ZIMBABWE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

AUTHORITY

ELECTRICAL SAFETY RULES

SECOND EDITION,1998

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 NO:.........................

ZIMBABWE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AUTHORITY

ELECTRICAL SAFETY RULES

SECOND EDITION, 1998

FOR THE CONTROL, OPERATION AND MAINTENACE OF THE AUTHOURITY’S

GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

A. – GENERAL

B. – OPEARTING RULES

C. – SAFETY RULES

ISSUED TO:

FULL NAME ..........................................

SIGNATURE ..........................................

DATE ..........................................

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FOREWORD

Consistent with the mission of the Authority these Electrical Safety Rules are intended to promote and ensure
a safe , reliable and secure electrical supply environment for the benefit of the Authority, its stakeholders,
employees and other members of the public.

The wide distribution of these rules and intensive training and induction of all concerned Authority
management and staff on the provision hereof, should greatly contribute to the realisation of our strategic
goals and objectives.

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 21.0 Work on High voltage Plant or Equipment other
than Metal-Clad Switchgear Spouts and Overhead
Lines
22.0 Work on Metal-Clad Switchgear, Busbar, Feeder
and Transformer Spouts
ZIMBABWE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY 23.0 Work on High voltage Windings of Generators and
AUTHORITY directly connected Unit Transformers
24.0 Work on High voltage Cables and Overhead Lines
ELECTRICAL SAFETY RULES 25.0 Testing of High voltage Plant and Equipment
26.0 Work on High voltage Plant or Equipment operated
by or containing compressed air
27.0 Work on High voltage Plant or Equipment and
CONTENTS PAGE
Ancillary Plant or Equipment containing Sulphur
INTRODUCTION Hexafluoride (SF6) gas
REVISIONS 28.0 Work in Oil Tanks
29.0 Fire Protection Equipment
A. GENERAL 30.0 Treatment of Electric Shock
1.0 Electricity Act Appendix
2.0 Live Line Safety Rules (Supplement) i. Treatment of Electric Shock
3.0 Definitions ii. Permit-to-Work
4.0 Admission to Generating, Switching Stations or iii. Sanction-for-Test
Substations iv. Limitation-of-Access
5.0 Dangerous Occurrence and Accidents v. Visitor’s Live Enclosure Permit
6.0 Duties of Employees and Others vi. Minimum Heights of Overhead Lines at Road and
7.0 Issues of Rules Railway Crossing Points
8.0 Variation of Rules
B. OPERATING RULES
9.0 Switching
10.0 Earthing
11.0 Loading instructions to Generating Stations
12.0 Telephone and Radio Massages
13.0 Failure of Supply
C. SAFETY RULES
14.0 General Safety Rules
15.0 Access to High voltage Enclosures
16.0 Earthing
17.0 Permits-to-Work and Sanctions-for-Test
18.0 Limitations of Access
19.0 Work in Substations and Switching Stations
Containing Exposed Live Conductors
20.0 Work on remotely or Automatically Controlled
Plant of Equipment

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 operational experience gained from the application
of the 1988, Rules have necessitated a thorough
revision of these Rules and, thus, the compilation of
this updated Second Edition of the Electrical Safety
Rules which supersedes the First Edition, 1988.

These rules are designed and intended for the

protection of the Authority’s staff and other persons
against loss of life or limb and injury or damage to
person or property, the prevention of loss, damage
or destruction of Authority property and to ensure a
safe and secure environment for the efficient
control, operation and maintenance of the
Authority’s plant or equipment. To this end these
rules shall be strictly followed and observed and no
person shall be permitted or required to control,
operate, maintain any of the Authority’s Generation,
Transmission or Distribution plant or equipment
unless he/she satisfies the duly authorised official as
to his/her adequate knowledge and understanding of
these Rules and System Operation procedures
insofar as they relate or apply to the particular job
which he/she intends to do.

Employees who may be in doubt as to the

interpretation or application of these Rules should
refer the same to his/her immediate supervisor or
appropriate local senior official for advice and
ZIMBABWE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY guidance. In this regard a, in addition to ensuring
AUTHORITY that employees observe and abide by these Rules ,
all supervisors and local senior officials are required
ELECTRICAL SAFETY RULES to ensure that their subordinates understand and
appreciate the significance of these Rules by, among
other things, regularly carrying out practical
appraisals and assessments of the situation within
FOR THE CONTROL, OPERATION AND their areas of jurisdiction.
MAINTENACE OF THE AUTHOURITY’S
GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND These Rules may at any time, be reviewed and
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS revised by the Chief Executive or his authorised
representative, in which event all employees issued
with the Rules or engaged in the control, operation
and maintenance of the Authority’s plant or
INTRODUCTION equipment shall be advised in writing of such
revisions.
Significant power system developments which have
occurred since the publication of the first Edition of
the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority
Electrical Safety Rules, 1988 and the invaluable Chief Executive
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REVISIONS

Each revision to the Electrical Safety Rules will be

numbered and this table is provided so that you can
record the revisions as they are received and fixed in ZIMBABWE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
your copy of the Rules. This will enable you to keep AUTHORITY
your copy up to date.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY RULES

SECOND EDITION, 1998

Revision No. Rule No. Page No. Received Date FOR THE CONTROL, OPERATION AND
MAINTENACE OF THE AUTHOURITY’S
GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

A. GENERAL

1.0 Electricity Act – The Authority is required to

comply with the provisions of the Electricity Act,
1985, and with any Regulation made thereunder, all
agents and employees of the Authority are required
to conduct their work in accordance with the Act
and Regulations. A copy of the Act and Regulations
shall be kept available for reference in all relevant
premises occupied by the Authority.

2.0 Live Line Safety Rules (Supplement) – These Rules

are issued as a supplement to the Electrical Safety
Rules and must read and understood as such.
Employees performing Live Line work or required
to issue Live Line Permit-to-Work must be fully
aware of and conversant with both the Electrical
Safety Rules and the Live Line Safety Rules
(Supplement).

3.0 Definitions:

3.1 Approved – Sanctioned by the Chief Executive or

his Authorised Representative.

3.2 Authorised Representative – The Chief Executive’s

appointee.

