Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules

Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

PURPOSE RESPONSIBILITIES
This Technical Standard defines the mandatory Document Owner:
operational requirements for electrical safety rules. It
shall be used as a template for developing unit specific Discipline Manager, Electrical
electrical safety rules.

Unit specific electrical safety rules shall be kept in the Approval:

Management System.
Head of Operational Integrity

SCOPE
Implementation:
This Technical Standard applies to all facilities designed
and built for BW Offshore. OIM / Engineering Managers (Projects)

Projects shall be responsible for developing the unit

specific electrical safety rules for new and re-deployed
units.

Assets shall be responsible for maintaining the unit

specific electrical safety rules for all units. In addition,
Assets shall be responsible for developing unit specific
electrical safety rules where they don’t currently exist.

Table of Contents
PURPOSE 1
SCOPE 1
RESPONSIBILITIES 1
1 INTRODUCTION 3
1.1 General ............................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Structure of Document ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Responsibility...................................................................................................................................... 3
2 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 5
3 DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS 6
3.1 Definitions ........................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................... 6
4 TECHNICAL STANDARD REQUIREMENTS 7
4.1 General ............................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1.1 Purpose 7
4.1.2 Authorised Persons 7
4.1.3 Unit Electrical Authority 7
4.1.4 Competence 8
4.1.5 Coastal State Regulations 8
4.1.6 Responsibility 8
4.1.7 Definitions 8
4.2 Electrical Safety Rules ........................................................................................................................ 9
4.2.1 Duty 9
4.2.2 Electrical Safety 10

Page 1 of 16
Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

4.2.3 Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) 10

4.2.4 Training 10
4.2.5 Protection Devices 10
4.2.6 Switchroom and Battery Room Equipment 10
4.2.7 Access to Electrical Equipment and Rooms 10
4.2.8 Portable and Transportable Equipment 11
4.2.9 Switching Log 11
4.3 Work Activities ..................................................................................................................................11
4.3.1 Switching Operations 11
4.3.2 Isolations and Earthing 12
4.3.3 Work and Testing / Fault-Finding 12
4.3.4 Work in Hazardous Areas 12
4.3.5 Low Voltage Working 13
4.3.6 High Voltage Working 13
4.3.7 Work on Equipment with Stored Energy 14
5 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 15
REVISION SUMMARY 16

Page 2 of 16
 Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

The BW Offshore Technical Standards specify mandatory technical requirements to support efficient and
reliable operations whilst maintaining an acceptable level of Asset Integrity. Technical Standards are provided
within the following areas:
 Design
 Construction
 Hook-up and Commissioning
 Operations and Maintenance

1.2 Structure of Document

Section 4 provides the detailed list of mandatory technical requirements applicable to the subject of the
Technical Standard. Section 5 provides supplementary information to support where required the clear
interpretation of the mandatory technical requirements. Section 2 provides a list of documents that are
referenced by the mandatory technical requirements.

1.3 Responsibility

The Head of OI is responsible for approving changes to the Technical Standard as proposed by the Document
Owner. To facilitate the review of suggested changes, the Head of OI shall arrange a Periodic Review of the
Technical Standard with the Document Owner and main stakeholders as necessary.
The Document Owner shall be responsible for the following:
 Continuously reviewing best industry practice related to the subject of the Technical Standard and
recording comments within the Management System should best industry practice suggest an
improvement.
 Continuously seek lessons learned from BWO operations (Assets and Projects) related to the subject
of the Technical Standard and responding to comments within the Management System should lessons
learned suggest an improvement.
 Updating the Technical Standard following the Periodic Review to reflect the agreed changes.
 Updating and re-issuing the Technical Standard should there be an issue that needs attention prior to
the Periodic Review.
 Review and approval of deviations to the Technical standard raised through the Project Change Control
process or the MOC system.
The persons responsible for implementation as stated on the front-sheet of this Technical Standard are
responsible for ensuring that the Technical Standard is complied with as part of the respective process. Where
specific technical requirements cannot be met, the persons responsible for implementation are also responsible
for obtaining approval for the deviation via the respective MOC process.
Note that design related Technical Standard requirements are not mandatory for operational assets that entered
operations before January 2020. It is therefore not necessary to assess these operational assets and obtain
retrospective approval for deviations from design related Technical Standard requirements. However, all
modifications to these assets that are not purely like for like replacement shall comply with the design related
Technical Standards requirements, and approval for deviations shall be obtained where requirements cannot
be met.

Page 3 of 16
 Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

All relevant personnel who are involved in activities related to this Technical Standard are responsible for
adhering to the Technical Standard and raising concerns to their respective Line Manager where technical
requirements may not be met.

Page 4 of 16
Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

2 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Ref. No. Document Title Document No. Revision
Operation of electrical installations - Part 1: General EN 50110-1 2013
/1/
requirements
/2/ Limitation of Access Form MS-FR00255 Refer to MS
/3/ Isolation – Electrical Checklist MS-FR00333 Refer to MS
Authorisation Certificate – Unit Electrical Authority MS-FR06107 Refer to MS
/4/
(UEA)
/5/ Electrical Authorisation Certificate MS-FR07106 Refer to MS
/6/ Portable Electrical Appliances Integrity MS-PR00098 Refer to MS
/7/ Isolation - Electrical Procedure MS-PR00838 Refer to MS
/8/ Permit to Work MS-PR00845 Refer to MS
Competence Assessment Procedure for Unit MS-PR06094 Refer to MS
/9/
Electrical Authority (UEA)

Page 5 of 16
Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

3 DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS

3.1 Definitions
May Is used where alternatives are equally acceptable.

Shall Is used where a provision is mandatory.

Should Is used where a provision is preferred.

3.2 Abbreviations
AEP Authorised Electrical Person

BWO BW Offshore

CEP Competent Electrical Person

ELV Extra Low Voltage

FPSO Floating Production Storage Offloading (unit)

HV High Voltage (Generally 33 kV and above, although 1 kV and above is used in

some publications)

IEC International Electrotechnical Commission

IRM Integrity, Reliability and Maintenance

IS Intrinsically Safe

LV Low Voltage (Less than or equal to 1 kV)

MOC Management of Change

MS Management System

MV Medium Voltage (Between 1 kV and 33 kV)

OI Operational Integrity

PAGA Public Address / General Alarm

PMS Power Management System

PPE Personnel Protective Equipment

PTW Permit to Work

TQ Technical Query

UEA Unit Electrical Authority

UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply

Page 6 of 16
 Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

4 TECHNICAL STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

4.1 General

The unit specific Electrical Safety Rules shall cover the following general information, as a minimum.

4.1.1 Purpose
Electrical Safety Rules are an integral part of the overall safety system designed to ensure safe working and as
such the application and operation of the principles contained within the Electrical Safety Rules is
MANDATORY.
The purpose of the Electrical Safety Rules is to ensure that:
 All coastal state regulations for electrical safety shall be followed.
 All work on and with electrical systems is carried out safely and properly, and that the work is planned
in order to comply with applicable design and functional specifications.
 All electrical equipment and tools used in the daily work are used according to their purpose, maintained
and monitored for faults and damage.
 All personal protection equipment is maintained and kept in a good condition, and that the purpose for
its use is clear.
The Electrical Safety Rules are additional to the generally applicable safety requirements of the BW Offshore
Permit to Work (PTW) system.

4.1.2 Authorised Persons

Only competent and certified personnel are allowed to work on electrical equipment.
Authorised Persons are defined by the following categories:
Unit Electrical Authority (UEA): A person appointed by BW Offshore to be the on-site authority regarding
electrical matters and issues pertaining to the unit. The UEA must be an Authorised Electrical Person. The
UEA is responsible for assessing the competence of other AEPs and CEPs.
Authorised Electrical Person (AEP): A person recognised as having sufficient technical knowledge, training and
experience to enable them to avoid danger to themselves and others. They are authorised to isolate and carry
out work on the High Voltage electrical system on the installation. An AEP shall have thorough understanding
of the unit’s Electrical Safety Rules, Permit to Work system and approved procedures.
Competent Electrical Person (CEP): A person adequately trained and possessing sufficient technical
knowledge, understanding and experience to prevent danger to themselves and others. They can isolate and
work on the Low Voltage and Extra Low Voltage systems on the unit. A CEP shall have thorough understanding
of the unit’s Electrical Safety Rules, Permit to Work system and approved procedures. A CEP can also include
non-electrical personnel who have completed any pre-requisite training and been assessed as competent to
perform limited duties (including voltage levels), which will be defined on their Electrical Authorisation Certificate
(MS-FR07106), Ref. /5/.

4.1.3 Unit Electrical Authority

The responsibility for maintenance and functional requirement for the technical installation rests on the IRM
Superintendent. However, the authority with regard to safe work practices, operation and the condition of all
the electrical installations is delegated to a nominated person who is the UEA.
The UEA is usually the Senior Electrician on board. The unit shall have at least two persons nominated as the
UEA, so that there will be at least one UEA on board at all times. The name of the UEA shall be clearly displayed
on the notice board. If there are two UEAs on board, the most senior shall assume the role.

Page 7 of 16
 Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

Operation of Electrical Installations on units belonging to BW Offshore shall at all times be conducted in
accordance with EN 50110-1, Ref. /1/.
The UEA is according to EN 50110-1, Ref. /1/, the nominated person in control of a work activity:
a) “Lead for safety” for HV installation, and
b) “Responsible for work” for LV installations.
The function in b.) “responsible for work” may be delegated to a competent/skilled person known as Competent
Electrical Person (CEP), who could be the onboard Instrument Technician, who operates and maintains systems
and equipment, with system voltage not exceeding 230 V ac/dc. For HV installations, UEA is in addition to
above, the nominated person in control of an electrical installation and “Operational responsible and lead for
switching procedures”.

4.1.4 Competence
The competence of the UEA must be assessed to ensure that he/she has the necessary training, knowledge
and experience to hold the position. The competence assessment shall be done by the BWO Discipline
Manager Electrical or nominated deputy. Upon successful completion of the competence assessment, the UEA
will be issued with an Authorisation Certificate – Unit Electrical Authority (UEA) (MS-FR06107), Ref. /4/, which
is valid for 3 years.
Once the UEA has passed the competence assessment, he/she will be authorised to conduct competence
assessment of Authorised Persons and issue Electrical Authorisation Certificates (MS-FR07106), Ref. /5/ as
required. Records shall be kept up-to-date and be accessible offshore.
A unit specific version of the Competence Assessment Procedure for Unit Electrical Authority (UEA)
(MS-PR06094), Ref. /9/ shall be developed for each unit, taking into consideration the unique features of its
electrical system. Projects shall be responsible for developing this procedure for new and re-deployed units.
Assets shall be responsible for developing and maintaining this procedure for existing units.

4.1.5 Coastal State Regulations

The requirements in this technical standard are intended to complement the coastal state regulations, and not
to supersede them.

4.1.6 Responsibility
Each project / unit shall be responsible for developing its own electrical safety rules. This is applicable to all
projects / units.

4.1.7 Definitions
Additional Earth: An approved earthing device which may be applied in addition to a circuit main earth.
Circuit Main Earth: A permanently installed earthing device, such as an earth switch on a HV switchboard.
This is the initial earth connection that is applied for the purpose of making circuit safe to work on.
Competent Operator: To be considered a competent operator, a Control Room Operator (CRO), needs to be
familiar with the normal operation of the PMS for switching circuit breakers and taking generators on-line or
offline.
Dead: At or about zero voltage and disconnected from any live system.
Electrical Authorisation Certificate: A certificate issued by the UEA to the AEP/CEP, following an assessment
of the AEP/CEP’s competence. The certificate shall specify the voltage levels to which the AEP/CEP is
authorised to work on. Refer to Electrical Authorisation Certificate (MS-FR07106), Ref. /5/.
Electrical Equipment: Electrical equipment includes anything used, intended to be used or installed for use,
to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, measure or use
electrical energy.

