Comprehensive guide to handling exposed wires: immediate safety protocol, voltage diagnosis, temporary securing, and permanent, code-compliant repair limits. This section applies to work on exposed live parts, or near enough to them to expose the employee to any hazard they present. General - Qualified employees only. Only qualified employees may work in areas. The first step is to de-energize the exposed wire to eliminate the immediate threat of electrocution. Locate the electrical service panel, often called the breaker box, and turn off the corresponding circuit breaker. Exposed electrical wiring — whether from damaged cable insulation, a rodent chew, a renovation mishap, or aged wiring — is a shock hazard and a fire hazard. This requires professional repair. Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection. Safety-related work practices shall be employed to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contacts, when work is performed near or on equipment or circuits which are or may be energized.
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