3.3 Categories of Authorised Persons:

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3.3.1 Competent Person – Person over 18 years of age Distribution and whose duties are to maintain
who has sufficient knowledge and experience to maximum safety at all times to personnel and plant
safely carry out specific tasks/functions. and equipment on the Authority’s Power System.
The Controller shall approve all operations on the
3.3.2 Junior Authorised Person – a Competent Person Authority’s plant and Equipment and shall consent
appointed in writing by the Authority to carry out to all issues and cancellations of Permit-to-Work,
specific work on the Authority’s Power System in Live Line Permit-to-Work and Sanction-for-Test
accordance with his/her Certificate of Authorisation documents.
. a Junior Authorised Person shall not issue or cancel
Permit-to-Work or Live Line Permit-to-Work or 3.7 Danger – a risk of loss of life, bodily injury, or
Sanction-for-Test or Limitation-of-Access damage to health from shock, burn or other cause
documents. arising from the generation, transmission and
distribution or use of electrical energy.
This category include those involved in Direct Wire
Board (DWB) and Supervisory Control and Data 3.8 Dead – at, or at about, zero potential with respect to
Acquisition (SCADA) operations such as may be earth and disconnected from any live system.
found in Power Stations, Substations and Control
centres. 3.9 Earthing:

3.3.3 Senior Authorised Person – A Competent Person 3.9.1 Additional Earth – any earth connection which is
appointed in writing by the Authority to carry out applied after the issue of a Permit-to-Work or
work and all forms of switching on the Authority’s Sanction-for-Test.
Power System in accordance with his/her Certificate
3.9.2 Circuit Main Earth – Any earth connection which
of Authorisation.
is applied on the instruction of a Controller before
His /her functions include those of a Junior Authorised the issue of a Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test.
Person.
3.9.3 Earthed – effectively connected to the general mass
A Senior Authorised Person is permitted to issue of earth in such a way as to ensure at all times an
and cancel Permit-to-Work, Live Line Permit-to- immediate discharge of electrical energy without
Work, Sanction-for-Test and Limitation-of-Access danger.
documents.
3.10 Live – electrically charged.
3.4 Certificate of Authorisation – A certificate given
3.11 Live Enclosure – any area within generating
to Competent Person by the Chief Executive or his
station, switching station or substation in which live
Authorised Representative confirming that he/she
conductors operating at medium voltage or above
has proved himself/herself capable of carrying out
exist.
the duties he/she is expected to perform and defining
the limits of his/her authorisation. 3.12 Live Line Equipment – any approved appliance for
use when working on live plant or equipment.
3.5 Contractor’s Representative – A Competent
Person, other than a person employed by the 3.13 Notices:
Authority, who may be required to work on the
Authority’s plant and equipment. 3.13.1 Caution Notice – a portable notice in approved
form attached to plant or equipment and/or its
3.6 Controller – a Senior Authorised Person control devices, conveying a warning against
appointed in writing by the Authority to control interference with the plant or equipment and/or its
power in one or more of the specific fields of control devices.
Generation, Transmission, Subtransmission and
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3.13.2 Danger Notice - a portable notice in approved form the condition under which testing is to be carried
attached to plant or equipment when live, calling out.
attention to danger of approach to, or interference
with , the plant or equipment. 3.15.5 Visitor’s Live Enclosure Permit – a form signed
by visitors acknowledging their understanding the
3.14 Power System – all plant and equipment on the danger of entering a live enclosure and to
Generation, Transmission and Distribution networks indemnify the Authority against injury whilst they
under the jurisdiction of the Authority. are in or about the live enclosure. The form shall be
signed by a local Senior Official or Senior
3.15 Safety Documents: Authorised Person.
3.15.1 Limitation-of-Access – a form of declaration signed 3.16 Switching:
and given by a Senior Authorised Person to a
Competent Person in charge of work in any 3.16.1 Routine Switching – the operation of tap changers,
generating station, switching station or substation switchgear including isolators, and other methods of
(where a Permit-to-Work, Live Line Permit-to- making or breaking circuit.
Work or Sanction-for-Test is not applicable)
defining the limits of the area within which the work 3.16.2 Emergency Switching – opening of circuit
is to be performed. breakers, isolators, links, hot line taps or other
devices in order to avoid immediate danger to life or
3.15.2 Live Line Permit-to-Work – a form of declaration damage to plant or equipment.
signed and given by a Senior Authorised Person to
a Live Line linesman in charge of a Live Line work 3.17 Working Party – persons working under the
to be carried out on the Authority’s plant and immediate supervision of a Competent Person.
equipment for the purpose of making known to that
3.18 Worker’s Declaration – a form signed by members
person exactly what points of the supply have had
of a working party acknowledging their
placed on them Live Line Caution Notice; what
understanding of the nature of work to be
remote control devices have had Live Line Caution
undertaken, and the area in which it is safe to work.
Notice placed on them, what auto-reclosing devices,
including remote control, have been switched off or 3.19 Voltage:
disabled; and what equipment he is permitted to
work on. 3.19.1 High voltage – any voltage in the excess of 650
volts.
3.15.3 Permit-to-Work - a form of declaration signed and
given by a Senior Authorised Person to a 3.19.2 Medium Voltage – any voltage exceeding 250 volts
Competent Person in charge of work to be carried upto and including 650 volts.
out on the Authority’s High voltage plant and
equipment for the purpose of making known to that 3.19.3 Low Voltage – any voltage upto and including 250
person exactly what plant and equipment is dead, volts.
isolated from all points of supply and feedback,
4.0 Admission to Generating Stations, Switching
earthed, and on which it is safe to work.
Stations or Substation
3.15.4 Sanction-for-Test - a form of declaration signed
No person shall enter any generating station,
and given by a Senior Authorised Person to a
switching station or substation wholly occupied by
Senior Authorised Person in charge of testing of
the Authority without the permission of a local
the Authority’s High voltage plant and equipment
senior official.
for the purpose of making known to such person
exactly what plant and equipment is to be tested and 5.0 Dangerous occurrences and Accidents
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 All dangerous occurrences and accidents on the
Authority’s power system shall be reported
immediately to the Controller who shall
immediately pass on the relevant information to
his/her/her immediate supervisor.
B. OPERATING RULES
In addition, accidents must be reported in terms of
the Electricity Act Chapter 13:05 and/or the
Factories and Works Act Chapter 283. 9.0 Switching

