Safe isolation - are you sure you are safe?

In the September issue of Wiring Matters e-newsletter, one of the articles looks at the case of 'Colin', a recently qualified electrician carrying out a safe isolation procedure. Unfortunately for Colin, he makes an oversight which leads to him receiving an electric shock.

Read the article here and let us know what would have been your safe method of working for the job Colin had.

Parents
  • Colin is here to change a light fitting. He has recently qualified as an electrician. He remembers his safe isolation procedure training and carries out the following sequence of operations and observations:

    • Turns the light fitting on. He observes the light fitting operating with the switch.
    • Turns off the circuit-breaker (CB). He observes the light fitting go out.
    • Locks off the CB and attaches his warning notice. The system is 100 A single-phase TN-S earthing arrangement, so he is happy with single-pole isolation.
    • Checks his proving unit and voltage indicator are functioning. All ok.
    • Carefully removes the light fitting’s cover and tests between line-earth, neutral-earth and line-neutral. Records 0 volts on every test.
    • Rechecks his voltage indicator with the proving unit. All ok. 

    Now ask yourself whether he is safe to work? 

    There is no mention if he asked for permission to turn off circuit from the correct person

    There is no mention that after LockOut TagOut that he put the key in his pocket

Reply
  • Colin is here to change a light fitting. He has recently qualified as an electrician. He remembers his safe isolation procedure training and carries out the following sequence of operations and observations:

    • Turns the light fitting on. He observes the light fitting operating with the switch.
    • Turns off the circuit-breaker (CB). He observes the light fitting go out.
    • Locks off the CB and attaches his warning notice. The system is 100 A single-phase TN-S earthing arrangement, so he is happy with single-pole isolation.
    • Checks his proving unit and voltage indicator are functioning. All ok.
    • Carefully removes the light fitting’s cover and tests between line-earth, neutral-earth and line-neutral. Records 0 volts on every test.
    • Rechecks his voltage indicator with the proving unit. All ok. 

    Now ask yourself whether he is safe to work? 

    There is no mention if he asked for permission to turn off circuit from the correct person

    There is no mention that after LockOut TagOut that he put the key in his pocket

Children
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