ELECTRICAL SAFETY OPERATIONAL

Rev 1.0
PROCEDURES

4.0 USE AND PREPARATION OF SWITCHING PROGRAMMES

4.1 OBJECTIVE

4.1.1 To specify the requirements for the use of Switching Programmes for carrying out
Switching operations to achieve a defined objective on High Voltage and Low
Voltage systems.

4.1.2 To specify the development, verification and application of the sequence of

operations detailed in an agreed Switching Programme.
4.1.3 To define the responsibilities for implementation of a Switching Programme and
control of the sequence of Switching operations.
4.2 REQUIREMENT FOR SWITCHING PROGRAMMES

4.2.1 Switching Programmes shall be written and approved where Switching operations,
in preparation for the issue of an Electrical Safety Document, could involve
significant disruption to an operational system as a consequence of a Switching error
or where the Switching is considered complex.
4.3 PREPARATION OF SWITCHING PROGRAMMES

4.3.1 A Switching Programme, together with a clear copy for all Electrical Persons
involved in the Switching, shall be prepared by an Authorised Electrical Person
stating the objective of the Switching and detailing all actions including opening and
closing of circuit breakers, Isolation, application of Circuit Main Earths,
application of Safety Padlocks, Danger Notices and Caution Notices.

4.3.2 It shall be clearly stated on the Switching Programme where each Safety Padlock
is to be applied. See appendix I of the Electrical Safety Rules for an Approved
format Switching Programme.

4.3.3 Where Switching is to be implemented which may effect equipment within another
control boundary area, then the Control Person for that area must be advised and
agree to the implementation of the Switching.

4.3.4 The Switching Programme shall be checked for correctness and signed by the
Control Person or Senior Authorised Electrical Person for the operational area in
which the Switching is to be implemented.

4.4 IMPLEMENTATION OF SWITCHING PROGRAMMES

4.4.1 The Electrical Person carrying out the Switching shall, before commencing any
item of Switching, first check with the Control Person for that area that the system
is in the state assumed by the programme, i.e., no system alterations have taken place
which would affect the security or safety of the system if the Switching Programme
is commenced.

Esop04 27 October, 1999 Page 1 of 2

 ELECTRICAL SAFETY OPERATIONAL
Rev 1.0
PROCEDURES

4.4.2 The time of each item of Switching completed shall be recorded by the person
performing the operations on the Switching Programme.

4.4.3 At the completion of the Switching Programme, the completed form shall be
returned to the Control Person.

4.5 EMERGENCY SWITCHING PROGRAMMES

4.5.1 If an unplanned outage or system emergency occurs, the Senior Authorised

Electrical Person may agree a Switching Programme with the Control Person by
telephone or radio, each person writing individual copies.

The Control Person shall check by telephone or radio that all persons have recorded
the same items of Switching on their copy of the Switching Programme before
giving permission to proceed with the Switching.

4.6 EMERGENCY SWITCHING WITHOUT SWITCHING PROGRAMMES

4.6.1 If, in the view of the area Control Person, it is not practical or desirable to produce
an emergency Switching Programme as detailed in Section 4.5, then the following
procedure shall be adopted.

4.6.2 The Control Person shall discuss and agree the remedial Switching necessary with
an Authorised Electrical Person and shall then instruct the Switching, item by
item.

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