6.0 Duties of Employees and Others 9.1 Operation of Circuit Breakers and Isolators:

6.1 These Rules are designed to protect the Authority’s (a) No switching or associated operations shall be
employees and others against danger in the course of carried out without the instruction of the Controller
their duties and to ensure the efficient and safe except in cases of immediate danger to persons or
control, operation and maintenance of the plant or equipment.
Authority’s Generation, Transmission and
(b) When the Controller requires switching to be carried
Distribution systems.
out, he/she shall communicate directly with the
6.2 These Rules must be familiar to all employees who Junior or Senior Authorised Person who is to carry
may be concerned with the Authority’s plant and the switching. In the absence or failure of direct
equipment, and must be strictly observed. communication facilities the message may be
relayed by a competent third party.
6.3 Employees of Contractors and others having
occasion to operate or work on the Authority’s plant (c) Before switching or associated operation is carried
and equipment are also required to be familiar with on the Authority’s Power System, which may affect
the relevant Rules applicable to the work involved, other systems, the Controller shall communicate
and to observe them. with the appropriate official(s) of the system(s)
concerned and the routine switching shall be agreed
7.0 Issue of Rules between them. The High voltage switching shall be
recorded at all centres concerned.
7.1 A copy of these Rules shall be supplied to all
Competent Persons concerned with the control, (d) Switching operation to the Controller’s instruction
operation and maintenance of the Authority’s plant shall be carried out without undue delay. All
and equipment and each recipient shall sign a receipt switching operations, whether to the Controller’s
for his/her copy. This copy shall be kept in good instructions, or when there is immediate danger to
condition. life, plant or equipment shall be reported to the
Controller as soon as possible. The circumstances of
7.2 The Local Senior Official of each generating station, an occurrence necessitating any emergency
major substation and Control Centre shall make switching shall be reported at the same time.
available a copy of these Rules at all times for
reference. (e) Should any plant show signs of fault operation, the
circumstances shall be reported to the Controller and
8.0 Variation of Rules the plant or equipment shall be examined before
further operation.
In exceptional circumstances these Rules may be
varied to the extent which may be authorised in (f) Any person receiving instruction regarding work on,
writing by the Chief Executive or his Authorised or the operation of plant and equipment, he/she shall
Representative. report any objection to the carrying out of the
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 instructions to the Controller who shall then have Earths, not so restored shall be noted on the
the matter investigated and, if necessary, referred to Sanction-for-Test document.
higher authority.
9.4 Switching Precautions:
(g) Where the Controller is not in direct communication
with a Senior Authorised Person, the Controller Making live or dead by signal or prearranged
shall hand-over control of a section of the network understanding after an interval of time is forbidden.
under his/her authority to the Senior Authorised
10.0 Earthing
Person to perform a specific task or operation. The
control is to handed back to the Controller as soon 10.1 Circuit Main Earths:
as practicable. The control hand-over must be
recorded on approved form. No earthing switch shall be operated nor Circuit
Main Earth connections attached, removed, or
9.2 Recording of Switching: moved except on the instruction of the Controller,
and then only by a Senior Authorised Person or a
A record of High voltage switching and operation as
Competent Person acting under his/her immediate
well as relay operation shall be entered in the
supervision. Operations carried out to each
appropriate station or substation log or other
instruction shall be reported to the Controller as
approved form. The Controller shall record in
soon as possible after completion, and the location
his/her/her log or other approved form the time and
of each connection to earth shall be recorded on the
particulars of high voltage switching and relay
Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test document.
operations carried out to his/her/her instructions.
10.2 Recording of Earthing:
The Junior and/or Senior Authorised Person(s) shall
also update relevant mimic and single line diagrams. The Controller shall record in his/her log or other
approved form the time of application and the
location of all Circuit Main Earth connections and
9.3 Switching for Test Purposes: the time of their removal.

When a section of plant or equipment has been 11.0 Loading Instructions to Generating Stations
isolated from the main supply system for testing, the
11.1 Load Allocation:
Controller shall authorise on a Sanction-for-Test the
general operation of all forms of switches including (a) The allocation of load to the Authority's generating
circuit breakers, isolators, earth switches and others stations and generating stations interconnected with
as well as earth connections within, and for the the Authority's transmission lines and substations in
application of testing supplies, to the isolated accordance with the Electricity Act, 1985, is the
section. responsibility of the Controller, and will be varied
by him from time to time as required by the system
No switch of isolator connecting the isolated section
conditions and by the terms of any agreement
to the main supply system, with the exception of
entered into between the Authority and the owners
those for the agreed supplies, shall be operated
of the said interconnected stations.
without the direct sanction of the Controller.
(b) The output of other privately or publicly owned
All switches, isolators and/or earth connections
generating stations whose operations the Authority
within the isolated section shall be restored to their
has entered into agreement will also be supervised
original position prior to cancellation of Sanction-
by the Controller to the extent required by the
for-Test but any switches, isolators, or Circuit Main
relevant Agreements.
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 (c) Any person receiving instructions from the 14.0 General Safety Rules
Controller regarding station loading, voltage
adjustment, frequency control and associated 14.1 Work on High voltage Plant and Equipment
matters shall carry out the instructions without
No person shall carry out work (including maintenance,
undue delay and shall report back the completion of
repairs, cleaning and testing) on any part of high
the operations to the Controller.
voltage plant and equipment unless this part of the
(d) When any person receives instruction regarding load plant or equipment is:
allocation, he/she shall report any objection to the
(a) Dead;
carrying out of the instructions to the Controller who
v shall then have the matter investigated and if (b) Isolated and all necessary steps been taken to lock
necessary, referred to higher authority. off from live plant or equipment;
11.2 Recording of Load instruction: (c) Efficiently connected to earth at all points of
disconnection of supply to the plant or equipment, or
The Controller shall record in his/her log book or
between such points and the point(s) of work;
other approved form the time and nature of all loading
associated instructions issued by him/her, and may (d) Screened where necessary to prevent danger and
add such explanatory notes as he/she deems to be Caution and Danger Notices fixed;
necessary or useful.
(e) Released for work by the issue of a Permit-to-
Any person receiving load allocation instructions Work or Sanction-for-Test to a person who is fully
shall record in his/her log book or other approved conversant with the nature and extent of the work to
form the time and nature of all loading associated be done.
instructions.
It is the duty of the person issuing the Permit-to-
12.0 Telephone and Radio Messages Work or Sanction-for-Test to satisfy himself/herself
that the foregoing provisions are complied with.
Every telephone or radio message relating to
operation of High voltage system shall be written 14.2 Interference with Plant and Equipment:
down by its sender and receiver, without alteration
or abbreviation (other than those approved), together No person shall touch or interfere with high voltage
with a record of the time of receipt, and shall be read insulation which covers or supports any plant or
back by the receiver to the sender exactly as written equipment unless the plant or equipment is dead,
to ensure that it has been accurately received and isolated and earthed. This rule shall also apply for
understood. the purpose of testing, inspection, or other.

