What is the EAWR 1989
A statutory document that requires people in control of electrical systems to ensure they’re safe to use and maintained in a safe condition
What are the defenitions of different injuries in EAWR 1989:
Electric shock: This is because of electrical current passing through the body.
Electric burn: The heating effect caused by the flow of electrical current.
Fires of electrical origin: Created by the overheating of cables and electrical equipment etc
Electric arcing: Creating ultraviolet radiation which can cause damage to skin and molten metal particles burning into flesh.
Explosions initiated or caused by electricity: Rupturing of electrical equipment such as motors and power cables etc.
What is a permit to work
A specialized written safe system of work that ensures potentially dangerous work on HV systems or complex LV systems is done safely
What are the essential features of a permit to work
- Identification of the types of work considered hazardous.
- Clearly identify who may authorize jobs and who is responsible for specifying the necessary precautions
- Only be issued by a technically competent person who is authorized by the employer.
- Monitoring and auditing to ensure that the PTW system works as intended.
- Provision of training and instruction in the use and closure of permits.
What should a permit to work clearly state?
- Serial number.
- The position all locks have been placed.
- Description of work being carried out.
- Any diagrams.
- Signature of authorized engineer, time and date.
- Signature of recipients accepting responsibility.
- The points at which the system has been isolated.
- Where caution notices have been placed
- Name of person in charge of the work which the permit is issued to.
- Declaration that the equipment is dead, isolated from live conductors, and earthed where necessary.
What is the purpose of a risk assessment:
A risk assessment must form a part of an employers H&S policy. An assessment of risks is nothing more than a careful examination of what in your work could cause harm to people. It is a record that shows whether sufficient precautions have been taken to prevent harm.
What are the 5 steps to carry out a risk assessment
(according to the HSE)
- Identify the hazards
- Decide who might be harmed and how.
- Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions.
- Record your findings and implement them.
- Review the RA and update if necessary.
What is a Method Statement
Method Statements describe a SSOW laid out in a logical sequence.
They are generally in writing but can be illustrated where applicable.
Method statements must be clear and uncomplicated and are for the benefit of the person carrying out the work and their supervisors.
They include the risks identified in the RA and measures to control them
- Must be regularly reviewed to accommodate changes in work.
