Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Suggested Helpful Answer
  • Replies 21 replies
  • Answers 1 answer
  • Subscribers 42 subscribers
  • Views 2613 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in

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.

Parents
  • 0

    Really appreciate all your input, We do follow the correct H&S advice we have our own H&S department which are very proactive. I do agree we should be isolating the boards. In an ideal world situation that's fine, but to shut a whole sheltered housing scheme down to change and test a new socket front I would suggest that would come under unreasonable if it means shutting down lifts, fire alarms, CCTV etc which could all cause a problem and concern to the tenants. Health and safety as we know is about balancing the task against the risk and how we can reduce that risk. I have read the documents you suggest above and in regulation 14, 210 it talks about having two people. 

    210 People whose presence near the live conductors is not necessary should not be so near the conductors that they are at risk of injury. However, there may be occasions when people who do not normally need to be in the vicinity of live conductors are required to be present, e.g. those assisting or recovering a casualty after an incident. Appropriate measures must be put in place to protect them.

    I have created a 9 page document showing our legal requirements and what questions we need to answer. I realise the importance of getting this right.

    So the general consensus I'm getting from this good discussion is regardless of circuit types,  the board should be made dead before any work commences.

    And yes we have a whole filing cabinet follow of method statements, processes relating to every topic under the sun.Innocent

    Thank you all once again for your advice and support.

  • 0 in reply to Daniel S Robinson
    Daniel S Robinson said:
    In an ideal world situation that's fine, but to shut a whole sheltered housing scheme down to change and test a new socket front I would suggest that would come under unreasonable

    Is this socket front somewhere special such that you cannot isolate and lock off just the one circuit?

Reply Children
No Data

Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines