Electrical Safety Guide

Electrical Safety Guide
Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework Guidance

Personal Safety Manual Restricted
Version 2, August 2016
Contents
PURPOSE OF THE GUIDE 1
PURPOSE OF THE MANUAL SECTION 1
WHO IS THIS FOR? 1
WHAT SITUATIONS ARE COVERED? 2
GUIDANCE ON MANUAL SECTION REQUIREMENTS 2
Appendices 24
Purpose of the guide

The Guides contain a preferred approach for meeting the requirements of the HSSE & SP
Control Framework manuals in the most effective and efficient way.
They are intended to serve as a basis for local procedures, competence requirements, learning
material and contract requirements and to support those accountable and responsible for
implementation.
This guide is not mandatory, but provides recommendations based on proven practices with
learning from across the Lines of Businesses. The guide is therefore regarded as an effective
and efficient means to fulfil the requirements of the HSSE & SP Control Framework.
Purpose of the manual section

To manage the safety Risks associated with Electrical Safety.
Who is this for?

 Managers.
This guide will also be of use for people who own or develop documents on behalf of managers
such as local procedures, competence requirements and learning material or contract
requirements for Electrical Safety.
Text in grey boxes is quoted from the manual section.

Terms in green are included in the HSSE & SP Control Framework Glossary.
Terms in blue reference manuals and manual sections in the HSSE & SP Control Framework and associated materials.
Electrical Safety Restricted
Version 2
What situations are covered?

This manual section applies to the following work on electrical equipment:
 operation;
 construction, Inspection and maintenance;
 Isolation, Earthing and testing; and
 switching in electrical power generation and distribution systems.
Guidance on manual section requirements

Requirement Page
1. Use a Subject Matter Expert for electrical safety to develop and maintain Electrical Safety … 2
1.1. Define which people can work on electrical equipment. 4
1.2. Set responsibilities and requirements for operation, maintenance, identification… 5
1.3. Identify the Internationally Recognised Standards, legislation, or requirements to use… 6
1.4. Set requirements for electrical work at construction sites. 6
1.5. Require use of Personal Protective Equipment to prevent contact with exposed… 7
1.6. Specify when to require permit to work. 10
2. Use only Authorised Persons to work on electrical equipment and to carry out the assigned… 11
3. Manage work on or near electrical equipment and provide safe Isolation. 12
3.1. Provide a permit prior to work that could expose people to harmful electrical energy… 12
3.2. De-energise and isolate equipment as required in the Safe Isolation – Lock Out Tag Out… 12
3.2.1. Use physical barriers, protective equipment, special tools or other Controls to… 12
3.3. Obtain signed authorisation from a person designated by the Electrical Safety Rules for… 16
3.4. Manage work and equipment near underground and overhead electrical Hazards to… 16
4. Manage electrical work in design and construction. 18
4.1. Provide a system to review and approve the design, installation and bringing into… 19
4.2. Approve whether newly constructed electrical equipment may be connected to… 20
4.3. Verify that electrical drawings are provided and maintained. 20
5. Manage ignition sources caused by electrical equipment or static electricity in Classified Areas. 21
5.1. Manage the selection, installation and inspection/maintenance of electrical equipment… 21
5.2. Use equipment and work practices that manage static electricity. 21
1. Use a Subject Matter Expert for electrical safety to develop and maintain Electrical Safety
Rules for each site or business unit. The Electrical Safety Rules of the site or business unit
must be in line with Internationally Recognised Standards and local legislation.
WHO: The Manager is Accountable.
The main objective of the Electrical Safety Rules (ESRs) is to ensure that all work and
testing/fault finding on electrical equipment is carried out safely.
ESRs should be developed and maintained by an SME for Electrical Safety. They should be
published within the HSSE management system by the Manager as nominated Owner.
It is recommended that ESRs be:
 communicated and kept readily accessible to everyone who could be involved in sponsoring,
supervising or performing electrical work; and
 used to determine the risk barriers during job planning and Permit to Work (PTW)
preparation, as described in the guidance for requirement 3.
2/29
Version 2
The SME appointed to develop and maintain the Business Unit’s (BU’s), company’s, or site’s
ESRs should be the designated Senior Electrical Authority (SEA) or, in the absence of a SEA, a
Senior Authorised Electrical Specialist (SAES).
The SME is the overall senior authority for all matters of electrical safety. His/her
responsibilities include:
 developing the asset or site’s electrical safety rules;
 overseeing:
o assessment of electrical competence;
o training and experience of persons operating and working on electrical equipment;
o preparation, approval and issue of Electrical Safety Operational Procedures (ESOP) to be
implemented in BUs.
The ESRs should comply with applicable local legislation and regulations. Due to variation in
regulations, the SME will need to research and/or consult with local authorities regarding
mandatory legislation in a particular jurisdiction. If national and/or local regulations have more
stringent requirements than the ESRs of the Business, the SME should determine how to best
comply with regulation while meeting the intent of BU requirements.
Having an electrical safety programme encompassing ESRs, procedures, qualifications, and
training applies to all types of facilities (i.e., refinery, chemical plant, terminal, gasoline service
station, etc.). The details of the programmes, however, will vary depending on the size,
operations and level of complexity of the different facilities.
The scope of the ESRs should include:
 General requirements for electrical safety.
 Accountabilities and responsibilities for electrical power systems.
 Competency requirements.
 Authorisation of personnel.
 Switching, isolating and earthing procedures.
 Measuring and testing.
 Personal protective equipment.
 Electrical safety documents.
 Precautions before working on or testing on High Voltage (HV) and Low Voltage (LV)
electrical equipment.
 Precautions for special equipment.
 Electrical work at construction sites.
 Portable electrical equipment.
 Precautions before excavating.
 Assurance and auditing of the ESRs.
Additional detailed guidance on the development of BU, company, or site ESRs and supporting
electrical safety procedures, is in Shell DEP 80.64.10.10 – Electrical Safety Rules.
Examples of ESRs developed within Upstream can be viewed on the following links:
 HSE0161 UAU and UAH Electrical Safety Standard (developed in accordance with Canadian
and US legislation and associated guidance)
 Shell UIO Engineering Reference Document, COP Electrical Safety Rules – EA/082.
(developed in accordance with UK Statutory Legislation and associated guidance)

3/29
Version 2
1.1 Define which people can work on electrical equipment.