Page 8 of 16
 Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

Electrical Isolation: Electrical Isolation is the disconnection and separation of electrical equipment from every
source of electrical energy in such a way that this disconnection and separation is secure.
Electrical System: A system means an electrical system in which all the electrical equipment is, or may be,
electrically connected to a common source of electrical energy, and includes such source and such equipment.
Electrical Work Plan: Used when additional information needs to be recorded, above that which is normally
contained within the Work Permit. Typically, this would include a Scope of Work, Procedures e.g. Switching
Programme or Testing Plan, Marked-Up Drawings (showing isolations and earthing points), Isolation – Electrical
Checklist (MS-FR00333), Ref. /3/ and Limitation of Access Form (MS-FR00255), Ref. /2/. The Electrical Work
Plan is required for all HV and complex LV work.
Endorsement For Test: An Endorsement for Test is to be used when there is a requirement to deisolate all or
part of an isolation boundary covered by an Isolation Certificate in order to conduct an operation/integrity test,
without the need to cancel the referenced permit.
Hazardous Area: An area in which flammable atmospheres may be present, so that special precautions for the
construction, use and maintenance of electrical equipment are required.
Limitation Of Access: Defines the physical limits within which a work activity may be carried out, specifying
any precautions necessary and hazards that may be present within the work area. All members of the work
party shall be made aware of, and acknowledge understanding of the Limitation of Access before starting work.
Refer to Limitation of Access Form (MS-FR00255), Ref. /1/.
Live: Electrically charged.
Non-Hazardous Area: An area in which flammable atmospheres are not expected to be present so that special
precautions for the construction use and maintenance of electrical apparatus may not be required.
Portable and Transportable Equipment: Electrical equipment which is required to be mobile or which is
designed and capable of being moved to a variety of work sites.
Switching: The making or breaking of a circuit, including a neutral earthing circuit, by the operation of a circuit
breaker, switch/isolator or contactor; but excluding any bolted or screwed connection and also excluding the
application or removal of any circuit main earth.
Testing/Fault-Finding: An activity comprising measurement, calibration or diagnostics on any electrical
equipment that is assumed to be live or is required to be made live during the testing / Fault-finding.
Unit: FPSO.
Voltage Levels:
Extra Low Voltage (ELV): This is defined as per IEC normative standards as an electrical system not
normally exceeding 50 V ac or 120 V dc.
Low Voltage (LV): This is defined as per IEC normative standards as an electrical system with a nominal
operating voltage exceeding Extra Low Voltage but below 1000 V ac or 1500 V dc.
High Voltage (HV): This is defined as per IEC normative standards as an electrical system with a nominal
operating voltage exceeding those defined as Low Voltage. For this purpose of this procedure, this also
includes equipment and systems defined as Medium Voltage (MV).
Work: Any activity that requires the installation, repair, removal, replacement, modification, extension or
cleaning of any component part associated with electrical equipment.

4.2 Electrical Safety Rules

The unit specific Electrical Safety Rules shall cover the following rules, as a minimum.

4.2.1 Duty
It is the duty of all persons who operate or work on Company electrical equipment to make themselves
thoroughly conversant with and work in accordance with the Electrical Safety Rules.

Page 9 of 16
 Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

If anything in the Electrical Safety Rules is unclear – ASK.

4.2.2 Electrical Safety

All electrical problems or issues regarding electrical safety should in the first instance be referred to the UEA.
If the problem or issue, still cannot be resolved then all parties should arrange to discuss with the relevant
onshore support.
If amendments to the Electrical Safety Rules are required, a Technical Query (TQ) with the proposed
amendments should be forwarded to the relevant onshore support for review and approval prior to
implementation.

4.2.3 Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE suitable for Electrical Work shall be used at all times.

4.2.4 Training
For the purposes of training CEPs are allowed to operate, isolate and work on electrical equipment only under
the direct supervision of an AEP of an appropriate level of authorisation.