13.0 Failure of Supply 14.3 Fixing of Notices and, Barriers and Screens:

A failure of supply, from whatever cause, to or from (a) Work shall not be carried out on a Permit-to-Work
any part of the Authority's power system shall be or Sanction-for-Test on any plant or equipment
immediately reported to the Controller. which has been made dead and earthed until Caution
Notices have been attached to all points where such
During failures of supply all plant and equipment on plant or equipment can be made live. Danger
the circuit(s) affected shall be treated as being live. Notices shall also be attached to or placed adjacent
to live plant or equipment and at the limits of the
zones marked by screens/barriers in which work
C. SAFETY RULES may be carried out. Caution Notices, Danger
Notices, barriers and screens shall be fixed and
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 moved only by or under the supervision of a Senior (d) Where appropriate, copies of the Permit-to-Work
Authorised Person. or Sanction-for-Test shall be provided to the
official(s) of the other system(s).
(b) Where necessary, Danger Notices, barriers and
screens shall be attached to or placed adjacent to live 15.0 Access to High voltage Enclosures
plant and equipment and at the limits of area in
which work is to be carried out, before the issue of a 15.1 Enclosures containing High voltage Plant or
Limitation-of-Access. Equipment, Towers and Gantries:

14.4 Lock-out Boxes/Bars: Where provided all devices installed for prevention
of access to live plant or equipment shall be kept
Whenever boxes/bars fitted with locks are provided, locked. Keys to such devices shall be kept in key
they will be suitably located for the reception of cabinets where provided, or otherwise under the
keys which secure switches, barriers, spout shutters, direct control of the relevant Controller or Local
lockout equipment and other similar devices senior Official. No person, unless authorised, may
provided for the protection of men working under a have access to a live enclosure except that that
Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test. person and those under his/her supervision be in
possession of a Permit-to-Work, Sanction-for-Test.
14.5 Work on High Structures and Overhead Lines: Limitation-of-Access or Visitor’s Live Enclosure
Permit.
All persons while at work on poles and high
structures shall make proper use of their safety belts 15.2 Underground Chambers and Cable Galleries:
and other safety equipment, wear safety clothing and
shall be in visual range of the a second person. Smoking and exposed flames are strictly prohibited
in all underground chambers and cable galleries
Before any pole is climbed it shall be sounded or except where it is specifically permitted in writing.
tested. No pole badly impaired by decay or damage Entry to any such chambers and galleries is
shall be climbed until it has been supported by prohibited unless adequate precautions have been
approved means, and then only climbed by one taken (e.g. use of natural or forced ventilation) and
person. the consent of a Senior Authorised Person obtained.
Where dangerous fumes are liable to be present
14.6 Work on Plant and Equipment which can be
these precautions shall include testing for gas by
made Live from more than one System:
means of an approved detector.
(a) The Authority's Controller shall communicate and
Where one or more persons are required to remain in
agree with the official of other system(s) concerned
an underground chamber in which dangerous fumes
before any switching or earthing is carried out or a
are liable to be present, an extra person shall be kept
Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test is issued for
on duty outside the chamber and such person shall
work on plant or equipment which can be made live
keep in touch with the person(s) inside the chamber.
from more than one system.
If necessary, however, such person may enter the
(b) The conditions of rule 14.1 shall apply. chamber from time to time, although he/she shall not
remain inside for longer than necessary.
(c) The switching, earthing, deposit of lock-out keys in
lock-out boxes/bars and details of any Permit-to- 15.3 Access for Visitors:
Work or Sanction-for-Test issued shall be recorded
Visitors are not permitted inside any live enclosure,
at all centres concerned.
unless they are accompanied, without intermission,
by a Local Senior Official or Senior Authorised
Person of the Authority. Visitors will be required to
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 read and sign the Visitor’s Live Enclosure Permit Only approved appliances shall be used for the
thereby indemnifying the Authority against any purpose of earthing metal-clad switchgear. The
injury which may result. insertion of the hand or any tool into contact spouts
for this purpose is forbidden.
16.0 Earthing
17.0 Permit-to-Work and Sanction-for-Test
16.1 Plant or Equipment for Earthing:
17.1 Arrangements for Direct Issue:
When high voltage plant or equipment is to be earthed,
it shall be done:- (a) Permits-to-Work, Sanctions-for-Test and Live Line
Permits-to-Work shall be issued with the consent of
(a) By use of earthing switches or special equipment the Controller, who shall retain in his/her custody a
where provided, or, record of each Permit-to-Work, Sanction-for-Test
and Live Line Permit-to-Work issued.
(b) Where not provided by other approved means.
(b) Work shall not be carried out on the high voltage