No one should be allowed to work on or test any part of the electrical power system unless
they have been evaluated to meet the requirements of the competency programme and are
authorised to perform the task.
The BU or site should have defined roles for individuals working on electrical equipment. The
roles should specify what tasks an individual is authorised to perform and the associated
responsibilities. In addition, the BU or site should have a documented system for appointing
individuals into those defined roles. See the guidance for requirement 2 and Appendix 1 for
more details regarding roles and responsibilities, competency, and Appointed Persons.
1.2 Set responsibilities and requirements for operation, maintenance, identification (labelling)
and Inspection of electrical equipment.
The ESRs should detail responsibilities for:

 operation,
 maintenance,
 identification (labelling), and
 inspection of electrical equipment, including portable electrical equipment.
This should be supported by Electrical Safety Procedures (ESPs), where appropriate.
ESPs give instruction, information and guidance including the details of the approved methods,
devices and equipment called for in the ESRs.
Electrical Safety Procedures, ES/260 has a good example of electrical safety procedures
covering responsibilities and requirements, applicable across UIO.
Electrical Power Systems
The BU or site management should clearly define the responsibilities for operating and
maintaining electrical power systems. Both the operating department and the electrical
department personnel should be aware of the scope and limits of their operational
responsibilities for example:
 The operating department are normally responsible for starting and stopping motors,
synchronising generators, etc.
 Senior Authorised Electrical Persons (SAEP) normally control switching operations in
electrical power systems.
 Electrical personnel are normally responsible for electrical equipment isolation, earthing and
testing.
Labelling and Inspection of Electrical Equipment
All electrical equipment, conduit and cabling, should be marked with descriptive markings,
including: equipment or circuit numbers; and ratings such as voltage, current, wattage, etc.

4/29
Version 2
Figure 1- Examples of electrical equipment marking

There should also be safety signs and tags, barricades, and attendants as necessary to alert
employees to the potential hazards including injury due to electric shock, burns and failure of
electric equipment parts.
Figure 2 - Examples of electrical equipment warning labels

It is recommended to label Electrical equipment, most notably portable equipment, with a
unique reference number, or barcode, to assist in periodic inspection and maintenance records.
A formal inspection and testing programme should verify the safety

of portable and mobile electric tools and equipment and temporary
electrical installations.
The programme may include an equipment registration procedure,
but should as a minimum verify that equipment is clearly tagged to
show that it has been tested, and the date when the next test is due.
Figure 3 – Example of electrical equipment barcode labelling

Before each use, users are responsible for inspecting and verifying that the equipment is:
 in good condition,
 within test date and
 approved for the use in the environment in which it is to be used.
Further guidance on how electrical history/test record filing system should be implemented can
be found in RMP 63.10.08.50-Gen Maintenance of Electrical Installations and Equipment,
section 4, Documentation and Systems.
Warning Labels for Arc Flash Hazards
Electrical equipment that is likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, operation, or
maintenance while energised should be field marked to warn qualified persons of potential
electric arc flash hazards. Examples include:
 switchboards,
 panel boards,
 industrial control panels,
 meter socket enclosures, and
 motor control centres that are in other than dwelling occupancies.
The labels should carry enough information to show the:
 danger zone for electrical safety conditions,
 energy the worker may be exposed to or
 required level of arc flash/shock Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Labels should be in the local language(s) and placed such that they are
highly visible from any point of the electrical switchboard.

5/29
Version 2
Examples of Arc Flash Warning Labels

(Local requirements may differ, however general label content should be similar)
Figure 4 General and Detailed Warning Labels
Figure 5 Warning Label with arc reduction device
1.3 Identify the Internationally Recognised Standards, legislation, or requirements to use for
equipment design and for control of electrical craftwork.
A comprehensive list of International Electrical Standards and Country Regulations related to

electrical safety is provided for reference in the guidance section of the Electrical Safety
SharePoint site, titled ‘Electrical Safety: Country Regulations, Standards & References’. For
safety aspects of equipment design, Shell design standards such as the DEP’s provide company
requirements and guidance. If national and/or local regulations have more stringent
requirements than the ESRs of the Business, the SME should determine how to best comply
with regulation while meeting the intent of BU requirements.
1.4 Set requirements for electrical work at construction sites.

Electrical safety at construction sites may be governed by the BU ESRs or those developed by
the project (e.g. such as ‘Greenfield’ sites).
If ESRs are developed for ‘Greenfield’ projects then they should address all the topics given in
the Control Framework requirement 1.
Any interface with the existing electrical power system, and the related operational
responsibilities, should be clearly defined before any commissioning takes place.

6/29
Version 2
Switching operations, to isolate or earth electrical equipment, or interfaces with temporary

electrical power distribution systems should be carried out or coordinated by the SAEP or
designee of the area concerned.
Authorised contractor personnel are also permitted to carry out switching on temporary
distribution electrical power systems if competency has been evaluated.
As soon as the first connection is made between the new electrical equipment and the BU HV
electrical power system (or even LV if a transformer is connected to a LV switchboard), the
new electrical equipment is no longer part of a construction site or enclosure. It becomes part
of an operational substation and should come within the scope of the BU's ESRs.
Persons involved in the site construction or entering the substation should be informed through
activities such as safety meetings, notifications, signs, etc., as applicable, that newly
constructed electrical equipment is now energised or partially energised.
Commissioning Procedures
A Notice of Commissioning (or equivalent) should be issued to the parties involved in the site
construction of the substation and the overhead lines and cables terminating in it. These
parties may include contractors, manufacturers, consultants and other BU departments.
The Notice of Commissioning should be issued by the BU project engineer, or project focal
point, responsible for the construction point. It should be issued before any electrical
connection is made between newly constructed electrical equipment and the BU HV electrical
power system. It is recommended that the SEA, SAEP or designate prepare a written switching
procedure and coordinate the commissioning of the new substation.
A suggested example of a ‘Notice of Commissioning form’ can be found in DEP 80.64.10.10 ,
Electrical Safety Rules Appendix 1, and Annex 1.8.
1.5 Require use of Personal Protective Equipment to prevent contact with exposed, energised
equipment and to protect people from arc flash.
The term ‘protective equipment’ has wide application, but typically includes: special (insulated)
tools, protective clothing, and insulating materials needed to work safely on energised (or
potentially energised) electrical equipment.
Managers, supervisors and workers are responsible for providing the protective equipment
identified in the task-specific risk assessment and verifying that it is:
 suitable for the use for which it is provided;
 maintained in a condition suitable for that use, which may include periodic testing; and
 used properly.
In terms of Hierarch of controls, proper de-energisation and isolation should always be
considered more effective when working on or near electrical equipment. PPE is the last line of
defence, and is for personnel protection not control of the inherent hazard. Appendix 2 reviews
control measures in order of effectiveness.
Tools/Meters as PPE
Employees should use insulated tools and/or handling equipment when working inside the
restricted approach boundary of exposed energised parts, where tools or handling equipment
might make accidental contact. Voltage rated PPE and tools should be rated at or higher than
the maximum anticipated voltage of the equipment.

7/29
Version 2
Insulated Tools
Below is an example of typical ratings and certifications for hand-held insulated tools.
 ASTM F1505
 OSHA 1910.333(c)(2)
 Tested to 10,000V
 Max Use 1000V
 Two-colour coating if coated tool for
two dip process
 Shows symbol for use in live voltage
situation
Figure 6, Example of labelling on insulated tools
Insulating Gloves
Rubber insulating gloves are among the

most important personal protective
equipment for electrical workers. They are
the first line of defence for contact with any
energised components or lines.
Inspection of rubber Insulating Gloves
Reject Gloves and Sleeves, if they have:

 Cuts
 Punctures
Figure 7, inspection of rubber insulated gloves
Leather Protectors
Leather protectors should be worn when
using voltage rated gloves (some
jurisdictions require the use of leather
protectors). Although they do not carry an
Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV), they
offer good arc flash protection. In addition,
they offer mechanical protection to minimise
the damage that may compromise the
gloves’ insulating properties.

