UETTDRRF09

EARTHING OF ELECTRICAL APPARATUS FOR WORK

The purpose of earthing is:-

a) to enable protection equipment to operate and to limit the rise in potential difference at the Work Area, in the
event that Supply is inadvertently restored

b) to safely discharge induced or residual voltage

Where possible or practicable (providing this does not introduce a hazardous situation) Electrical Apparatus Shall be
proved De-Energised at the proposed point of application of Earths.

All phases shall be proved De-Energised using an Approved voltage detector before Earths are applied. Correct
operation of the voltage detector shall be verified immediately before and after proving De-energised

The Authorised Recipient shall co-ordinate the visible placement and removal of Working Earths/

Only the Recipient or an Individual of Work Group under the direction of the Recipient may place or remove Working
Earths. The placement and removal of Working Earths Shall be recorded on the Access / Test Permit in the Working
Earth schedule.

Isolating Electrical Apparatus

Electrical Apparatus is Isolated when electrical non-flashover distance appropriate to the voltage as defined by the
Electrical Operator, exists between the Electrical Apparatus and the remainder of the High Voltage system.

Neutral earthing resistors and reactors normally form part of the High Voltage system. When bypassed and Isolated
this means they become part of the earthing system and Exclusion Zones no longer apply. Isolation prevents
unintentional re-energisation of the electrical apparatus and which is assessed as a suitable step in the process of
making safe for access purposes.

Isolation extends to Remote Controls associated with Isolation Points, and to Low Voltage sources of Supply capable
of back energising the HV system.

Methods used to isolate electirval supply include:

· Open HV switch,
• Open fuses,
• Lift live line clamps,
 • Break bridges,
• Open mid-span isolators

ACCESS PERMITS

Access Permits are issued for all work or testing on or Near High Voltage Exposed Electrical Apparatus. A person is
not permitted to work on or test Electrical Apparatus unless signed on to an Access / Test Permit.

An Access Permit Shall is issued after Electrical Apparatus has been Isolated, proved De-Energised and Earthed.
Access Permits Shall be issued directly by the Electrical Operator. As a minimum, an Access Permit includes:

1. location of the Work Area

2. expected issue time / day / date
3. expected surrender time / day / date
4. provision for the Electrical Operator’s Co-ordinator’s name
5. identification of the Electrical Apparatus to be worked on or tested
6. a description of work or testing to be carried out or the extent of access to the Electrical Apparatus
7. a unique alpha character identifier appended to the operation for each of Isolation Point and Operator Earth
(unless not required by Electrical Operator Procedures)
8. a unique alpha character identifier appended to the Switching operation for each of Operator Earth
9. details of any Other Precautions taken to contribute to the electrical safety of the work group
10. details of Nearby Exposed Live HV/LV that may affect the Work Area
11. provision for signing on and off by the work group
12. provision for the recording of the placement and removal of any Working Earths
13. Abnormalities Section for recording anything the Electical Operator is to be advised of before reversing the
Switching
14. provision for:
a. declaration of issue and receipt,
b. declaration of surrender,
c. recording of any associated attachments or supplementary pages
d. provision for recording temporary suspension
e. provision for transfer
f. provision for recording temporary removal of Operator Earths
Responsibilities of an Authorised Electrical Operator

• Obtain approval from the Operating Authority prior to performing any switching on the electrical network.
• Correctly identify the electrical switching apparatus before the apparatus is operated
• Report any switching performed in error, or anomaly encountered, immediately to the Operating Authority.
• Confirm that earthing is performed in accordance with these Rules.
• Fully describe to all Recipients the limits of and the precautions taken for the Access Authority and
confirming that the Recipients are satisfied with those conditions.
• Ensure assets are fit for service prior to cancellation of Access Authorities and restoration of supply.
• Notify the Operating Authority upon cancellation of the Access Authority and confirm that electrical
apparatus is fit for service prior to restoration of supply.

Responsibilities of Recipient in Charge

• Be informed of, and understand the limits of access to the apparatus and the control measures applicable.
• Ensure placement and removal of worksite earths and record on the EAP.
• Be conversant with the work to be undertaken, the appropriate electrical procedures and electrical work
practices to be used by the work party.
• Ensure that all members of the work party approaching electrical apparatus sign on the EAP, and sign off
prior to relinquishment.
• Advise the Operating Authority of any lost or damaged EAP.
• Confirm electrical apparatus is fit for service prior to relinquishment of EAP.

Responsibilities of Authorised Recipients

• Sign on the EAP to indicate they acknowledge the requirements of the EAP.
• Be informed of, and understand, the limits of access to the apparatus and the control measures applicable.
• Be informed of, understand and comply with the safety directions and warnings given.
• Ensure placement and removal of worksite earths and where required recording on the EAP.
• Ensure that the condition of the apparatus, covered by the Electrical Access Permit, is such that it shall be
safe for the proposed work to be undertaken.
• Ensure they are currently Authorised and competent to perform the task required.
• Be conversant with the work to be done.
• Prior to departure from the worksite, sign off the EAP or provide advice to the Recipient in Charge
otherwise.
• Seek approval for changes in precautions during the work.
• Ensure assets are fit for service prior to cancellation of Access Authorities and restoration of supply.
• Complete Apply Access Procedures to work on or near the electrical network infrastructure unit and
undertake refresher training every 12 months
Resposibilities of work teams signing on to an Acess Permit

• Everyone signing onto the permit are aware of the particulars of that permit.
• To ensure that everyone is aware of their obligation to let the recipient know if they are leaving site and
signing off the permit.
• Work must be directly related to the purpose of that permit before signing onto the permit.
• Must return the permit to the folder

Supervised Network Access - Visitors

Supervised network access is usually undertaken for a short term and typically relates to a single project or task
where it is not usually suitable to issue an Authority. This is dependent on the scope and duration of the works and
the type of supervision a person is subject to. Examples being:

(a) A crane operator sub-contracted to a work party to install new equipment

(b) A plumber or carpenter performing minor repairs

(c) A subject matter expert engaged to undertake a singular specialised activity at a single site.

(d) A non-Authorised visitor e.g. a manager accompanying an auditor

Supervised Network access shall be performed by an Authorised person. The visitor must:

• Understand instructions given on what approach is permitted to the electrical apparatus.

• Understand instructions given on what activity is permitted to be taken in relation to the electrical apparatus
• Agree to the continuous and close supervision by a nominated Authorised Recipient.
Process for receiving and relinquishing Access Permits
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