When a circuit breaker is used to make the earth
plant or equipment until Permit-to-Work,
connection, then the tripping features shall be
Sanction-for-Test or Live Line Permit-to-Work
rendered inoperative, and if practicable the
has been signed and the copy handed by a Senior
mechanism shall be locked in the closed position.
Authorised Person to the person in charge of the
Earthing devices shall be of approved type and or work. The in charge of the work shall then read its
adequate current carrying capacity. Earthing devices contents to the Senior Authorised Person issuing
shall be examined for defects periodically and the Permit-to-Work, Sanction-for-Test or Live
always prior to use by a Senior Authorised Person. Line Permit-to-Work, sign the copy and its
original and retain the copy in his/her possession
16.2 Procedure for the use of Earthing Devices: until he/she has signed the clearance and return it to
the Senior Authorised Person.
(a) Earthing devices shall be connected to the earth
system before being secured to the phases. The (c) If the plant or equipment is interconnected with a
earthing connection shall only be secured to the high voltage metered consumer, or, at
phases by means of a link stick or other approved Interconnection Substations or Power Stations and
equipment and care must be taken to ensure that requires isolation or earthing, a Permit-to-Work or
good contact is made. Sanction-for-Test shall only be issued after the
Senior Authorised Person has obtained the
(b) All phases shall be earthed, even if work is to be signature of the official responsible for the plant or
carried out on one phase only. equipment or the earthing on Section 2 of the
Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test documents.
(c) Earthing devices shall not be applied in any busbar
chamber or compartment in which there is danger of (d) The person in charge of work to whom a Permit-
accidental contact of the devices with any live high to-Work is issued shall be a Competent Person
voltage equipment. and the work shall be carried out under his/her
immediate supervision. In the case of an overhead
(d) When removing earthing devices they shall be
line with all conductors dead, immediate supervision
disconnected from the phases first and the earth
shall be deemed to include the area between
system last.
additional earths.
16.3 Earthing Metal clad Switchgear:
In certain cases a Contractor's Representative will
the person in charge of the work, and in such cases
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 the issue of a Permit-to-Work to the Contractor's added to or deleted from a Worker's Declaration
Representative shall appoint him/her a Competent form without the reference to the Controller.
Person for the work covered by the Permit-to-Work.
17.4 Precautions during Progress of Work:
(e) No person in receipt of a Permit-to-Work,
Sanction-for-Test or Live Line Permit-to-Work (a) The plant or equipment isolated and earthed for
may leave the work area while work is in progress. work under the terms of a Permit-to-Work must
remain so until the Permit-to-Work has been
(f) A Permit-to-Work shall be issued to the cleared and cancelled.
Competent Person in charge of each independent
working party. (b) Should work for which a Permit-to-Work or
Sanction-for-Test has been issued be such that the
(g) Only one Sanction-for-Test may be issued on high plant or equipment may be put into commission
voltage plant or equipment at any one time and before its completion, then each time the work is
under no circumstances may a Permit-to-Work be suspended the Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-
in force on any high voltage plant or equipment Test shall be cancelled.
within the points of isolation specified on a
Sanction-for-Test. (c) The Senior Authorised Person in receipt of a
Sanction-for-Test shall be responsible for
17.2 Arrangements for Indirect Issue: coordinating all operations on the plant or
equipment isolated and earthed for testing and for
(a) In the case of work on plant or equipment, where, ensuring safety during the test in accordance with
owing to special circumstances or to the distances Rule 9.3.
involved the arrangements for direct issue of a
Permit-to-Work or Live Line Permit-to-Work 17.5 Procedure for Clearance and Cancellation after
would result in undue delay, the Permit-to-Work or Direct Issue:
Live Line Permit-to-Work may be issued by a
Senior Authorised Person with the consent of the (a) On completion of work (or stoppage by a Senior
Controller, in accordance with these Rules, and its Authorised Person) for which a Permit-to-Work
contents communicated by him/her to the has been issued:
Competent Person in charge of the work by radio
(i). All member of the working party engaged on the
or telephone.
work for which a Permit-to-Work, Live Line
(b) The Competent Person shall enter the details of the Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test has been
Permit-to-Work or Live Line Permit-to-Work in issued shall first sign off the Worker's Declaration
a Permit-to-Work book or other approved form.
document and shall read the contents to the Senior
(ii). The Competent Person in charge of work shall
Authorised Person for confirmation.
sign the clearance on all copies if practicable on
Rule 17.1 (a), (c), (d), (e) and (f) shall apply. his/her return to the Senior Authorised Person who
shall then obtain the consent of the Controller and
17.3 Worker's Declaration: cancel the Permit-to-Work.