4.2.5 Protection Devices

Adjustment or alteration of protection relay settings is not permitted without approval from the relevant onshore
support, via the Management of Change (MOC) system.

4.2.6 Switchroom and Battery Room Equipment

Each switchroom and battery room shall contain suitably rated electrical safety equipment. As a minimum, this
should include the following:
 Electrical Rubber Gloves
 Safety Rescue Hook
 Insulated Floor Matting
 Notice on Resuscitation (up to date)
 Electricity at Work Regulations notice (as per coastal state regulations)
 Eye wash (as required)
 Arc flash PPE (as required)
This safety equipment should be subject to routine inspection and replaced or retested according to
manufacturer recommendations.
This equipment must be located in an easily accessible and visible location.

4.2.7 Access to Electrical Equipment and Rooms

All electrical equipment shall have free, unobstructed access where required.
There must be an unobstructed escape path from every part of the electrical equipment where potential dangers
exist.
Generally, a one metre clearance is adequate for safety purposes. However, local circumstances may dictate
otherwise and require additional precautions e.g., personnel restricted access when switchboard doors are
opened.
Access to electrical equipment internals containing conductors and terminals which are energised will be
restricted to personnel who are authorised and competent for such access.

Page 10 of 16
 Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

Access to and through Electrical Equipment Rooms, shall be restricted to Authorised Personnel only.
All access doors to Electrical Switchrooms, Generator Rooms, Transformer Rooms, UPS Rooms, Battery
Rooms, etc., should be clearly marked with signs limiting entry to Authorised Personnel only.
Electrical Equipment Rooms should not normally be used for storage.

4.2.8 Portable and Transportable Equipment

All portable and transportable electrical equipment for use on the unit is to be inspected, tagged and recorded
by an Authorised Person prior to use on the unit.
All repaired portable and transportable electrical equipment returned to the unit will be examined and tested by
an Authorised Person prior to connection to the electrical system.
All portable and transportable electrical equipment will be examined prior to issue and any defective equipment
removed from service.
The Authorised person will record all test results.
The Unit Electrical Authority will ensure that regular testing and inspection of portable and transportable
electrical equipment is carried out by Authorised Persons in accordance with the Company Maintenance
Management System.
Repairs will only be carried out by Authorised Persons and will comply with current legislation and manufacturers
guidelines.
Refer to Portable Electrical Appliances Integrity (MS-PR00098), Ref. /6/.

4.2.9 Switching Log

A switching log shall be maintained for all HV and LV switchboards. The switching log shall record all non-
routine operations and intervention (i.e. all actions except normal control from the PMS), such as:
 Trips;
 Maintenance activities;
 Manual switching;
 Isolations.

4.3 Work Activities

The unit specific Electrical Safety Rules shall cover the following work activities, as a minimum.

4.3.1 Switching Operations

Normally switching of main HV and LV circuit breakers shall be done remotely from the Power Management
System (PMS) by a Competent Operator. There shall be a PAGA announcement prior to any switching
operations to warn personnel who may be in the switchroom.
Manual switching of HV and LV electrical equipment must only be carried out by an Authorised Person with the
appropriate level of authorisation.
The Authorised Electrical Person must prepare a Switching Programme before any non-routine switching
operation is carried out on the HV or LV electrical system. All Switching Programmes must be discussed with,
and agreed by, another Authorised Electrical Person and/or the UEA before implementing.
No circuit breaker should be re-closed after a fault trip without first establishing and resolving the cause of
tripping. Re-closing will be under the instruction of the UEA.
Particular care shall be taken when reinstating switchgear following maintenance activities, which were
performed on the switchboard.

Page 11 of 16
 Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

In an emergency, switching to cut off the electrical supply may be carried out by any person. This person need
not be authorised for that voltage level. When emergency switching has been carried out, the UEA must be
informed as soon as it is practicable to do so.