8/29
Version 2
Protection from Arc Flash

People exposed to electric arc flash are subject to hazards such as thermal, pressure,
shrapnel, and sound.
The electric arc flash can be generated by causes such as:
 Faulty installation
 Mechanical breakdown/failure
 Electrical Insulation breakdown/failure
 Loose connections
 Accidental contact
 Corrosion
 Moisture ingress
 Foreign objects entering or left inside equipment
An arc flash risk assessment should determine the arc flash boundary, the incident energy at
the working distance, and the PPE that people within the arc flash boundary should use. Note
that flash fire ratings for Fire Resistant Clothing (FRC) are not the same as Arc Thermal
Protection Value (ATPV). ATPV is a different set of testing criteria which deals with the high
heat, short duration thermal exposure. FRC is focused on moderate heat over a longer
exposure, such as a hydrocarbon pool fire.
PPE to minimise arc flash injuries
Figure 8 – Example of PPE using face shield and coveralls (Up to 8 cal/cm2 or 33 J/cm2)
NOTE: Some legislation requires use of arc rated balaclava sock hood when using a face shield.
Figure 9 – Example of use of PPE Flash Suit (15-111 cal/cm2 or 63-466 J/cm2)
See the PPE Guide for additional details on electrical safety PPE.

9/29
Version 2
1.6 Specify when to require permit to work.

NOTE: The PTW above refers to the Electrical Permit to Work (EPTW), not the safe work
permit. The EPTW acronym is also not to be confused with ePTW (electronic Permit to Work).
Electrical hazards to workers include electric shock, electrical burns, and electrical arc flash.
The provision of a safe system of work is fundamental to the effective control of risks.
It is a common industry requirement for additional electrical safety documents to be used in
conjunction with the site’s general PTW system. This system should include an electrical safety
permit, such as EPTW. Any electrical safety documents required by the ESRs, such as the
EPTW, are always additional to those required by the business or site’s PTW System. These
are typically used as supplementary controls, and would be cross-referenced to a normal Work
Permit, which remains the main controlling document. These supplementary controls are used
to identify and control discrete electrical hazards and include:
1. EPTW
2. Limitation of Access (LOA)
3. Sanction for Test (SFT)
Electrical Permit to Work
The EPTW is a supplemental document to the BU or site’s PTW System. The EPTW should
address the electrical hazards associated with working on or near electrical equipment and
additional approvals if required by the site or BU ESRs. The PTW and EPTW are integral parts
of safety management arrangements covering a wide range of activities and hazards. The
EPTW normally applies to the following types of work:
 Work on any HV electrical equipment connected to the HV electrical power system.
 Work on a LV switchboard’s bus bars or its incoming connections, which are directly fed
from a HV/LV transformer and where it may be considered necessary to apply a circuit main
earth. Generally this refers to non-routine energised electrical work and complex LV
systems which may have backfeed potential.
The EPTW is normally signed by a SAEP and given personally to the Competent Electrical
Person (CEP) in charge of the work to be carried out. The EPTW states the electrical equipment
that has been isolated and the circuit main earths that have been applied.
The EPTW should be issued at the place where the work is being performed. The designated
competent person in charge of the work can then explain the work and agree the accuracy and
completeness of the details with the person doing the work before they both sign the permit.
The person issuing the permit should verify all necessary controls have been implemented to
make the electrical equipment safe.
Limiting Access
It is good practice to limit access to electrical equipment (e.g. barriers, signs, or a LOA form).
A LOA can be used when work is carried out in close proximity to exposed energised electrical
equipment.
An example is ground level work in a HV substation with exposed live overhead conductors
from which safe working clearance distances are needed. If an LOA is used:
 An Authorised Electrical Person should issue the LOA to the CEP in charge of the work to be
carried out.
 The LOA will provide the means to identify the work to be done and the safety precautions
to be taken when working near exposed energised conductors.
 The LOA should remain at the worksite at all times while work is being carried out.

10/29
Version 2
Sanction for Test

A SFT form is typically used before testing is done on HV electrical equipment capable of being
made live from the electrical power system. The SFT should confirm that the equipment has
been isolated, earthed and ready to test.
Good practice for a SFT:
 the SAEP will jointly verify, with the recipient of the SFT in the field, that all the conditions
of the SFT have been addressed;
 the recipient then signs the receipt section of the SFT;
 the recipient of the SFT is responsible for coordinating all testing on isolated electrical
equipment. To carry out the testing they may remove and replace the circuit main earths,
as necessary, subject to the provisions of the SFT.
If an EPTW has been issued, a SFT should not be issued on the same electrical equipment until
that EPTW has been cleared or cancelled.
The SFT should remain at the work site at all times while testing is carried out. NOTE: Any
electrical safety documents required by the ESRs are always additional to those required by
the BU PTW System.
Further guidance on the use of Electrical Safety Documents can be found in Shell UK EA/082
Electrical Safety Rules, Section 8. Examples of forms for EPTW, SFT and LOA are provided in
Shell UK EA/082 Electrical Safety Rules Appendices B, C &D.
2. Use only Authorised Persons to work on electrical equipment and to carry out the assigned
work in line with the Electrical Safety Rules.
Electrical hazards are unseen and severe. Specialised training and authorisation is required for
people working on or near electrical equipment, to identify the hazards and employ safe work
practices to protect themselves.
No one is allowed to carry out operations, work or testing on any part of the electrical power
system unless they meet the competence requirements and are authorised to perform the task.
An Authorised Person (AP) is a person trained and normally appointed by SEA and/or SAES
to carry out authorised duties. This appointment should be in writing. Contractors performing
electrical work should have a documented electrical competency programme, reviewed and
approved by the SEA and/or SAES.
An example of APs related to electrical equipment and systems from the Shell UK ESRs is
provided in Appendix 3 along with typical roles and responsibilities (see also the guidance for
requirement 1 and DEP 80.64.10.10 Electrical Safety Rules). The title of roles may vary from
the DEP 80.64.10.10 Electrical Safety Rules or other BUs based on local terminology and the
size of the electrical installation. Sub-roles or specialty roles with narrower scope may also be
appropriate, while meeting the control framework.
Competence
Before a person is appointed as an AP, we must assure that they are competent to fulfill their
range of responsibilities. For general guidance on competence refer to the HSSE & SP Control
Framework Competence Manual Section and Competence Guide and Appendix 1.
Appointment of Authorised Persons
The SEA or SAEP would normally be responsible for appointing APs (Shell or contractor),
following satisfactory assessment and assessor recommendation. For guidance on the
appointment process and documentation, please refer to Appendix 1.

11/29
Version 2
3. Manage work on or near electrical equipment and provide safe Isolation.

