What are some of the best practices for working safely with high-voltage circuits in industrial maintenance?

1 Plan your work

Before you start any high-voltage work, you should plan your tasks carefully and identify the potential hazards and control measures. You should review the circuit diagrams, work instructions, safety procedures, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) protocols for the equipment you are working on. You should also gather the necessary tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and permits for the job.

3 Wear appropriate PPE

When working with high-voltage circuits, you should always wear appropriate PPE to protect yourself from electric shock, arc flash, burns, and flying debris. Depending on the voltage level and the arc flash hazard rating, you may need to wear gloves, boots, goggles, helmet, ear plugs, face shield, and flame-resistant clothing. You should also avoid wearing any metal jewelry, watches, or belts that could conduct electricity.

4 Use insulated tools

Another way to prevent electric shock and arc flash is to use insulated tools that are designed for high-voltage work. Insulated tools have a non-conductive coating or a plastic handle that prevents current from flowing through your body. You should inspect your tools before each use and make sure they are in good condition, clean, and dry. You should also avoid using tools that are too large or too small for the job, as they could damage the circuit or cause a short circuit.

5 Test and troubleshoot carefully

Once you have completed your high-voltage work, you should test and troubleshoot the circuit to ensure that it is functioning properly and safely. You should follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the appropriate testing equipment, such as a megger, an ohmmeter, or an oscilloscope. You should also check for any loose connections, faulty components, or signs of overheating or arcing. If you find any problems, you should fix them before restoring the power.

6 Restore the power safely

The final step in working safely with high-voltage circuits is to restore the power safely and remove the LOTO devices. You should follow the reverse order of the LOTO procedure and make sure that you have notified all the affected parties, cleared the work area, and removed all the tools and PPE. You should also double-check that the circuit is ready to be energized and that there are no hazards or obstructions. You should then reconnect, unlock, and untag the power source and test the circuit again.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?