How can field service engineers ensure their safety when working on high-voltage electrical systems?

A proper hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) is the key and the HIRA and Control measures need to be properly documented. It’s important that all type of electricity related hazards be identified which includes, direct electric shock, fire by short circuits, fall of persons due to shock etc. apart from all basic precautions, arrangement of arc flash suits, fire fighting equipment, fall protection equipment, avoiding lone working etc. to be ensured. Lockout and tag-out (LOTO) process need to be followed which avoids unintended energisation of the isolated circuits in which work is being done. Proper training of the crew, mock drills to practice LOTO etc to be periodically conducted. Zero tolerance is a must.

Identifying risks before working on high-voltage systems is crucial for safety. It's important to note that even when a system appears de-energized, stored energy or induced voltages can still pose a danger. Therefore, using the right testing equipment to confirm zero energy state is not just a precaution, it's a necessity. Additionally, understanding the system's behavior under fault conditions can help engineers anticipate and mitigate risks.

The consequences of an incident involving high voltage electricity are usually more significant than for low voltage. They include: severe injury or death from electric shock (which may be received by direct or indirect contact, tracking through or across a medium, or by arcing) burns from arcing, explosion or fire

-The safety Gear: The first step is understanding the safety, the safety gears, and the right safety gear required for the work -Training: To acquire necessary training and certification to understand the step-by-step procedure of the activity or work to be carried out, training on how to use the right safety gears ( gloves, safety belt, ladder, helmet, etc) -Never assume an electrical circuit is dead: You must carry out a test / check on every electrical circuit to know whether is dead or live circuit. - Never work on live circuits. Ensure that all high-voltage electrical system is switched off before you commence work. - Communicate all high voltage work related to colleagues with an approved timeline to avoid accidental power switch on.

Safety First! While working on the field we have to first inspect and check what kind of work to be done. Basically we have to do a ground level inspection before starting the work.

é importante também ressaltar os equipamentos de prote??o coletiva, tais como barreiras físicas, coberturas físicas, linhas de vida, sinaliza??o, sistema de prote??o contra descargas atmosféricas, rotas de fuga, sistema de alarme e combate a incêndio, e outros.

Electrical workers shall wear arc rated natural fiber apparel such as long sleeve shirts, long pants, jackets, coats, bib overalls, or coveralls to protect the torso and limbs from arc flash hazards. PPE must be arc rated at or above the incident energy or category level of the equipment being worked on

While working with any of the electrical equipment we should wear PPEs to protect from any kind of electrical hazard. Safety First!

Use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including insulated gloves, face shields, safety glasses, and flame-resistant clothing. Regularly inspect and maintain PPE to ensure its effectiveness.

Proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices and procedures safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases. OSHA's Lockout/Tagout Fact Sheet describes the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery or equipment to prevent hazardous energy release.

The standards and procedures require the participation of at least two members in high-voltage operations, with one acting as an observer (and if necessary, an intervener) and one as the operator, at a minimum. This ensures that in case of emergencies, there is a trained professional available to address unforeseen issues with their colleague. The majority of fatal accidents often occur due to the operator's overconfidence or haste, neglecting the need for a partner.

Working on high-voltage electrical systems can be dangerous and challenging, especially if you encounter unexpected problems or emergencies. Therefore, it is advisable to work with a partner who can assist you, monitor you, and communicate with you during your work.

Maintain clear communication with team members and establish an effective means of communication in case of an emergency. Always inform relevant personnel about the work being performed and its potential impact.

Product training is very important for such kind of electrical work. If the person working with the system & he doesn't have any knowledge of the system then it will create a big accident. Before working with any electrical system, awareness/ training is very important to save life.

For those working to the HTM structure, you will require the Authorised Person High Voltage - HTM 06-03 course. For those working to JSP 375 Vol 3, you will require the Authorised Person High Voltage MOD Sectors course.

Ensure that field service engineers are adequately trained and certified in electrical safety practices. Provide ongoing training to keep engineers updated on the latest safety standards and procedures.

é importante ressaltar a importancia do engenheiro de seguran?a do trabalho, médico do trabalho, técnicos e enfermeiros de seguran?a do trabalho dentro das organiza??es, os quais, possuem papel fundamental na manuten??o e melhoria da segurei trabalhador.

Follow instructions from the safety representative and most of all make sure of the isolation for the electrical equipment before work usually keep one of the switchgear or MCC locks with him/her .. following procedures in general can save your life and much more

I agree but the field engineers also have to consider about the previous maintenance that held in the same where they are conducting their work. Work and maintenance history will give them a brief intro to the condition of the workplace and areas where they have to concentrate more.

I agree but the field engineers also have to consider about the previous maintenance that held in the same where they are conducting their work. Work and maintenance history will give them a brief intro to the condition of the workplace and areas where they have to concentrate more.