4.3.2 Isolations and Earthing

Electrical Isolation is the disconnection and separation of electrical equipment from every source of electrical
energy in such a way that this disconnection and separation is secure.
Isolation by only utilising an Emergency Stop push-button is not acceptable.
Isolations shall be done as per Isolation - Electrical Procedure (MS-PR00838), Ref. /7/ or unit specific
equivalent.
Earthing is the means of connecting an electrical system to earth (whose electric potential at any point is
conventionally taken as zero) in such a manner as will ensure, at all times, an immediate discharge of electrical
energy without danger.
The system earthing shall be maintained at all time, including when bus-ties are opened.

4.3.3 Work and Testing / Fault-Finding

A valid Work Permit must be in place before work and testing / fault-finding can be carried out on any electrical
equipment, as per Permit to Work (MS-PR00845), Ref. /8/ or unit specific equivalent.
Only Authorised Persons can work or carry out testing / fault-finding on electrical equipment.
The Authorised Person must have an appropriate level of authorisation applicable to the equipment that they
are working or testing / fault-finding on.
Work on live HV equipment is prohibited. Proving dead and phasing out HV equipment shall only be carried
out by an Authorised Electrical Person using approved testing procedures and equipment.
Work on live LV and ELV equipment should be avoided where possible.

4.3.4 Work in Hazardous Areas

Before any person carries out any work, testing (including proving dead) or fault-finding in a hazardous area, all
relevant PTW procedures regarding safe entry and progress of work shall be followed, in addition to any
precautions called for in the Electrical Safety Rules.
All the precautions called for in other Sections of these Rules that apply to switching, work or testing/fault-finding
on HV or LV electrical equipment, shall apply to all the electrical equipment located in hazardous areas.
The Authorised Person in charge of work or testing/fault-finding in hazardous areas shall ensure that:
a) Unless it is part of an intrinsically safe (IS) circuit, before removing any covers of hazardous area electrical
equipment, the incoming connections, including the neutral, are made dead and have been isolated at a unit
outside the hazardous area. Where practical, the point of isolation shall have been secured with a safety
padlock and a caution notice been attached. Test equipment must be approved for use on the particular IS
circuit.
b) No switching, testing/fault-finding, or other operations are to be carried out on hazardous area electrical
equipment, while its covers are removed, and live electrical connections are exposed to the atmosphere.
UNLESS
c) Gas testing in accordance with the Approved procedure is first used to check that no flammable gases, that
could create a hazard, are present at the point of work or testing/fault-finding.
d) The activities are covered by an authorised and endorsed Hot Work Permit and extreme care is taken when
replacing the metal covers on certified electrical equipment so as not to create sparks.

Page 12 of 16
 Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

4.3.5 Low Voltage Working

Only Authorised Persons, shall undertake any work on LV electrical equipment.
No work on LV electrical equipment shall start until it has been properly identified.
No person shall carry out any maintenance, repairs, alterations or cleaning on LV electrical equipment unless it
has been:
a) Switched off from all possible points of supply and made dead.
b) Isolated from all possible points of supply. The isolation shall normally be carried out by opening circuit
breakers or switches or by removing fuses or links. The operating handles of these circuit breakers/switches
shall have been, if practical, locked in the 'open' position using safety padlocks or similar type locking devices.
NOTE: If the electrical equipment at the points of isolation is not provided with suitable means of locking and
the circuit cannot be isolated by the withdrawal of fuses or links, then other suitable precautions shall be taken
by the Authorised Person carrying out the isolation, to avoid danger to persons working on the circuit. In
circumstances where there is no means of complying with the methods of isolation as specified above, the
Authorised Person shall consult with the UEA as to how the circuit may then be safely isolated.
c) Designated by the attachment of caution notices at all points of isolation from all possible points of supply.
d) Screened where necessary to prevent danger and danger notices posted to draw attention to live electrical
equipment adjacent to the point of work. Where practical, shutters or screens over live conductors shall be
secured with safety padlocks.
e) Proved dead with an approved LV testing device suitable for the rated voltage of the circuit. The voltage
testing device shall be checked immediately before and after use to make sure it is working correctly.
f) Released for work to an Authorised Person, when these safety precautions are complete.
AND
g) The Authorised Person is fully aware of the nature of the limits of the work to be done and understands the
precautions he/she and his/her working party shall take to avoid danger from adjacent live electrical equipment.
NOTE: It is the duty of the Authorised Persons, responsible for the work, to ensure that all the precautions called
for in the Electrical Safety Rules are met.

