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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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    Slightly to one side, but a thought: If you are expecting to have to work on the switchboard frequently enough to be a genuine problem and cannot isolate the whole panel due to essential loads or operational demands, perhaps the design should be reconsidered e.g. Form 4 switchboards, essential services on a separate DB and/or alternative (UPS) supplies?

    The horse may appear have bolted but on the other hand it may well be more cost effective to re-fit compared with the safe alternatives.

    Or, of course, isolate properly but schedule the works to be less of an inconvenience e.g. by holding the minor items and doing multiple jobs at once.

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  • 0

    Slightly to one side, but a thought: If you are expecting to have to work on the switchboard frequently enough to be a genuine problem and cannot isolate the whole panel due to essential loads or operational demands, perhaps the design should be reconsidered e.g. Form 4 switchboards, essential services on a separate DB and/or alternative (UPS) supplies?

    The horse may appear have bolted but on the other hand it may well be more cost effective to re-fit compared with the safe alternatives.

    Or, of course, isolate properly but schedule the works to be less of an inconvenience e.g. by holding the minor items and doing multiple jobs at once.

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