What is the Restricted Approach Boundary in electrical safety?

The Restricted Approach Boundary is defined as the distance from an energized electrical part where a person could make physical contact with it. This boundary is crucial for ensuring electrical safety, as it establishes a limit within which only qualified individuals can work, typically with the appropriate training and protective measures. Within this boundary, the risk of electrical shock or arc flash is significantly higher, hence it is essential for trained personnel to observe this distance to minimize hazards.

By defining this boundary, safety practices can be implemented to prevent accidental contact with live components. It also emphasizes the need for control measures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating in proximity to energized parts. The options involving PPE distance, supervision, and access for unqualified personnel focus on safety aspects but do not accurately capture the specific definition of the Restricted Approach Boundary. This is why the understanding of the boundary primarily centers on the actual physical distance from those live electrical parts.