4.3.6 High Voltage Working

Work on live HV electrical equipment shall not be carried out.
Precautions to be taken before working or testing/fault-finding on HV electrical equipment.
No person shall carry out any work or testing/fault-finding on HV electrical equipment until all such parts of the
electrical equipment are:
a) Switched off from all possible points of supply and made dead.
b) Isolated from all possible points of supply including voltage transformers, auxiliary transformers and common
neutral earthing equipment.
c) Safeguarded by safety padlocks being applied at all isolated points of supply from the HV electrical system
and where practical from the LV electrical system.
d) Designated by caution notices being attached at all points of isolation and locked in position where practical.
e) Screened where necessary to prevent danger and danger notices posted to identify adjacent live electrical
equipment, as per the Limitation of Access.
f) Safeguarded by shutters of switchgear spouts containing live conductors being locked with safety padlocks
and danger notices attached when circuit breakers are removed from the switchboard. In situations where it is
not necessary to remove the circuit breaker, it is permissible to rack-out the circuit breaker and lock the cubicle
door with safety padlocks and attach danger notices.

Page 13 of 16
 Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

g) Connected to earth by circuit main earth and additional earth(s), as required. The earth(s) shall have been
applied:
 At all points of isolation from HV supplies, or
 Between all points of isolation from HV supplies and the point of work or testing/fault-finding, or
 At one position close to the point of work or testing/fault-finding, when all points of isolation from HV
supplies are isolated and interlocked with the applied circuit main earth.
h) Released for work by the issue of a Permit to Work to a UEA/AEP who shall be accompanied by another
AEP during the progress of the work.
OR
Released for testing by the issue of an Endorsement for Test to a UEA/AEP who shall be accompanied by
another AEP during the progress of the testing/fault-finding.
AND UNLESS
i) The person receiving the Permit to Work or Endorsement for Test is fully aware of the nature and limits of the
work or testing/fault-finding to be done and understands the precautions he/she and his/her working party shall
take to avoid danger.
NOTE: It is the duty of the UEA to ensure that all the precautions in the Electrical Safety Rules are met.

4.3.7 Work on Equipment with Stored Energy

Before work or testing/fault-finding on any equipment containing stored energy (e.g. battery system, capacitors
etc.) is carried out, the UEA shall ensure that a review of the work site and the intended operations is carried
out and the following precautions have been taken.
a) The battery charger shall have been switched off, isolated and have a caution notice attached.
b) Where practical, the battery shall have been isolated and have a caution notice attached.
c) Capacitors have been discharged and proven to be dead.
In addition, the Authorised Person and his/her working party shall, when carrying out the work:
a) Wear suitable protective clothing, e.g. gloves, full overalls and eye protection.
b) Only approved insulated tools are to be used for work on battery systems.
c) Remove any personal jewellery, e.g. watches, rings etc. In addition, remove metal objects from overall
pockets that could fall across exposed battery terminals.
d) Ensure that batteries are not to be connected in parallel by the use of temporary 'jump leads'.
e) Notify the UEA immediately if any accident occurs.
f) The Authorised Person who is performing the work must be at all times be accompanied by another Authorised
Person who has been fully briefed on the work and is aware of his/her responsibilities under the Electrical Safety
Rules.

Page 14 of 16
 Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

5 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Supplementary information is not applicable to this Technical Standard.

Page 15 of 16
Technical Standard - Electrical Safety Rules
Doc. no: MS-ST09432 Rev: 0 Published: 25.09.2020

REVISION SUMMARY
Rev. Date Document Owner to summarise key changes in the document

0 25-Sep-2020 Issued for use

Page 16 of 16