The ESRs and supporting electrical safety procedures are required to cover the control
framework requirements for control of work on or near electrical equipment and provision of
safe isolation. These should be approved by an SME for Electrical Safety, normally the SEA.
The requirements should be communicated to everyone who could be involved in sponsoring,
supervising or performing electrical work, as required by the ESRs.
Recommendations for how each of these requirements should be implemented are given below.
3.1 Provide a permit prior to work that could expose people to harmful electrical energy as
specified by the Electrical Safety Rules, see requirement 1.6 above, and following the
requirements in the Permit to Work Manual Section.
NOTE: “Permit” may also refer to an EPTW, an Electrical certificate, or an Energised Electrical
Work Permit (EEWP) depending on the PTW system in place and local terminology. For
consistency purposes we use the term EPTW in this document.
Recommendations on when to require an EPTW in support of the ESRs is in Section 1.6.
Under the ESRs, work which could expose people to harmful electrical energy requires an
EPTW be issued and signed by an SAEP, and given personally to the CEP in charge of the work.
Further details on these documents are provided in Section 1.6, and ESR DEP 80.64.10.10,
Electrical Safety Rules.
3.2 De-energise and isolate equipment as required in the Safe Isolation – Lock Out Tag Out
Manual Section and verify that there is no voltage and when required use Earthing.
3.2.1 Use physical barriers, protective equipment, special tools or other Controls to prevent
harm to people when it is not possible to de-energise equipment.
Before carrying out any maintenance, repairs, alterations, cleaning or testing on electrical
equipment, the equipment should be isolated (de-energised) from its power source.
Isolation is disconnecting from energised conductors by either by an open isolator (switch) or
adequate physical gap from all sources of supply, so as to prevent electrical equipment from
becoming energised in error.
Provided that safe methods are used and that approved equipment, tools and instruments
required for testing are properly insulated for the rated voltage of the circuit, electrical
isolation of LV electrical equipment may not be required for diagnostic testing or adjustments.
All electrical equipment is regarded as being energised until properly isolated and proved to be
de-energised. The operation of switching out a circuit and de-energising it from all sources of
supply does not by itself provide proper isolation of that circuit.
The methods of de-energising and isolating electrical equipment should be described under the
ESRs and detailed in supporting electrical procedures, for specific types of equipment.
Electrical isolation and de-isolation should normally be under the control of the PTW System,
enabling effective overview and control along with other energy isolations (see also the guidance
for requirement 1.6).

12/29
Version 2
Securing Isolations
Safety padlocks used for isolating purposes should be of a non-standard or unique type with
only one key for each lock, i.e. with no master key supplied or available. Each lock should be
marked with a clearly readable individual number or name. It is considered good practice to
differentiate between LV and HV padlocks. Craft locks, where multiple people hold a common
key, are not to be used for personal isolations.
All points of isolation from which electrical equipment can be made energised should also be
tagged with Caution notices in accordance with the site’s LOTO procedures. They warn persons
that:
 work or testing/fault finding is in progress; and
 no attempt should be made to interfere with the electrical equipment, or the controls, to
which it is attached.
The label should contain essential details of the isolation and the Isolating Authority.
Figure 10 provides an example of an isolation tag incorporating a tear-off stub, which can
accompany the isolation certificate and/or PTW to provide control over electrical isolations. Tag
requirements may differ based on local regulations.
Figure 10 – Example of Isolation Tag Electrical Caution Notice with tear-off stub
Maintaining Control of Keys
Lock out Boxes
An effective method for controlling multiple lock-out points or complex lock
out procedures is the use of lock-out boxes. Lock-out boxes are usually
located in main sub-stations, or other suitable ‘operational’ locations.
Lock-out boxes should be used in accordance with the ESR for the secure
retention of all the keys to the safety padlocks used to secure means of
isolation, earthing or other safety devices. Ideally, the lock-out boxes should
be provided with the facility for two (or more) unique locks with keys to be
used to secure the Lock-out Box.
The ESRs or site’s LOTO procedures should describe the procedures for using
a lock box.
If Lock Out Boxes are not available
If lock-out boxes are not readily available, and Safety Documents are to be
issued, for example for work on HV systems and main LV systems the SAEP
should apply two safety padlocks to each point of isolation and earthing.
Specially designed multi-hasp padlocking devices that have provision for
several locks to be fitted to prevent them opening can be used for this
purpose.
One of the two safety padlocks can be issued to, and retained by, the recipient of the Electrical
Safety document (under PTW control). The other being retained by the SAEP until the Electrical
Safety Document is cleared and cancelled. Where electrical isolations are only for mechanical
work, a 2nd padlock would not normally be required for control by the SAEP, although multi-
hasp arrangements may still be required.

13/29
Version 2
Verification of Voltage
Before work is performed on isolated electrical equipment, properly rated test equipment
should be used to verify that the circuit elements and equipment parts are de-energised. The
test should also determine whether any energised condition exists as a result of inadvertently
induced voltage or unrelated voltage back feed. This should be done even if specific parts of
the circuit have been de-energised. The approved test equipment should be checked
immediately before and after use, on a known source, to make sure it is working correctly.
If mechanical work is to be carried out on plant equipment driven by electrical equipment, e.g.
motors, the circuit incorporating the electrical equipment concerned should be isolated in
accordance with the requirements of the ESR.
Earthing (or grounding) is required when electrical work is to be carried out on electrical
equipment and systems.
High Voltage: Before work or testing is carried out on HV electrical equipment that is part of
the electrical power system, the equipment concerned should be:
 de-energised,
 isolated,
 absence of voltage verified and earthed (grounded); and
 an Electrical Safety Document issued to allow work, or any testing/fault finding.
HV equipment should be earthed using a circuit main earth. This circuit main earth can be
applied either through switchgear with adequately rated earthing capacity, or by using
approved portable earthing leads (sometimes known as temporary protective grounds).
Whenever practicable, the HV electrical equipment should be earthed by the SAEP in the
presence of the intended recipient of the EPTW or SFT.
Low Voltage: If work is to take place on a LV switchboard’s isolated bus bars or its incoming
connections, which are directly fed from a HV/LV transformer, a circuit main earth should be
applied on the HV side of the transformer circuit. If necessary for operational safety reasons,
the earth may be applied on the LV switchboard’s bus bars.
The isolated conductors of a low voltage switchboard's bus bars should be effectively proved
de-energised before an Electrical Safety Document can be issued to allow work, or any
testing/fault finding to take place.
LV electrical equipment isolation and earthing should be performed by a CEP, or more senior
electrical person.
Earth notices are intended to indicate where equipment earthing (grounding) is applied. They
warn people not to interfere with the circuit main earth. Sites should implement procedures
that account for the application and removal of earthing (grounding) connections to minimise
the likelihood of these remaining in place during re-energisation. The use of magnetic signs on
the front and/or rear of electrical equipment indicating portable earthing leads (temporary
protective grounds) are installed is recommended.
Figure 11 – Examples of Earth Notices (Grounding tags)

14/29
Version 2
Barriers to prevent harm to personnel when it is not possible to de-energise equipment

