Electrical Safe Work Procedure
Electrical Safe Work Procedure
This procedure covers the electrical safety-related work practices to be used when
performing work on or near electrical circuits and equipments. This procedure must
be used to ensure injuries are prevented.
Revision Tracking
Rev. 0
– Adopted from Singapore Electrical Safe Work Procedure with minimal changes to
reflect PDR practices and document numbering
PAGE
A. Introduction. 5
B. Definitions 5
A. INTRODUCTION
This procedure covers the electrical safety-related work practices to be used
when performing work on or near electrical circuits and equipment. This
procedure is applicable for both qualified and unqualified persons and must be
used to ensure that injuries are prevented.
B. DEFINITIONS
• APPROVED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Acceptable, Approved, Certified, Labeled or Listed by an International
recognized testing laboratory such as UL, FM, CSA, etc; or designed
according to international standards like IEC or equivalent or endorsed by
the plant for the appropriate situation.
• ARC-FLASH HAZARD
A dangerous condition associated with the release of energy caused by
an arc that suddenly and violently changes material(s) into vapor.
• Authorized Person
A person authorized by the L.E.W. to perform specific tasks.
• BARRICADE
A physical obstruction such as tapes, cones, or metal structures intended
to provide a warning about and to limit access to a hazardous area.
• BARRIER
A physical obstruction that is intended to prevent contact with energized
lines or equipment or to prevent unauthorized access to a work area.
• CIRCUIT BREAKER
A device designed to open and close a circuit by non-automatic (manual)
means and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined over-
current without damage to itself when properly applied within its rating.
The automatic opening means that it can be integral, direct acting with the
circuit breaker, or remote from the circuit breaker.
• DE-ENERGISED
Free from any electrical connection to a source of potential difference and
from electric charge; not having a potential difference from that of the
earth.
NOTE:
The term is used only with reference to current-carrying parts that could be Energised.
• ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
A general term including material, fittings, devices, appliances, fixtures,
apparatus, and the like, used as a part of, or in connection with, an
electrical installation.
• ELECTRICAL HAZARD
A dangerous condition such that inadvertent or unintentional contact or
equipment failure can result in shock, arc, flash burn, thermal burn, or
blast.
Proximity Distance
For Electrical Work by Qualified Persons
Proximity Distance in Feet
System Voltage in V Includes Standard
Phase-to-Phase Inadvertent Movement Adder
300 V and Less Avoid Contact
300 V to 750 V 1 ft 0 in.
750 V to 2 kV 2 ft 0 in.
2 kV to 15 kV 2 ft 2 in.
15 kV to 36 kV 2 ft 7 in.
36 kV to 48.3 kV 2 ft 10 in.
48.3 kV to 72.5 kV 3 ft 3 in.
ENCLOSURE
The case or housing of apparatus, or the fence or walls surrounding an
installation to prevent personnel from accidentally contacting energized
parts, or to protect the equipment from physical damage.
• ENERGISED, HOT OR LIVE EQUIPMENT
Electrically connected to a source of potential difference, or electrically
charged so as to have a potential significantly different from that of earth
in the vicinity.
• ISOLATED
The disconnection and separation of the electrical equipment from every
source of electrical energy in such a way that this disconnection and
separation is secure.
• L.E.W.
Licensed electrical worker. A person licensed by the EC (Malaysia Energy
Committee) to perform specific tasks. List of L.E.W as in Appendix II. Also
known as Chargeman.
• OVERLOAD RELAY
A device that protects equipment and conductors from operating in excess
of rated current which, when it persists for a sufficient length of time, would
cause damage or dangerous overheating. This device may not be a
protection against a short circuit or earth fault.
• PROCEDURE
A procedure is a detailed and step-by-step written information or instruction
to be used to maintain, operate or test equipment or carry out a designated
task. This includes specific operating, maintenance instruction and
procedures based on the specific process such as operating limits, hazards
to be controlled, and any other safety, health and environment
requirements.
• QUALIFIED PERSON
Qualified Persons are intended to be only those who are well acquainted
with and thoroughly conversant in the electric equipment and electrical
hazards involved with the work being performed. He/she shall have a
minimum qualification of A0 in the electrical trade OR equivalent.
SHALL
Indicates a mandatory requirement.