All members of the working party engaged on work (b) When applicable, responsible official of the high
for which a Permit-to-Work or Live Line Permit-to- voltage metered consumer, or, the Interconnection
Work or Sanction-for-Test has been issued shall first Substation or Power Station shall sign Section 6 of
be shown the plant and equipment on which it is the Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test.
safe to work by the Permit-to-Work holder, and then
sig a Worker's Declaration form. Names may be
14
 (c) On completion of work (or stoppage by a Senior Cancelled Permits-to-Work or Live Line Permits-to-
Authorised Person) for which a Sanction-for-Test Work or Sanctions-for-Test or other approved
has been issued, the Senior Authorised Person documents, and copies thereof, shall be retained at
shall sign the clearance with the exceptions noted the centres concerned for period of one year from
and shall then obtain the consent of the con to cancel the date of cancellation.
the Sanction-for-Test document.
18.0 Limitation-of-Access
17.6 Procedure for Clearance and cancellation after
Indirect Issue: 18.1 Arrangements for Issue:

On completion of work (or stoppage by a Senior (a) The Limitation-of-Access will be issued by a Senior
Authorised Person) for which a Permit-to-Work has Authorised Person without reference to the
been issued, the Competent Person in charge of the Controller. The Controller will be notified as soon as
work shall ensure that additional earths and loose possible after issue and will record the issue in
gear are clear and shall then sign the clearance on his/her log or approved form.
his/her Permit-to-Work or other approved document.
(b) A Limitation-of-Access will be issued to a
He/she shall then communicate with the Senior
Competent Person who is in charge of work in the
Authorised Person holding the Permit-to-Work and
high voltage premises, the work being such as will
read section 4 to him/her. The sap shall inform the
not require the issue of a Permit-to-Work. The
Controller of the cancellation of the Permit-to-Work.
Limitation-of-Access will be signed by a Senior
17.7 Loss of Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test Authorised Person and the copy handed to the
Documents: Competent Person in charge of the work. The
Competent Person in charge of the work will the
In the vent of loss of Permit-to-Work or Live Line read the contents to the Senior Authorised Person
Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test held by a issuing the Limitation-of-Access, sign a the copy
person in charge of work the loss shall be reported and its original and retain the copy in his/her
immediately to the controller who will arrange for possession until he/she has signed the clearance on
its cancellation and replacement. all copies if practicable on his/her return to the
Senior Authorised Person.
17.8 Loss of Special Keys issued against Permit-to-
Work or Sanction-for-Test: (c) The work shall be carried out under the immediate
supervision of the Competent Person issued with the
All work covered by a Permit-to-Work or Sanction- Limitation-of-Access. The issue of a Limitation-of-
for-Test shall cease immediately on the loss of any Access to the Competent Person shall appoint
key(s) used to lock off plant or equipment that could him/her a Competent Person for the work covered
be used to make live the work area covered by the by the Limitation-of-Access.
Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test. The loss of the
keys shall immediately be reported to the Controller (d) No person in receipt of a Limitation-of-Access may
who shall immediately cancel such Permit-to-Work leave the site of work while work is in progress.
or Sanction-for-Test.
(e) A Limitation-of-Access shall be issued to a
The Controller shall make necessary arrangements Competent Person in charge of each independent
for replacement of the lock(s) and key(s) and shall working party.
then issue a new Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-
Test before work can resume. (f) A Limitation-of-Access shall be issued by Senior
Authorised Person to Competent Person in charge of
17.9 Disposal of Cancelled Permits-to-Work or work on medium or low voltage plant and
Sanctions-for-Test: equipment, dead or alive. Whenever practicable,
15
 however, the plant or equipment shall be made dead (a) When work is to be carried out in a Substation in
and isolated. When work is to be carried out on live which there are exposed high voltage conductors,
medium or low voltage plant or equipment the the, unless the whole plant or equipment is dead, the
relevant “Code of Practice” shall be followed and section which is to be made dead for work to be
the Limitation-of-Access shall be stamped “LIVE” carried out shall be defined as far as possible by the
use of barriers, notice boards or roping arranged so
18.2 Worker's Declaration: that the minimum clearance from the nearest
exposed live conductor to ground level or to any
All members of a working party engaged on work
platform or access way which may be required to be
for which a Limitation-of-Access has been issued
used shall be:
shall first sign a Worker's Declaration form. Names
may be added or deleted from a Worker's RATED VOLTAGE CLEARANCE
Declaration form without reference to the Senior
Authorised Person. Up to and including 33 kV 2.75 m

18.3 Procedure for Clearance and Cancellation: 66 kV 3.00 m

On completion of work (or stoppage by a Senior 88 kV 3.20 m

Authorised Person) for which a Limitation-of-
110 kV and 132 kV 3.50 m
Access has been issued the Competent Person in
charge of work shall sign the clearance. He/she shall 220 kV 4.50 m
immediately return the copy the Senior Authorised
Person who shall cancel the Limitation-of-Access 330 kV and 400 kV 5.50 m
the Controller will be informed of the cancellation The clearance of any intermediate rated voltage shall
and will record the cancellation in his/her log or be that applicable to the next higher rated voltage.
approved form.
(b) If the work is such that these clearances are not
18.4 Loss of Limitation-of-Access Document: sufficient to avoid danger, other approved means
shall be taken to provide the requisite degree of
In the event of loss of a Limitation-of-Access
safety.
document held by a Competent Person in charge of
work, the loss will be reported to the Senior 19.2 Use of Ladders and Long Objects:
Authorised Person who will arrange for its
cancellation and replacement. The action taken will (a) Ladders shall be of approved type and of no greater
be reported to the Controller. length than required for the work involved.

18.5 Disposal of Cancelled Limitation-of-Access (b) Ladders and other long objects shall not be used
Documents: without the approval of a Senior Authorised Person.
The movement and erection of such ladders and
Cancelled Limitation-of-Access and copies thereof shall objects shall be carried out only under the direct
be retained at the centres concerned for a period of supervision of the Competent Person in charge of
one year from the date of cancellation. the work and when moved at ground level they shall
be carried only in the horizontal position as near
19.0 Work in Substations and Switching Stations
ground as practicable.
Containing Exposed Live Conductors
(c) All portable ladders within substations or switching
19.1 Safety Clearance to Live Conductors:
stations when not in use shall be securely locked to a
suitable anchorage.

16
19.3 Movement of Cranes and other Plant or Caution Notices shall be attached at all points where
Equipment in a Substation: the plant or equipment can be made live.

The Senior Authorised Person shall be directly The Senior Authorised Person shall operate the lock
responsible for the positioning, erection and any reserved for his/her use and each recipient of a
subsequent movements of cranes or other plant or Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test shall use the
equipment within the substation. The cranes or other additional lock and retain the key in his/her
plant or equipment shall be connected to the possession until he/she clears the Permit-to-Work or
substation earthing system as soon as practicable. Sanction-for-Test and returns with it the key to a
Senior Authorised Person.
20.0 Work on Remotely or Automatically Controlled
Plant or Equipment (c) Danger Notices shall be attached to all live plant or
equipment adjacent to the work area.
20.1 Before work is carried out on remotely or
automatically controlled plant or equipment such as (d) The carrying out of the above-mentioned operations
circuit breakers, isolators, tap changing gear, or air shall be reported to the Controller and further
compressors, the automatic or remote control instructions received for carrying out the following:-
features shall first be rendered inoperative.
(i). The plant or equipment shall be checked to ensure
20.2 Before work is commences on Protection, that it is not live, where practicable by means of an
Communication, Computer based systems and any approved voltage indicator; the indicator itself being
other Control and Indication circuits, the consent of tested before and after verification.
the Controller must be obtained and precautions
taken to prevent accidental operations. (ii). It shall then be earthed at all points of isolation from
the supply, including points of isolation from the
21.0 Work on High Voltage Plant or Equipment other common neutral earthing equipment where
than Metal-Clad Switchgear Spouts and applicable, or between such points and the points of
Overhead Lines work.