Barriers that aid in preventing harm to personnel working on or in the vicinity of energised
electrical equipment include (but not limited to):
 Permitting, work authorisation, hazard identification and job planning;  Guarding,
 Proper tools and equipment;  Alerting, signage;
 Personal protective equipment; and  Proper work practices.
The ESRs and PTW System should address the hazards associated with working on or near
energised electrical equipment. EPTWs are issued for energised work – typically on “higher
risk” systems such as MV and LV incomer circuits, where the SAEP is overseeing and verifying
proper isolation, de-energisation, voltage verification and earthing/grounding when applicable.
In the Americas, the use of an Electrical Energised Work Permit requires both electrical and
management approval when energised work is performed.
Persons working on or near energised electrical equipment should conduct appropriate pre-job
planning discussions in order to identify the hazards involved and special precautions to be
taken to protect the workers from the hazards. The PTW system should also include provisions
for limiting access to energised electrical equipment using the Limitation of Access (LOA)
form (see the guidance for requirement 1.6).
Tools and Equipment: Unless they have been verified as being safe for use at a particular
voltage, tools and equipment should be considered conductive. In general, tools such as
wrenches and screwdrivers should not be used on equipment energised at over 1000 V.
For work on equipment energised at less than 1000 V, any tools that touch or may possibly
touch the energised equipment should have handles insulated from the working parts of the
tool and rated for the application. Hand taping of tools to provide insulation does not meet this
requirement.
Tools should be inspected before use and retested (e.g. according to ASTM F1505) or replaced
if any damage beyond permitted manufacturer’s instructions is observed.
To prevent accidental contact, Guarding should be used, as necessary, when performing
electrical work in close proximity to exposed energised electrical equipment. Examples of
guarding include the use of covers, shields, barriers, screens or mats to minimise the
possibility of inadvertent contact by persons or objects to exposed energised parts.
If barriers or ropes are necessary to define the safe area of work, verify that these are clearly
visible and are not tied or supported by any structure carrying live electrical equipment or
conductors. The safe area should be clearly identified and danger notices attached to adjoining
live electrical equipment outside the safe working area.
Danger notices are intended to warn persons that it is dangerous to approach or interfere
with live conductors. These notices are used to indicate to persons, working or testing, that
adjacent electrical equipment is live.
Figure 12 – Example of a Danger Notice

Electrical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE appropriate for the task should be worn by persons working on or near energised electrical
equipment to protect them from shock and/or arc flash hazards (see the guidance for
requirement 1.5).
When work is carried out on electrical equipment constructed with arc containment technology,
arc flash PPE is not required if the work being done is in accordance with the equipment design.

15/29
Version 2
Each business should provide details of approved PPE for specific types of electrical work.
Examples of good practice on Electrical PPE can be seen by clicking on links to the following
documents in Upstream Americas (UAU and UAH) Electrical Safety Standard HSE0161:
 HSE0161-TO.11 Electrical Specific PPE, Tools, and Equipment
 HSE0161-TO.12 Electrical Specific PPE, Tools, and Equipment and Standards Tables
 HSE0161-TO.13 Electrical Specific PPE, Tools, and Equipment Recommended Care, Use, and
Maintenance Tables
General guidance on how to comply with HSSE & SP CF requirements for PPE is in the Control
Framework PPE Guide. However this is more focused on general PPE than electrical specific
PPE for shock and arc flash.
3.3 Obtain signed authorisation from a person designated by the Electrical Safety Rules for
switching, testing and work on electrical equipment.
HV switching should be carried out or coordinated by a SAEP or an AEP. Under all

circumstances, including failure of electrical supply, all electrical equipment should be regarded
as being energised until properly isolated and proved to be de-energised.
HV switching should normally be carried out only after a written switching programme has
been agreed. These should be prepared by either an SAEP or an AEP and then approved by an
SAEP or the SEA).
HV circuit breakers may be opened and closed by remote control, unaccompanied, by:
 a SAEP,
 an AEP, or
 an Appointed Person (whose Certificate of Authorisation allows him/her to carry out selected
items of HV switching from a Control Room or by remote control from some other location).
Selected items of HV switching may be carried out by an AP if it is specified on his certificate of
authorisation (This could include the opening and closing of HV motor circuits by an AP in the
operating department).
HV switching, whether planned or in an emergency, should be recorded in writing (substation
logbook) by the SAEP, AEP or AP responsible for the operation.
LV switching: A CEP may carry out the actual LV switching operations, but only under the
guidance and in the presence of the SAEP or AEP who is coordinating the switching. This
includes isolation and de-isolation of electrical equipment where there is a possibility of back
feeds, which should be carried out or coordinated by an SAEP or AEP.
All other switching of LV electrical equipment, without the possibility of back feeds, can
normally be carried out unaccompanied by a CEP or an AP who is authorised to carry out
specified items of LV switching.
If the LV switching takes place in a substation then the operations should be recorded in the
substation logbook.
3.4 Manage work and equipment near underground and overhead electrical Hazards to prevent
contact with energised lines or equipment.
Certain types of equipment may have electrical hazards that need extra precautions:
 overhead lines with exposed conductors  underground feeders

16/29
Version 2
 electrical protection systems  live-line washing

 portable equipment  rotating equipment
Safety requirements specifically for working on or near overhead electric lines should be in the
ESRs and applicable electrical safety procedures.
Hierarchy of Control for work planned at or near overhead power lines
Where work is planned at or near exposed overhead power lines, the following hierarchy of
control should be applied:
1. Verify work is required near exposed overhead lines (can it be avoided altogether?); or
2. Maintain sufficient safe clearance from the exposed overhead lines as given in the ESRs; or
3. Isolate, de-energise and apply earthing (grounding) to the line; or
4. Work around the live overhead lines using:
 approved precautionary measures such as signage and barriers; and
 guarding such as rubber insulting mats and line sleeves, as shown in the guidance for
requirements 1.5 and 3.2.
In some cases, it may be necessary to use combinations of these measures, particularly where
overhead lines pass over permanent work areas. It is also recommended to explore the option of
moving a short section of overhead line underground at road crossings or frequent work areas.
Further guidance is available in SGSI report – Avoidance of Danger from Overhead Electric
Power Lines
Work on Overhead lines and Exposed Conductors
Where poles or structures support live conductors that are part of an overhead line circuit,
poles and structures should carry an approved label or symbol to enable easy identification of
the circuit from ground level.
Double circuit overhead line towers and structures should carry approved labels to enable easy
identification from ground level; and by people working on one side of the tower, or structure,
under authority of an electrical safety document.
Anti-climbing devices (installed to prevent climbing on towers, structures etc.) should always
be kept locked and be opened only on the instruction from an AEP.
Live-line working
Company personnel are not usually trained, authorised or equipped with the special tools
necessary to carry out live-line working on HV conductors on overhead line electrical power
systems. It requires a very specific skill set, and possibly trade certificates.
When contractors are selected to carry out such live-line working they should have:
 well proven live-line working procedures;
 employ trained experienced personnel; and
 the necessary, well maintained, live-line working tools and equipment to carry out the work.
Excavations
Local procedures should require underground services and power cables to be identified and
have safety precautions necessary during excavation work.
Where mechanical digging takes place, the use of a cable avoidance tool or similar, to identify
possible buried services, is normally mandatory.
Typical risk controls for cable avoidance include:
 Having the appropriate PTW, supported by an Excavation Certificate or equivalent
authorisation.

