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Use of HV Live Line Procedures on Isolated Lines and Equipment
The National Committee on Live Work (NCLW) has also been asked about the use of high voltage live line work methods on isolated lines and equipment.
Discussion is around the point that by isolating lines and equipment, an additional level of control is applied when undertaking HV Live Line work.
The NCLW has considered this and supports isolation, as a practical step in minimising risk of harm.
However this support is subject to all the following criteria being met:
- The isolation is recorded as a control on the HV live line work permit, similar to how industry record the application of a recloser block. Note: a HV live line permit and access permit shall not be issued for the same work. ·
- The work is undertaken in strict compliance with the HV live line work method being used.
- At all times, the isolated lines and equipment must be treated as live and the HV live line worker must not encroach the live line minimum approach distance applicable to the work method.
- Work shall stop immediately when a problem arises and must not recommence until the problem is resolved.
- This work shall be monitored and audited in accordance with live line requirements.
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3 Replies
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Hi Team.
I personally feel that there needs to be definitive line drawn in the sand here.
Isolated and earthed, or live.
I feel that once you start mixing the two together you open up areas for people to take shortcuts, and this is where mistakes can occur with disastrous consequences.
I’m more than happy to have the conversation around this if required.
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Thanks Rodie
I will ensure this, and any other responses are taken back to the NCLW at the next meeting.
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I agree, This is the start of the slippery slope. Those who like to take shortcuts will exploit the grey. For example if the insulator is broken and the line still in service then can we de-energise it and change it out (live line)? Even though this is clearly a task that shouldn’t be done live line (but then its not alive). These and other forms of grey will now start to see the light of day.
Isn’t the approach from a live line risk assessment to start at Isolated and earthed and then justify the use of live line? If we can de-energised then how does this get past the first gate in a work methodology risk assessment?
We need to protect industry’s right to do live work. Using live line work methodology incorrectly or not using the correct work methodology will eventually jeopardise our ability to do live work.
Stick to core principles which are:
1. Live work is live work
2. De-energised work requires isolation earthing and an Access Permit
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