These FAQs are designed to provide a better understanding of Electrical Safety-related topics. They provide basic information, sometimes about fairly complex topics, and will often link to more detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a “QEW”, or “Qualified Electrical Worker”?
December 11, 2014
Let’s start by looking at the LBNL definition of “Qualified Electrical Worker”:
One who has demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations, has received safety training to identify and avoid the hazards involved, and who has been approved or accepted by the Electrical AHJ for Safe Work Practices.
…read moreI’m not an electrician! Why do I have to follow all these requirements? Aren’t safe work practices just for electricians?
December 11, 2014
Electricity is used by everyone…it is all around us, all the time. So, first and foremost, we all need to follow electrical safe work practices to ensure our safety while we work on or around electricity and electrical equipment.
Additionally, 10 CFR 851 and LBNL’s contract with DOE incorporate NFPA 70E requirements.
From NFPA 70E, Section 90.1:
The purpose of this standard is to provide a practical safe working area for employees relative to the hazards arising from the use of electricity.
…read moreI just build or repair electrical equipment! Why do I have to be a QEW?
December 11, 2014
Most importantly, when you build or repair a piece of equipment that you or others will use, you have a responsibility to provide equipment that is safe for its intended use. You have a big responsibility, as you become responsible for someone’s health and life! Part of being a QEW is being familiar with the construction and operation of equipment; that familiarity allows you build or repair equipment responsibly.
…read moreWhy do I have to take training to be approved as a QEW?
December 11, 2014
Training is actually part of the definition of a qualified person.
One who has demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations, has received safety training to identify and avoid the hazards involved, and who has been approved or accepted by the Electrical AHJ for Safe Work Practices.
…read moreWhy is QEW training so long? After all, I’m not trying to be an electrician!
December 11, 2014
Skills and knowledge of electrical equipment, installations, and methods generally comes from years of training and experience. For example, most electrician apprenticeship programs are four(4) or five(5) year programs that require approximately 8000 hours of work experience (on-the-job training), and between 600 and 800 hours of classroom training (depending on the specialty) during the program.