Before any person is allowed to carry out any work, (e) If the work is such that operations (a) to (d) have
such as repairs or modifications or cleaning, on any been carried out at more than one station the Senior
high voltage plant or equipment other than metal- Authorised Person at each station shall lock the keys
clad switchgear spouts and overhead lines, the involved in lock-out box/bar, with a non-
following operations shall be carried out in strict interchangeable key and retain the key in his/her
sequence:- possession until he/she receives instruction from the
Controller to restore the plant or equipment to
(a) The plant or equipment shall be isolated from all service.
points of supply, including voltage and auxiliary
transformers and common neutral earthing (f) A Permit-to-Work or Sanction-for-Test shall then be
equipment from which the plant or equipment may issued.
become live.
(g) The plant or equipment shall be earthed by means of
(b) Circuit breakers, isolators, spout shutters, control additional earths at the points of work unless the
handles an safety devices shall be locked in position plant or equipment has been bodily removed from
by the keys provided for the purpose which shall be its normal live position. The application of
placed in appropriate lock-out box/bar if provided, additional earths is not required where these
except for those required under Rule 9.3. coincide with a circuit main earth, except when this
circuit main earth is an earth switch.

17
 (h) Circuit Main Earths may be removed under the (b) Where motor driven exciters are provided, the
terms of a Sanction-for-Test after which they shall switch controlling the motor shall be opened and
be immediately replaced or noted under locked.
“exceptions” when clearing the Sanction-for-Test.
(c) The field circuit switch shall be opened and locked.
22.0 Work on Metal-Clad Switchgear, Busbar, Feeder
and Transformer Spouts (d) The valves or gates controlling the prime mover
shall be locked in closed position.
When work is carried out on spouts, the following
operations shall be carried out in strict sequence:- (e) Caution Notices shall be attached at the points
referred to in (b), (c) and (d).
(a) The section of the busbars or circuit on which work
is to be carried out shall be made dead and shall be 24.0 Work on High Voltage Cables and Overhead
isolated from all points of supply. Lines

(b) The isolating devices and shutters of live spouts 24.1 High Voltage Cables:
shall be locked.
The provisions of Rule 21.0 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e),
(c) The carrying out of the above-mentioned operations (f)and (h) shall apply to work on high voltage cables
shall be reported to the Controller and further and in addition the following precautions shall be
instructions received for carrying out the following:- taken:-

(i). Where applicable the busbar or circuit shall be (a) When any high voltage cable is to be cut or joint
checked by means of an approved voltage indicator opened, a Senior Authorised Person shall satisfy
to verify that they are dead, the indicator itself being himself/herself that the cable has been made dead,
tested before and after the verification. identified and spiked to prove dead with an
approved device before the issue of a Permit-to-
(ii). Busbars – these shall be earthed with approved Work.
earthing equipment to the feeder spouts.
(b) No person after receiving a Permit-to-Work or
For the purpose of earthing metal-clad switchgear Sanction-for-Test shall work on, or in any way
approved appliances only shall be used. The interfere with, any high voltage cable, conduit,
insertion of the hand or any tools into spouts for this trough or trench containing a high voltage cable
purpose is forbidden. until personally instructed at the point of work by a
Senior Authorised Person.
(d) The operation set out in Rule 21.0 (b), (c), (f) and
(h) shall also be carried out. 24.2 Overhead lines:

23.0 Work on High Voltage Windings of Generators 24.2.1 Towers with all conductors Dead:
and directly connected Unit Transformers
The provisions of Rule 21.0 shall apply to work on
Work on high voltage windings of generators and overhead lines with all conductors dead and in
directly connected unit transformers shall be carried addition the following precautions shall be taken:-
out as far as practicable in accordance with the
requirements of Rule 21.0 and the following (a) At each station involved the Senior Authorised
additional precautions shall be take;- Person shall check the identity of the circuit at the
point of isolation and report to the Controller.
(a) The generator shall be at rest or on barring. He/she shall also lock the lockout box/bar if
provided at the station with a non-interchangeable
key, and retain the key in his/her possession until
18
 he/she receives instructions from the Controller to members of the working party that it is no longer
restore the plant or equipment to service. The safe to work on the tower and shall then remove the
Permit-to-Work shall then be issued. barriers, notice boards, roping or pennant defining
the working area. While removing the barriers etc.,
(b) Each person who may have to climb a tower shall be the Competent Person shall be under observation by
provided with a wristlet marked with the circuit another person at ground level.
designation of the line on which work is to be
carried out and shall wear it in such a manner that it 24.2.3 Double Circuit Overhead Lines with one Circuit
will be, at all times, readily visible to the wearer. Live:

The person who will be in charge at each tower shall When work similar to that covered by Rule 24.2.1
be provided with a green flag and shall place the has to be carried out on double circuit overhead lines
green flag in such a suitable position before with one of the circuits live the provisions of Rule
allowing any person to ascend the tower. 24.2.2 shall apply, and the following precautions
shall be taken:-
(c) Where practicable, the circuit shall be checked at the
point of work by an approved voltage indicator to After placing in position a green flag, on the dead
verify that it is dead, the indicator itself tested before side of the tower, and before any other person is
and after verification. The conductors shall then be allowed access to the tower, the Competent Person
earthed with additional earths by the Competent in charge at the point of work shall climb the tower
Person at both sides of the point of work, and in case on the dead side, and shall efficiently connect to
shall the additional earths be more than six spans earth each individual conductor on that side. He/she
apart. shall the affix red pennants on the crossarms
supporting the live conductors at the junction of
24.2.2 Towers Carrying Live Conductors: these crossarms with the tower body. The
conductors shall remain earthed throughout the
Work above the ant-climbing devices on towers
progress of work and the earths shall and pennants
carrying live conductors shall be permitted only
shall be removed only after all members of the
under the following conditions:-
working party have descended the tower on
(a) The work shall be carried out under the terms of a completion of the work. While affixing or removing
Limitation-of-Access. the earths and the red pennants, the Competent
Person in charge shall be under observation by
(b) Before anyone is allowed to start work, the another person at ground level.
Competent Person in charge at each tower shall
define the area to be worked in by removable 24.2.4 Poles Carrying Live Conductors:
barriers, notice boards, roping or pennants arranged
Work on poles supporting live conductors shall not
to prevent any person working on the tower within
be carried out until the provisions of Rule 14.5 are
specified distances specified in Rule 19.1 (a). While
satisfied. No person shall work in on any pole which
defining the working area the Competent Person in
supports both LV and HV conductors for the
charge shall be under observation by another person
purpose of working on the LV conductors unless:-
at ground level.
(i). The safety clearances specified in Rule 19.1 (a) are
(c) No person shall work in such a manner that his/her
satisfied and he/she is in receipt of a Limitation-of-
arms or any tool extend beyond the limit defined in
Access; or
sub paragraph (b).
(ii).All conductors supported by the pole are covered by
(d) Upon completion or cessation of the work the
a permit to work.
Competent Person in charge shall inform all
19
 In cases where several HV circuits are supported by air, shall be carried out under the following
the same pole, all circuits concerned shall be conditions:-
covered by a Permit-to-Work before work
commences on the pole. (a) High voltage plant or equipment, after having been
isolated, shall be earthed by a Senior Authorised
24.3 Adverse Weather Conditions: Person or a Competent Person acting under his
immediate supervision.
In the event of approach of a lightning storm all
work on overhead lines shall cease immediately, and (b) (i) The valves containing the supply of air to the
the Controller shall be informed. plant or equipment shall be closed and the air
released from the associated receivers and pipe work
25.0 Testing of High Voltage Plant or Equipment which shall be left open to the atmosphere.