17/29
Version 2
 Avoiding the use of mechanical diggers, graders or other mechanical means for the removal
of topsoil, grass or vegetation, prior to digging pilot trenches.
 Using hydro-excavation or air excavation techniques such as hydro-vac trucks or air digging
tools to expose underground services.
 Restricting the use of the cable locators (cable avoidance tools) to trained persons.
 Marking the location of underground services with posts or equivalent markers indicating
the types and size of services.
 Not limiting scanning to the trench width, but including any additional areas used for drain
points, sloping, benching or shoring used to prevent collapse (see the guidance for
requirement 4.6 in the HSSE & SP Control Framework Excavation Guide for more details).
 Where the excavation is to be greater than 1 metre wide, it is recommended to scan at both
sides of the proposed excavation and at every 5 metres along the trench.
Air Digging Tool Cable Avoidance Tools (CATs)

Portable ladders should be of an approved non-conducting type and kept secure with an
electrical craft lock when not in use.
When ladders are used to gain access to de-energised electrical equipment, subject to an
EPTW, they should be locked in position with an electrical craft lock, or other suitable means,
so they cannot be moved by unauthorised persons.
Scaffolding (metallic) installed near overhead lines should be bonded to earth (ground).
Wherever temporary metallic equipment or structures are used around electrical equipment, it
is recommended to bond them to ground to provide a path to effectively trip circuits under
fault conditions.
4. Manage electrical work in design and construction.

The ESRs and supporting ESPs are required to cover the control framework requirements for
control of electrical work in design and construction.
supervising or performing electrical work under control of the local PTW System or
Construction PTW System and Electrical PTW Safety documentation that supports it.
Recommendations for how to meet these HSSE & SP CF Manual requirements are given below.

18/29
Version 2
4.1 Provide a system to review and approve the design, installation and bringing into service of
permanent or temporary electrical systems and facilities.
Design of New Power Systems

The design and installation of new power systems should be in accordance with:
 DEP 33.64.10.10 – Electrical Engineering Design; or
 DEP 33.64.20.10 – Electrical Engineering Design for North American Applications.
Review and approval of the design should be in accordance with the Discipline Controls
Assurance Framework (DCAF) and the project execution strategy.
For guidance regarding temporary electrical facilities requirements refer to the DEPs listed above
for design and installation of new power systems.
Temporary and construction electrical equipment, installation, and wiring methods must meet
minimum local code requirements.
Where possible, temporary cables should be installed clear of walkways, ladders, stairs, etc. If
crossing passageways they should be bound with coloured tapes to be easily seen. In some
situations, i.e. where cables are liable to be trodden on, protective barriers or mechanical
protection may be required to prevent inadvertent damage.
All temporary electrical power distribution systems and electrical supplies should be logged,
inspected and tested regularly and their continued use approved by the identified electrical
authority for the site or construction project.
Temporary systems should be fit for the purpose, duration, and service environment.
Temporary power systems modifications or bypasses should be documented and reviewed as
part of the site’s Management of Change process or the project’s technical assurance process.
Bringing Into Service Newly Constructed Electrical Systems
Follow these steps:
1 Asset ESRs should always apply to electrical work at construction sites except where specific operational
instructions have been approved by site management for a demarcated area usually associated with a
project.
2 Any interface with the existing electrical power system, and the related operational responsibilities,
should be clearly defined before commissioning. There should be an agreed demarcation between
existing and temporary construction power systems.
3 Switching operations, to carry out isolations or earthing of existing electrical equipment or interfaces
with temporary electrical power distribution systems, should be carried out or coordinated by the SAEP
of the area concerned.
4 A SAEP should verify Contractors’ competence to perform switching operations before any Contractor
personnel are allowed to carry out switching on temporary distribution electrical power systems within
the scope of the ESRs for the facility or project. This competence assessment and authorisation process
should be in accordance with either the ESRs for the facility/project or DEP 80.64.10.10 – Electrical
Safety Rules.
5 For major construction projects a formal procedure should ensure that the construction and
commissioning of the new electrical equipment is carried out in a safe manner. Refer to the guidance for
requirement 4.2 for the approval process when energising new power systems.
6 As soon as the first connection between the new electrical equipment and the existing site electrical
power system is made, the new electrical equipment is no longer part of the construction site or
enclosure. It becomes part of the operational substation and should come within the scope of the BU’s
ESRs, permitting system, and procedures.
7 People involved in site construction, or entering the substation, should be informed through: safety
meetings, notifications, signs, etc., as applicable, that newly constructed electrical equipment is now
energised or partially energised.
8 Clear instructions should be given to the non-electrical contractors (e.g. civil and building), to ensure
that the use, movement and storage of their materials and equipment (especially ladders and
scaffolding) complies with the provisions of the ESRs.

19/29
Version 2
4.2 Approve whether newly constructed electrical equipment may be connected to electrical
power distribution and generation systems.
Commissioning and Start-up (CSU) Procedures

CSU procedures, check lists/sheets and Work instructions should be developed by the
Project/Field Engineering Commissioning group.
The commissioning of a permanent or temporary electrical power distribution system should be
in accordance with:
 DEP 63.10.08.11 – Field Commissioning of Electrical Installations and Equipment; or
 DEP 63.10.08.14 – Field Commissioning of Electrical Installations and Equipment for North
American Application, or project commissioning plans.
Approval Prior to Energisation
The site’s project engineer or project focal point responsible for the construction work should
issue a ‘Notice of Commissioning’, or equivalent before any electrical connection is made
between newly constructed electrical equipment and the electrical power system. The notice
should be issued, to company representatives of contractors, manufacturers, consultants and
other departments who are involved in the site construction of the substation (and incoming
lines). An example, “Notice of Commissioning” form can be found within the DEP 80.64.10.10
– Electrical Safety Rules.
The electrical project engineer or project focal point should confirm to the site SEA, or
designate, that all parties have been informed.
The SEA or SAEP should approve the written switching programme (prepared by the project,
the site AEP, or site SAEP), and then coordinate the commissioning of the substation. The
physical installation should also be reviewed and approved by the SEA or designate, in
accordance with the Company’s approved engineering practices and where required local
regulatory/inspection agencies. Refer to Appendix 4 for an example of an approval checklist.
4.3 Verify that electrical drawings are provided and maintained.

Handover of Project Documentation

The project should provide verified, marked up “as built” drawings and equipment files to site
operations, prior to handover, to document control and update as part of the site final
documentation.
Documents should be authenticated and include the appropriate engineering approvals
(engineer stamp, seal) where required.
Key documents include, but are not limited to:
 Drawings.
 System modelling files and engineering calculations.
 Equipment instruction and maintenance procedures.
 Protection settings and logic diagrams (microprocessor based relays and PLCs).
For project specifics, refer to the list of deliverables agreed to in the project’s PCAP (Project
Controls and Assurance Plan).
The project should populate the new electrical equipment into the BU maintenance
management system prior to handover.

