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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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    From my experience the following should be undertaken.

    1. Full Risk Assessment detailing all hazards and their mitigation.

    2. All persons working on the board need to read the RA and be fully conversant.

    3. A dynamic RA is completed prior to works at the location in case things changed.

    4. An Electrical Work Permit must be issued by a suitable AP, who is not doing the work, prior to works being undertaken.

    5. Method Statement. This must be a clear statement of the works, why they must be done that way, reference all documents, and contain a clear set of procedures of how to back out safely in the event of a problem, detail emergency first aid requirements, emergency fire fighting procedures (provision of a CO2 will do) etc etc.

    EVERYONE MUST UNDERSTAND THE WORKS.

    One person, not the one working, must be a registered first aider to demonstrate safety is taken seriously. 

    All boards should be barriered off when worked on. 

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