What influences the criteria for the Minimum Approach Distance?

The criteria for the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) are significantly influenced by the voltage of the equipment and the type of work being done. This is because the MAD is established to ensure safety by preventing accidental contact with live electrical components, which can pose serious hazards.

Higher voltage levels require greater distances to be maintained due to the increased risk of electrical arcs and shock. Additionally, the nature of the work being conducted—whether it involves maintenance, inspection, or installation—also dictates how close a worker can safely approach energized parts. Different tasks may have varying requirements for protective measures, thereby affecting the prescribed Minimum Approach Distance.

Understanding that both voltage and task type are crucial to determining MAD helps ensure a safer work environment around electrical equipment, taking into account factors such as the potential for electric shock and the necessary precautions to mitigate those risks.