20/29
Version 2
Maintenance of Documentation
Key documentation required to safely operate and maintain electrical assets should be kept up
to date as part of the site’s Management of Change process.
Periodic reviews should be conducted to verify the accuracy required for the safe operation and
maintenance of the electrical assets.
5. Manage ignition sources caused by electrical equipment or static electricity in Classified

Areas.
The ESRs and supporting ESPs are required to specify controls for ignition of
flammable/explosive atmospheres caused by electrical equipment or static electricity.
Requirements should be communicated to everyone who could be involved in specifying,
installing, or maintaining electrical equipment within hazardous (classified) locations. For
additional static electricity guidance, also see RMP 80.64.10.50 Static Electricity Operation &
Maintenance.
5.1 Manage the selection, installation and inspection/maintenance of electrical equipment in

Classified Areas.
Electrical equipment can become an ignition source in hazardous Classified Areas.

 To permit the proper classification of potentially flammable/explosive atmospheres, refer to
DEP 80.00.10.10 or DEP 80.00.10.13.
 To permit the proper selection of electrical equipment, refer to DEP 33.64.10.10 or DEP
33.64.20.10.
 For guidance regarding inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment in hazardous
(classified) locations refer to section 6.2 of RMP 63.10.08.50.
5.2 Use equipment and work practices that manage static electricity.
The Electrical Safety Rules (ESRs), and supporting procedures, must cover the control
framework requirements for control of ignition of flammable atmospheres caused by electrical
equipment or electrical phenomenon.
supervising or performing electrical work under control of the local PTW System (and Electrical
PTW Safety documentation that supports it) as required by the ESRs.
NOTE: Electrical Arc Flash is the release of thermal energy, acoustical energy, pressure waves,
and shrapnel due to an arcing electrical fault through air and is not related to static electricity.
Recommendations for how each of these requirements should be implemented are given
below.
General Principles
An effective method of avoiding hazards due to static electricity is to bond all conductors
together and to earth/ground. This will reduce the charge on a conductor and the potential
release of stored energy as a single spark, to earth/ground or to another conductor.

21/29
Version 2
The terms ”earthing” (”grounding”) and “bonding” are often used interchangeably. They are, in
fact, two different and complementary components of an effective barrier against static
discharge. Bonding is intentionally electrically connecting two conducting materials to bring
them to the same potential. Earthing (grounding) is intentionally connecting systems or
equipment to earth.
System earthing is essential to the proper operation of the electrical system. Equipment
earthing and bonding are essential to the safety of personnel. A key function of equipment
earthing is to prevent the build-up of static electricity, thus reducing the risk of electrical
discharge in potentially hazardous (flammable) environments. A resistance to earth/ground of
1 MΩ (106 Ω), or less, will provide safe dissipation of static electricity.
For additional information refer to DEP 80.64.10.11-Gen. Static Electricity, RMP 80.64.10.11-
Gen Static Electricity Operation and Maintenance, and the Operational Safety GET Static
Electricity Campaign Site. Note that this DEP contains mandatory requirements to mitigate
process safety risks in accordance with Design Engineering Manual DEM 1 – Application of
Technical Standards.
Preventing Harm to People
Electrostatic discharges are considered to be a direct health hazard if the discharge energy
exceeds 350 mJ or the charge transferred exceeds 50 μC. Sparks to the person can be
unpleasant and may cause accidents from involuntary reactions.
Shocks can be avoided by having a conducting or dissipative floor and ensuring that persons
wear dissipative clothing and footwear.
Preventing Harm to HSSE Critical Equipment
Sensitive electronic instruments can be damaged by static discharge, for example while
undertaking maintenance work, e.g. routine maintenance on Distributed Control Systems
(DCS) and within instrument marshalling racks. This type of work should have: specific work
instructions including controls for preventing static discharge; and a PTW.
There is a range of anti-static tools, instruments and specialised equipment to control
undesired electrostatic discharge. This includes wrist straps and antistatic table mats, ground
cords, workstations, common grounding points, and anti-static tools.
Anti-static wrist straps Anti-static table mats Mats and Work stations Anti-static tools
See manufacturer instructions and DEP 33.64.10.33-Gen Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

for additional guidance.
Managing the Risk of Electrostatic Ignition when Handling Flammable Liquids
Static Electricity is a potential ignition source in operational and maintenance activities. Charge
generation occurs with the relative movement of any two materials. Charge accumulation is
prevalent with the flow of low-conductivity fluids. Many materials handled in the oil industry
are low conductivity fluids.
The use of plastic or non-conductive containers can lead significant charge to accumulate.
Good earthing and bonding of equipment allows charge to dissipate and minimises charge
accumulation.

22/29
Version 2
Use equipment and work instructions to control static electricity such as:
 Do not use plastic or non-conductive containers.
 Avoid splash filling when possible.
 Bond and earth equipment to allow static charge to
dissipate, and monitor that the earthing is effective.
 Eliminate flammable atmospheres.
 Reduce flow rates.
 Allow charge settling time.
 Increase conductivity of materials through additives.
 Eliminate spark promoters.
 Ensure PTW requirements address static electricity
concerns and include precautions.
Examples of correct locations for earth connections:

23/29
Version 2
Appendices
APPENDIX 1 - Competence Assessment and Appointment of Authorised
Persons
Competence Assessment
Competence should be assessed by an appointed assessor for:
1) Academic Competence [i.e. qualifications]
o An Engineering Degree, Technical diploma, National Certificate or Trade Certificate, etc.
2) Technical Skill and Electrical System Competence
o Technical knowledge and operational experience that involves safe and effective
operation of the electrical equipment/electrical systems for which they may be
responsible in an Installation.
o Knowledge and practical experience of the sites ‘Permit to Work’ system and the rules
applying for work, or testing/fault finding, in hazardous areas.
3) Electrical Safety Rule Competence
o The knowledge and experience required to be considered competent to safely operate,
carry out work, or testing/fault finding. This should be in accordance with the ESRs and
electrical safety procedures for the high/low voltage electrical equipment installed on an
Installation's electrical system.
o competence in other duties, such as:
i. the preparation and checking of switching programmes;
ii. the operation of all types of electrical equipment they may have to operate or
maintain;
iii. the application/removal of circuit main earths (temporary protective grounds); and
iv. the issue and cancellation of Electrical Safety Documents.