• SHOULD
Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not
mandatory
• STANDBY PERSON, HAZARD WATCH
A Hazard Watch Standby Person is required for certain energized or hot
work, testing and proximity works. The Standby Person shall be a
Qualified Person.
Responsibilities of Standby Person are as follows:
a. Understanding the job scope and safety implications of the task to
be done. Ensure that permit scope of work not exceeded.
b. Keeping non-essential people out of the work area.
c. Knowing where and how to de-energise or switch-off the electrical
circuit or equipment if there is any sign of worker in distress.
d. Summoning qualified help via area radio, telephone, etc.
e. Standby Person shall wear and use the same personal and other
protective equipment as used by the Qualified Person performing
the work.
f. Stand-by person may assist the person who carries out the work
however for complex Electrical tasks like Motor starter rack in /
Rack out and Live testing work he shall not perform any work or
assist the worker instead he needs to monitor and identify potential
hazards. During switching, he shall be out of the arc-flash
boundary.
g. Being prepared to de-energize relevant energized wire or
equipment, if need be. The Standby Person should not risk
touching the person, should only grab with Gloves or use Hot
Sticks to pull/push away, but should not wrap arms around.
• SYSTEM
An electrical system in which any of the electrical equipment is or may be
electrically connected to a common source of electrical energy and
includes such source and such equipment.
• VOLTAGE, NOMINAL.
For the purpose of Refinery lock & tag procedure (SHE Infobank : IBPDR-
SWPM-10429) & to explain the intent of the practice, voltages are
classified as follows:
Up to 50 V AC is considered as Safety extra low voltage.
From 50 V AC to 600V AC and 120V DC is considered low voltage.
Any voltage above 600V AC and 120V DC are considered high voltages.
NOTE:
Other persons such as welders, machinist, painters, riggers and others, who may
face a comparable risk of injury due to electric shock or other electrical hazards
deemed to be unqualified persons, should be trained.
2. CONTENT OF TRAINING
a. QUALIFIED PERSONS
Qualified persons (i.e., those permitted to work on or near exposed
energized parts) shall, at a minimum, be trained in and familiar with
the following:
(i) The qualified person shall be trained for the specific electrical task
to be performed.
(ii) He/she shall have minimum qualifications of A0 EC Certificate or
equiv.
(iii) The clearance distances specified in the procedure and the
corresponding voltages to which the qualified person will be
exposed.
(iv) Precautionary techniques and the proper use of personal
protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and i
nsulated tools for working on or near exposed energised parts
of electric equipment.
(v) Qualified persons shall also be trained in and familiar with the
safety-related work practices required by this procedure that
pertain to their respective job assignments.
It is recommended that Qualified Persons should be trained in the
following:
(i) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and,
(ii) First Aid.
b. UNQUALIFIED PERSONS
Unqualified persons are not allowed to enter into the substations or near
any work area where electrical hazards are present. In case unqualified
persons needs to enter substations / work area where electrical hazard
are present, he / she shall undergo tool box training conducted by a
qualified person which emphasizes the following aspects:
(i) Hazards associated with electricity.
(ii) Proper use of portable plug-connected tools and extension
cords.
(iii) Electrical hazards (i.e. flash protection boundaries)
associated with one’s respective job assignment.
(iv) Emergency exit location / route from substation.
1. GENERAL
a. Safety-related work practices shall be employed to prevent electric
shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect
electrical contacts, when work is performed near or on equipment
or circuits which are or may be energized. The specific safety-
related work practices shall be consistent with the nature and
extent of the associated electrical hazards.
b. Live parts to which an employee may be exposed shall be de-
energized before the employee works on or near them, unless that
de-energizing is infeasible due to equipment design or operational
limitations.
c. All electrical equipment must be considered live or energized until it
is proven de-energized. No person must begin work on de-
energized parts until this verification has been completed.
d. All electrical work shall comply with the Malaysian Standards.
e. No person should commence any electrical work until that person
fully understands the instructions received and in no circumstances
should that person exceed those instructions. Should any person
consider that the instructions given could not be carried out safely,
that person refers the matter immediately to the electrical
supervisor.
f. No person should interfere with earth or ground connections, locks,
tags, danger or warning signs, safety barriers, flags or other safety
devices.
