SAFETY REMINDER: ISOLATION EARTHS REMOVAL DURING AUTO-TRANSFORMER CABLE WORK
Date of Incident: 18 April 2025
Location: OLE Structure – During Auto-Transformer Cable Remodelling & Commissioning
During the remodelling and commissioning of an auto-transformer cable on 18 April 2025, isolation earths on an OLE (Overhead Line Equipment) structure were made redundant and subsequently removed by the site team. However, the team failed to notify the Nominated Person of this action during the night shift. The removed earths were discovered later by Authorised Persons once the work had been completed.
Current Status:
An investigation is ongoing.
KEY SAFETY REMINDER:
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of adhering to established procedures regarding Isolation Earthing Arrangements.
Please remain vigilant and ensure compliance with all safety protocols regarding isolation and earthing
LIFE SAVING RULES: Overhead Line Earths form part of the isolation arrangements under the control of the Nominated Persons. Under no circumstances interfere or alter the Earthing Straps.
REMINDER FOR FUTURE WORKS
- Always be sure the required plans and permits are in place, before you start a job or go on or near the line.
- Never undertake any job unless you have been trained and assessed as competent
- Always test before applying earths or straps
- Never assume equipment is isolated – ALWAYS TEST BEFORE TOUCH
KEY MESSAGES
- Earths will be present on site as part of the electrical isolation. These earths are critical to your safety — they ensure the electrical system is dead and stays safe.
- Do not install, move, interfere with, or remove any earths.
- The Nominated Person (NP) is responsible for planning and overseeing the isolation, ensuring safety protocols are followed
- The Authorised Person (AP) is responsible for specific tasks within an isolation, like operating switches, testing, or erecting earths under the clear instruction of the Nominated Person (NP).
WHY THIS MATTERS:
- Earths are your visible safety barrier between you and dangerous electrical energy. Tampering with earths can reintroduce live electrical risk — potentially fatal.
- Only the NP understands the full isolation strategy and is trained and authorised to manage earths safely.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Stay clear of earths unless you’ve been directly instructed by the NP. If you see anyone handling earths without NP instruction — STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY and report it.
- Follow your briefing. If it’s not clear, ask.
