Safe Isolation!

[MarkieSparkie]

EAWR 1989, Regulation 14a is statutory and absolute (no exceptions) states "No person shall be engaged in any work activity on or near any live conductor (other than one suitably covered with insulating material so as to prevent danger) that danger may arise unless - a) it is unreasonable in all circumstances for it to be dead; and b) it is reasonable in all the circumstances for him to be at work on or near it while it is live; and c) suitable precautions (including where necessary the provision of suitable protective equipment) are taken to prevent injury. Such work is permitted only if conditions a) and b) and c) are satisfied, ‘Work’ is not confined to electrical work but includes any work activity.”
[FONT=&quot]HSE, Guidance Note GS38, conveniently paraphrases the salient points of Regulation 14a, “No live working unless:- (i) it is unreasonable to work dead; AND (ii) it is reasonable to work live; AND (iii) suitable precautions are taken to prevent injury. Live work permitted only if (i) AND (ii) AND (iii) satisfied.
[/FONT]Therefore proving a approved voltage indicators MUST be done on a proving unit (a known voltage source) and NOT on a known LIVE voltage supply (e.g. live side of the isolated main switch, that many electricians mistakenly believe it is acceptable) as this contravenes EAWR 1989 Regulation 14a, the very reason you are required to carry out safe isolation in the first place.

 

[Skimpy Wan]

I know that this thread is being resurrected after almost 2 years, so I apologise.

I just wanted to double-check that for an annual inspection you need to have a separate Voltage Detector with a Proving Unit and you cannot use a Proving Unit with a T5-1000 / Volt Alert etc to evidence safe isolation? If so, I guess I’ll be ordering these tomorrow with a new Lock Out Kit.

Thanks in advance.

 

[markc123]

Do you mean for an elecsa (others avaiable) type annual inspection...if so, you don't need an actual proving unit, aslong as your tester has a built in proving unit which pretty much all do nowadays.

 

[Skimpy Wan]

I am going to be registering with a scheme provider within the next couple of weeks (before the Part-P regulations / criteria changes), but I am not sure whether my Fluke T5-1000 unit is adequate or whether I need something like the Martindale VI 13700/2 Contact Voltage Detector and Martindale PD440 Proving Unit set - I am thinking of going NICEIC if that makes any difference?

 

[frank3323]

google - ESC best practice guide 12 easy steps for isolation, its on page 17, isolation steps. while you are there google - RS - voltage indicator / proving unit, made by martindale, also lock out kit. i must say it amazes me that any electrician in work today does not have basic safety equipment for safe isolation, never mind unsure of how to do it! if i even looked at a supply without an AP written safe system of work in place, a permit and all the right gear i would be down the road!

 

[Skimpy Wan]

Thanks for the reply. I've always 1st and 2nd fixed new builds, but I'm wanting to go on a register with a scheme, so that I can continue on my way to full competency / qualification status.

In addition, I received this email from the NICEIC today:

"Some time ago you enquired about joining the NICEIC and I thought I would take a minute to go through some of our past enquiries to let you know about some upcoming changes that have been put in place.
As of April 6th 2013, the requirements to join a competent person’s scheme with any of the scheme providers will change. At the moment the only qualification required to join a scheme is a 17th edition. This will be changing to a range of different qualifications depending on what work or experience you have had.

This may mean that you are able to join a scheme at the moment but not be qualified enough to join after the 6th of April.
If you were to make an application to us before April then you would be absolutely fine on just the 17th edition qualification.

The new IET Document that has the changes in can be found here:
http://electrical.------.org/building-regulations/eas/index.cfm"