2. ALERTING TECHNIQUES
The following alerting techniques shall be used to warn and protect all
persons from hazards that could cause injury due to electric shock, burns,
or failure of electric equipment parts:
5. BATTERIES,WORK ON.
The following requirements cover work on vented batteries.
a. Chemical safety goggles shall be used when measuring storage
battery specific gravity or handling electrolyte.
b. Acid resistant face-shield, gloves, boots and aprons shall be worn
for protection against spattering when battery acid is handled.
c. Emergency eye wash facility shall be available within 25 feet of
battery handling area.
d. Employees assigned to work with storage batteries shall be
instructed in safe handling of acids as dealing with accidental acid
spills. In case of contact, proceed to eyewash and seek medical
attention.
7. CONDUCTIVE APPAREL.
When performing electrical work, personnel shall remove jewellery from
hands and wrists example watches and rings etc. Also remove metal
objects from coverall pockets to prevent short circuits caused by
accidentally dropping or touching metal objects on exposed energized
live.
b. POWER TOOLS
(i) Only approved power tools and electrical equipment with earth
leakage circuit breaker protection shall be used. It is the onus of
owner and user of the power tool and electrical equipments to
ensure that their tools and equipments are certified safe for use.
General Services section (tool room) keeps a record of all
certified tools and equipments.
(ii) Certified 24V portable power tool and 110V centre-tapped and
grounded transformer powered tool can also be used.
9. CURRENT TRANSFORMERS
Opening the secondary winding of an energized current transformer can
produce extremely high and lethal voltages. The secondary of a current
transformer shall not be opened while the associated circuit is energized.
If the primary of the current transformer can not be de-energized before
work is performed on a relay, meter or other section of a current
transformer secondary circuit, the circuit shall be shorted through shorting
links.
(i) Only a qualified person may defeat electrical safety interlock, and then
only temporarily while he or she is working on the equipment. The
interlock system shall be returned to its operable condition when this work
is completed.
(ii) Where Electrical interlocks needs to be defeated or disabled, it is to be
clearly stated and identified in the Job Hazard Check list and shall be
approved by a second engineer / FLS.
NOTE:
If interlocks at starter/breaker doors are defeated to perform inspection
or electrical work at the starter/breaker, precautions and personal
protective equipment as applicable to the voltage level shall be used.
18. FUSES
When fuses are installed or removed with one or both terminals
energized, applicable fuse pullers or fuse-handling equipment shall be
used.
Fuses shall be checked for continuity and proper rating and type before
putting them in service. A blown fuse can cause single phasing to
electrical motors, automatic transfer of power sources, etc.
24. LIGHTS
a. FLASHLIGHTS
Flashlights having Underwriters Laboratory (UL), Factory
Mutual (FM) or equivalent agency approvals are the only type
permitted for use in hazardous (classified) locations.
b. PORTABLE LIGHTS
Approved portable lights suitable for the area classification
must be used.
(i) Do not remove vapor-proof globes except for
cleaning, repairing or replacing lamps.
(ii) Only Qualified Person shall open explosion-proof
fixtures.
NOTE:
When it can be determined from the design of the circuit and the
over current devices involved that the automatic operation of a
device was caused by an overload rather than fault condition, no
examination of the circuit or connected equipment is needed
before the circuit is re-energised.
33. SUBSTATIONS
This section provides requirements for substations and for work
performed in them.
a. ACCESS AND WORKING SPACE
Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and
maintained about electric equipment to permit ready and safe
operation and maintenance of such equipment.
At least two gates shall be kept open for any work inside
transformer yard or substation cellar.
b. OUTDOOR SWITCHYARD SUBSTATION FENCES
Conductive fences around substations shall be grounded. When a
substation fence is expanded or a section is removed, fence-
grounding continuity shall be maintained, and bonding shall be
used to prevent electrical discontinuity.
c. GUARDING OF ROOMS CONTAINING ELECTRIC SUPPLY
EQUIPMENT
(i) There shall be no exposed live parts operating at greater
than 24 volts to ground located inside the room or space
3. Employees
(i) Entry for LOTO purposes do not require additional
electrical permit for entry and do not need to inform elect
FLS. All other parties need to inform elect FLS.
(ii) Entry for visual inspections by IEA maintenance and
operation do not require additional electrical permit for entry
and do not need to inform elect FLS. All other parties need
to inform elect FLS.
type
j. ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS
(i) When work is performed on a cable at a location remote
from the cable terminal, the cable may not be grounded at
the cable terminal if there is a possibility of hazardous
transfer of potential should a fault occur. Therefore, ground
as close to the work location as practical.
