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I have been asked if it is safe for our electricians to work alone on a 3 phase distribution board, what are peoples thoughts please.

Daniel S Robinson

Hi, I work as a Qualifying Supervisor for a company that covers four counties with electricians. Currently in one county there is a requirement that if some one will need to work in a live 3 phase board, two operatives will be present. The thinking being there is some one to watch your back and assist in case of a problem. The other county's have now come and said they don't do this. 

So my question is, if the electrician is carrying out dead tests on the worked on circuit that is housed in a DB that can't be isolated, should two people be present.

Looking at the various documents we have like The Electricity at work Regulations, Electricity at work document from HSE (HSG85) I understand a risk assessment is required and a safe system of work document.

I was just wanting to get an idea of what other company's do, and any guidance relating to such documents.

Thank you for your help and advice in advance.

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    In my view, if the board is live, then two workers are required.

    Remember though that working "on or near" live equipment is strongly discouraged, though not totally prohibited. IT MUST UNREASONABLE in all circumstances for the equipment to be made dead,  and REASONABLE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES for it to remain live.

    In practice, and again in my view, it also depends on the nature and complexity of the work. Connecting a new subcircuit to a spare MCB that is turned off, but whilst the rest of the board remains live ? Possibly just acceptable. Removing an MCB from a live busbar and installing a new one ? Probably not acceptable. I have done this but cant recommended that others do so.

    The rules need to be applied with common sense, and in particular what is meant by near.

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    In my view, if the board is live, then two workers are required.

    Remember though that working "on or near" live equipment is strongly discouraged, though not totally prohibited. IT MUST UNREASONABLE in all circumstances for the equipment to be made dead,  and REASONABLE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES for it to remain live.

    In practice, and again in my view, it also depends on the nature and complexity of the work. Connecting a new subcircuit to a spare MCB that is turned off, but whilst the rest of the board remains live ? Possibly just acceptable. Removing an MCB from a live busbar and installing a new one ? Probably not acceptable. I have done this but cant recommended that others do so.

    The rules need to be applied with common sense, and in particular what is meant by near.

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