in a bucket or dumpster.