(ii) DOORS OF GROUNDED EQUIPMENT
Doors of the grounded equipment, where possible, practical
and applicable, should be left open for the duration of the
work until the work is completed and grounds are removed
b. For live work at 380V (3phase /DC) nominal and above - SOC
approval is required
c. For live work below 380V (3phase/DC) nominal - I/E FLS approval
is required.
d. All live work shall be done in pair.
e. Work shall be done by qualified persons.
f. Approved PPE/insulated tools/test equipments shall be used
This section applies to the use of cord and plug-connected equipment, including
flexible cord sets (extension cords).
1. GENERAL
a. All portable equipment shall be inspected/ tested by an appropriate
LEW before its use. All portable equipment shall have a valid
approved sticker.
NOTE:
Only qualified persons are authorised to replace or repair any
electrical equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, the plugs
and caps on extension cords or tools.
2. VISUAL INSPECTION
1. INTRODUCTION
Employees working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards
shall use electrical protective equipment that is appropriate for the specific
parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be done. Please refer
to Appendix I - PPE Table For Electrical Tasks for the specific PPE
requirements.
2. BODY PROTECTION
3. HAND PROTECTION
a. Worker's hands shall be protected from electrical burns and shock.
Appropriate voltage rated gloves shall be used when hand
protection is required specified in the procedure.
b. The purpose of leather protectors is to provide mechanical
protection only for the rubber gloves and rubber mittens. The
leather protectors shall not be used for electrical protection.
c. The protector glove shall be sized and shaped so that the
insulating glove shall not be deformed from its natural shape.
d. Leather glove protectors shall be worn over rubber insulating
gloves.
e. Gloves or sleeves shall not be bundled together with tape.
f. Gloves shall be stored in their natural shape. Gloves may be kept
inside of protectors or in a bag, box, or container that is designed
for and used exclusively for them.
g. Gloves shall be wiped clean of any oil, grease, or other damaging
substance as soon as practicable.
h. Gloves may be washed with mild soap and water and air-dried.
Extra care is needed in the visual examination of the gloves and in
the avoidance of handling sharp objects.
Insulated tools shall never be relied upon for total protection from electric
shocks. Insulated tools with other appropriate and applicable personal
protective equipment (gloves) shall be used to provide protection from
electric shocks.
Fuse handling equipment, insulated for the circuit voltage, shall be to remove
or install fuses when fuse terminals are energized
** End of Procedure **
The following PPE table is included for reference and use by all sites. Each site is responsible for
performing a site-specific and equipment-specific PPE analysis. Equipment type and incident energy
exposure may require more or less stringent PPE requirements, precautions and procedures.
Nominal Voltage (AC or DC) (Note 4)
<130V 130V to 300V 300V to >1000V
Task 1000V
Live Work (Note 1) A, B A, B, D, F A, B, C, D, F Not Permitted
Voltage Testing to A, E A, E A, E A, C, D, E, F
Prove 'Dead'
Testing/Measurement A, E A, D, E A, D, E, F A, C, D, E, F
on Live Equipment
Application of N/A N/A A, C A, C
Temporary Grounds or
Discharging of Power
Cables after Voltage
Checks
Rack In/Out of N/A N/A A, C, D** A, C, D**
Equipment From
Energized Bus-bars
Consult Consult BP Consult BP Consult BP
Other activities BP details for details for details for
details for guidance guidance guidance
guidance
EC Work Authorization
Name
Certificate 11kV 3.3kV > 1kV
Mustafa Mahbut 33kV-B4 √ √ √
Foo Dai Hing 33kV-B4 √ √ √
Haron Masani 11kV-B0-1 √ √ √
Mohd Khalid Mohd Sah 11kV-B0 √ √ √
Kholil Osman 11kV-B0 √ √ √
Rashid Ismail A0 √
Note*: Only EC Licensed Electrical Worker are allowed to hold substation key
APPENDIX III
Arc Flash Hazards Warning Label
! WARNING !
Arc Flash Hazards
Appropriate PPE Required
65 cal/cm2 Flash Suit, Face-Shield, Hood
Flash Protection Boundary – Outside
Substation
cal/cm2 Flash Hazard at 450mm
Location :