(a) (i) Pressure tests, or any A.C. testing at (ii) The valves shall be locked in position and the
pressures above 15 volts, shall be carried out under keys retained by the Senior Authorised Person. If
the terms of a Sanction-for-Test. A.C. testing at this is not practicable, other approved methods shall
pressures below 15 volts shall be carried out under be used.
the terms of a Sanction-for-Test or under the terms
of a Permit-to-Work already in force. In the latter (iii) A Permit-to-Work shall be issued to the
case prior agreement shall be reached between the Competent Person in charge of the work.
Controller, the Senior Authorised Person carrying
out the testing and the holder of the Permit-to-Work 26.2 Maintenance Testing:
and details will be logged at the Control centre and
Maintenance testing on high voltage plant or
site of work. The Senior Authorised Person shall
equipment operated by or containing compressed air
ascertain from the Controller that no other Permit-
shall be carried out under the terms of a Sanction-
to-Work has been issued on the plant or equipment
for-Test.
other than the Permit-to-Work under which the
testing is to be carried out. 26.3 Operational Testing and Adjustments:
(ii) D.C. test equipment shall be used under the Operational testing on high voltage plant or
supervision of a Senior Authorised Person under the equipment operated by or containing compressed air
terms of a Sanction-for-Test. shall be carried out under the direct supervision of a
Senior Authorised Person under the provisions of
(b) All cables shall be discharged before and after the
Rule 14.1.
application of test voltage.
27.0 Work on High Voltage Plant or Equipment and
(c) Test leads shall be of an adequate size and be easily
Ancillary plant or equipment Containing
visible.
Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) gas
26.0 Work on High Voltage Plant or Equipment
(a) For any plant or equipment containing sulphur
operated by or containing compressed air
hexafluoride gas the relevant operating instructions
26.1 Work other than Maintenance Testing or must be available at the point of the work stating the
Operational Testing and Adjustments: method of dealing with the gas and associated
compounds. The plant or equipment shall bear the
Work other than maintenance testing or operational label stating that it contains sulphur hexafluoride.
testing and adjustments on high voltage plant or
equipment operated by, or containing compressed (b) The requirements of Rule 26.0 shall apply. In
addition the following special precautions shall be
20
 taken when any work involves access to any part of equipment the automatic control shall be rendered
the plant or equipment which is , or has been in inoperative and the equipment left on hand control
contact with the gas or associated compounds:- and a Caution Notice to that effect shall be attached.

(i). The plant or equipment shall be isolated from all (b) The automatic control shall be restored immediately
sources of supply of gas, purged in accordance with after the person engaged on the work or inspection
the relevant operating instructions and the associated has withdrawn from the protected enclosures.
receivers and pipe work left open to the atmosphere.
(c) The rendering inoperative of the automatic control
(ii). Where possible valves shall be locked by special and the placing of Caution Notices shall be noted on
safety locks. any Permit-to-Work or Limitation-of-Access issued
for the work in the protected enclosure.
(iii). Caution Notices shall be attached to the valves.
29.2 General:
(iv). A Permit-to-Work shall be issued to the Competent
Person in charge of the work, Limitation-of-Access (a) Contact with some chemicals used in fire protection
when the plant or equipment has been bodily equipment may be dangerous, and in such cases
removed from the circuit. notice to that effect shall be displayed adjacent to
the plant or equipment.
(c) Approved protective clothing, respirators, eye
shields and safe handling equipment shall be (b) Portable fire fighting equipment shall not be used on
provided and used where danger may arise from gas electrical plant or equipment unless such plant or
or associated compounds in accordance with the equipment has been disconnected from the supply.
relevant operating instructions.
(c) Portable CO2 dry chemicals and other approved
28.0 Work in Oil Tanks electrical fire extinguishers may be used in the
vicinity of live electrical plant or equipment
(a) No person shall enter a vessel which has been provided that in the handling of the extinguishers the
emptied of oil or any other inflammable substance safety clearances specified in Rule 19.1 are
until a Senior Authorised Person is satisfied that all maintained. After the discharge of portable CO2 or
dangerous vapours have been expelled. other approved electrical fire extinguishers in a
confined space, the operator shall leave the space
(b) Smoking and exposed flames are prohibited in the
until the precautions set out in (d) have been taken.
vicinity of open vessels containing or which have
contained oil or any other flammable substance until (d) After any fire, or after the discharge of CO2 or other
precautions specified id in (c) have been taken. approved electrical fire extinguishers in an enclosed
space, the space shall be thoroughly ventilated
(c) Work on such vessels particularly the application of
before entry or suitable breathing equipment shall be
heat is forbidden until all practical steps have been
won if entry is necessary before the gases have been
taken to prevent fire or explosion either by removal
cleared.
of the inflammable substance and any other fumes
or by rendering them non-explosive and non- (e) Treatment of electric Shock
flammable.
(f) All persons who may be concerned with the
29.0 Fire Protection Equipment operations of, and work on, the Authority’s plant
and equipment shall make themselves conversant
29.1 Automatic Control:
with the treatment of electric shock.
(a) Before work or inspections are carried out in any
enclosure protected by automatic fire extinguishing
21