The Senior Electrical Authority (SEA), Subject Matter Expert (SME) or designate should be
responsible for the procedures that detail the appointment of electrically authorised persons
coming within the scope of the ESRs.
The BU’s documented electrical competency programme should address the following areas:
 Electrical theory
 Hazards associated with electricity
 Techniques for working on or testing on electrical equipment
 Electric power system upon which work or testing is to be carried out
 Applicable BU electrical safety rules and operational procedures
 Hazardous (classified) area equipment
 First aid and resuscitation training
 Switching, earthing (grounding) and isolation of equipment
 Initial and refresher training

24/29
Version 2
Appointment of Authorised Persons

The SEA, SME or designees must establish whether the candidate:
 is competent;
 has received the necessary training; and
 has the experience to undertake safely the limited tasks associated with their authorisation?
This assessment may take the form of both theoretical tests and practical demonstrations
The appointment is confirmed in writing by issue of a Certificate (see example in Figure 13)
that clearly defines the specific duties the AP is competent to perform. The SEA or SME should
keep an up to date list of all authorised persons. Note that individuals may be authorised for
more than one role.
The authorised person should confirm that he/she understands the work to be performed and
measures to be taken and that his/her authorisation is valid for the work being performed.
Authorisations should be time-bound, typically for a 3 years or less, with refresher training
provided to address gaps in competence.
For further information on procedures for appointment of APs, see Shell UK Electrical Safety
Procedures ESP/260 (ESP_2).
Figure 13 – Example of Certificate of Authorisation for Electrical Personnel

Before renewing a person’s authorisation, the SEA, SME or designate should revalidate the
individual’s competence considering:
 whether a person still carries out work or switching that requires this category of electrical
authorisation;
 changes to the electrical power system and/or the introduction of new types of electrical
equipment for which additional skills or training may be required;
 whether any refresher training is necessary.
UAU-UAH Electrical Safety Standard, HSE0161, Tool 08 is an example of an authorisation letter
template that incorporates a validation checklist for a new electrical worker that will be
performing work for Shell at the facility.
25/29
Version 2
APPENDIX 2 – Prioritised Preventive and Protective Control Measures

1 Elimination: de-energise is the first choice (e.g. application of LOTO programme, Establishing an
Electrically Safe Work Condition)
2 Substitution: e.g. use of impedance earthing (grounding), Arc Resistant Switchgear
3 Reduce the risk through “Safety by Design”, for example:
 Engineering solutions;
 equipment solutions;
 Engineering Incident Energy Analysis;
 circuit breaker and relay changes to reduce incident energy;
 incident energy reduction with Arc Reduction Maintenance Switches (ARMs);
 incident energy reduction with Arc Flash Relays; and
 IR scanning windows etc.
4 Electrical equipment maintenance: e.g. appropriate PMs in place
5 Use safer work systems that increase awareness of potential hazards for example:
 apply safeguards like signage, barriers, etc.
 use red tape and a tag for the Electrical Work Zone;
 proper use of Shock Approach and Arc Flash Boundaries.
6 Implement administrative controls training and procedures, for example:
 review training records;
 use of Energised Electrical Work Permits;
 Switching programmes, Sanction for Test, Limitation of Access;
 use of Energised Electrical Job Hazard Analysis; and
 audit status of Electrical Safe Work Procedures/Standard Operating Procedures, etc.
7 Use Electrical-Specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Tools, and Equipment, as a last line of
defence. Ensure it is appropriately used and maintained (e.g. available, stored properly, shared check
in/out system working, check condition, laundered properly, tested current, etc.)

26/29
Version 2
APPENDIX 3 - UK ESR EA/082 Example List of Authorised Persons (APs)

Title of APs Typical roles and responsibilities
Appointed A Competent Person, normally not from the electrical staff, e.g. a Production
Person (AP) Operator, especially trained for certain duties and appointed in writing by Management
for carrying out such duties, such as:
 isolation/de-isolation of low voltage electrical equipment for mechanical work;
 Synchronising, etc.
These duties would not include receiving an Electrical Safety Document.
Competent A Competent Person who has sufficient technical knowledge, experience or training to
Electrical Person carry out a range of listed duties, such as:
(CEP)  Work on de-energised low voltage electrical equipment.
 Work on low voltage lighting equipment and systems.
 Carry out isolations and de-isolations on low voltage lighting circuits and small power
electrical equipment prior to carrying out work.
 Accept a Limitation of Access (LOA) for the isolation of electrical equipment on
lighting circuits.
 Carry out testing/fault finding on low voltage electrical equipment.
 Operate (stop, start and synchronise) the electrical equipment on the low voltage
generation system.
 Carry out switching on low voltage electrical equipment.
NOTE: the level, scope, and category of authorisation should be specified in writing.
Competent A Competent Person who has sufficient technical knowledge, training and experience of
Instrument instrumentation equipment to carry out a range of listed duties, such as:
Person (CIP)  Work, testing/fault finding on low voltage and instrumentation equipment and can
accept a LOA for such activities on instrumentation electrical equipment.
 Carry out isolations and de-isolations of low voltage instrumentation electrical
equipment.
 Carry out work on instrumentation electrical equipment coming within the scope of
the Electrical Safety Rules (ESRs), including work on Visual Display Units (VDUs).
Competent A Competent Person who has sufficient technical knowledge, training and experience
Telecommunica- of telecommunication equipment to carry out a range of listed duties, such as:
tion Person  Work, or testing/fault finding, on low voltage telecommunication electrical equipment.
(CTP)  Carry out isolations and de-isolations of low voltage telecommunication electrical
equipment.
 Accept a LOA for work on telecommunication electrical equipment.
 Accept a LOA for testing/fault finding on telecommunication electrical equipment with
exposed energised low voltage conductors which come within the scope of these Rules.
NOTE: This could include testing/fault finding on telecommunications electrical
equipment capable of generating internal voltages greater than 1000V a.c.
Authorised A Competent Electrical Person who has sufficient technical knowledge, experience
Electrical Person and training to carry out a range of listed duties, such as:
(AEP)  Carry out switching including isolations and de-isolations of high voltage electrical
equipment. This switching includes the operation of an automatic integral circuit main
earth on motor circuits.
 Carry out testing/fault finding on low voltage circuits associated with energised high
voltage electrical equipment as a recipient of a LOA.
 Carry out testing/fault finding on high voltage electrical equipment as a recipient of a
Sanction for Test.
 Operate (stop, start and synchronise) the electrical equipment on the high voltage
generation system.
 Carry out changes to electrical protection settings under the instruction of the
Technical Authority.
NOTE: The level, scope, and category of authorisation should be specified in writing.
Senior An Authorised Electrical Person whose duties are:
Authorised  To issue and cancel Electrical Permits to Work, Sanctions for Test (SFT) or LOA in
Electrical Person accordance with the ESRs.
(SAEP)  To apply and remove circuit main earths (i.e. temporary protective grounds).

27/29
Version 2
APPENDIX 4 – Sample Authorisation to Energise Checklist

Click on the image below to open a sample Authorisation to Energise Checklist being used in
Upstream Unconventionals and Downstream Heavy Oil:
 Authorisation to Energise Checklist

28/29
Version 2
APPENDIX 5 – Revision Log

Date Revision Version
October 2010 Guide published 1
August 2016 Guide rewritten and reformatted 2

29/29

Electrical Safety Guide

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Electrical Safety Guide

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Electrical Safety Guide

Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework Guidance

PURPOSE OF THE GUIDE 1

PURPOSE OF THE MANUAL SECTION 1

WHO IS THIS FOR? 1

WHAT SITUATIONS ARE COVERED? 2

GUIDANCE ON MANUAL SECTION REQUIREMENTS 2

Purpose of the guide

Purpose of the manual section

Who is this for?

Text in grey boxes is quoted from the manual section.

What situations are covered?

Guidance on manual section requirements