Safety Advice NRA 18/12 – Following a Serious Accident – Lifesaving rules – Test before touch on 25kV OLE
OVERVIEW
Feedback from front line staff has indicated that the lifesaving rule for test before touch on 25kV is not being applied in a consistent manner.
The lifesaving rule: test before touch, for 25kV is a key control for managing the risk of working on or near electrified lines.
It should be noted that all approved live line indicators only indicate live or de-energised.
They do not indicate that the equipment is safe to touch.
When any approved live line indicator confirms de-energised there could still be dangerous voltages in the equipment.
Following the five-step process below ensures the safety of the staff working on or near 25kV equipment using a live line indicator.
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
All staff should be applying test before touch in accordance with the guide to the application of the electrical lifesaving rules.
When test before touch is applied as detailed in the application guide and referenced standards then the rule is a robust process to confirm the equipment is safe to touch.
The lifesaving rule for test before touch on 25kV is a five-step process:
- Test before earth – to ensure the equipment is de-energised before applying an earth.
- Apply earths – eliminate the risk of residual voltage.
- Always be sure the required plans and permits are in place, before you start a job or go on or near the line – For 25kV equipment this means ensure that you have a Form C in accordance with NR/L3/ELP/29987 which details the limits of the isolation.
- Test before approach – a check that you are in the right location as per your Form C isolation limits.
- Retest if you move beyond any inline OLE feature, move to different track or work on a different conductor.
