IOSH Electrical Safety in the Food industry Case study: LV Electrical safety rules. Jackie Wooldridge Governance H&S Adviser 18th Nov 2010

Transcription

1 IOSH Electrical Safety in the Food industry Case study: LV Electrical safety rules Jackie Wooldridge Governance H&S Adviser 18th Nov 2010

2 Northern Foods who are we? Northern Foods makes great tasting food. We produce outstanding branded and retailer own label ready meals, sandwiches and salads, pizza, biscuits and puddings. With revenues of nearly 1 billion, we employ around 9,500 people at sites across the UK and Ireland. 3 year objective is to sustain steady top and bottom line growth

3 Our electrical safety journey. Part 1 Motivation Part 2 In practice Part 3 Implementation

4 Our electrical safety journey. Part 2 In practice Steering group Electrical safety rules Electrical safety Guidance

5 Electrical safety rules Principal requirements: DEAD WORKING Special circumstances: LIVE WORKING Electrical safety rules Electrical safety Guidance PROCEDURES COMPETENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES

6 Electrical safety guidance Procedures batteries, substation access etc. Approved tools & equipment Authorisatio n Electrical safety rules Electrical safety Guidance Low voltage PTW Electrical live working RA & sanctions

7 Our electrical safety journey. Part 3 Implementation Assess risks Hardware Staff Procedures Panels Assessment Rules & Guidance Tools & equipment Authorisation LV electrical permit Risk assess & sanction

8 Assessment of electrical panels What we covered? Exposure to direct contact (IP2X) Network labelling Operating identifications Access, egress and lighting Operation of isolator Panel wiring Power of panel Panel security

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10 Outcome from risk assessment Categorise control panels Red not in accordance with IP2X standards Green in accordance with IP2X Isolation Procedure (Green/ Red Panels) Live testing procedure ( Green/ Red Panels) Safe system of work for live testing

11 Panel labelling Sheet 8 Briefing H & S 13 Version 1.0 DANGER NO LIVE WORKING IN THIS PANEL

12 Our electrical safety journey. Part 3 Implementation Assess risks Hardware Staff Procedures Panels Assessment Rules & Guidance Tools & equipment Authorisation LV electrical permit Risk assess & sanction

13 The right - Tools & equipment GS 28 voltage tester & proving unit Extendable barriers 1000v screw driver and plier set & gloves Insulated matting

14 The right - Tools & equipment Breaker MCB Fuse Caution notices Plug Light switch

15 Maintain records of approved equipment

16 Our electrical safety journey. Part 3 Implementation Assess risks Hardware Staff Procedures Panels Assessment Rules & Guidance Tools & equipment Authorisation LV electrical permit Risk assess & sanction

17 Competency is a key area. 68% Inadequate working practices/safe systems of work not in place/employer not provided safe working procedures 19% Failure to maintain 13% Miscellaneous

18 Definition What is competence? The ability to do something well Cambridge Dictionary definition What is competence? Combination of attitude, knowledge & skill Jackie Wooldridge definition

19 Challenge Provide clarity on competency requirements to carry out electrical isolation and lock off Confirm what restrictions are applicable to multi skilled engineers and non electrical engineers Consider what competencies contractors must have Confirm who is authorised to carry out electrical isolation and lock off S K A T E Skills Understand any gaps in the skill set Knowledge Have a minimum baseline Attitude Key ingredient for any safe working system Training Collect evidence of formal qualifications Experience Create CV for each engineer

20 Assessment process Create employees CV to include: - Formal qualifications - Experience - Portfolio evidence Deliver specific training on the LV safety rules Undertake competence assessment with defined pass rate (80%) Pass for isolation and lock off procedure 100% Duty holder to issue with LV Certificate of competence

21 Competency Review Electrical Maintenance Assessment Questionnaire 1. What is electricity? A pressure difference Power in a circuit Resistance in a circuit A form of energy 2. An insulator increases current flow increases voltage allows current to flow prevents current flow

22 Our electrical safety journey. Part 3 Implementation Assess risks Hardware Staff Procedures Panels Assessment Rules & Guidance Tools & equipment Authorisation LV electrical permit Risk assess & sanction

23 Working Near Live Conductors Assessed typical activities and have defined rules Activity IP2X Fault Finding Electrician Multi Skilled Contractor 2 nd Authorised Person 2 nd Person PTW RA MS Remarks IP0X Fault Finding IP0X Fault Finding and high fault levels Sanction to Test IP0X Fault Finding and Working at height Sheet 5 Briefing H & S 13 Version 1.0

24 Electrical safe working practices - immediate actions 1 of 2 Inspect and classify panels according to their potential risk Make sure shrouding is in place if not implement programme to replace/upgrade WHEN THE PANEL IS DEAD Only allow electricians access to high risk panels Review competence of your employees undertaking electrical work qualifications, experience, self assessment (including multi-skilled) use templates to document Based on above assessments define type of electrical work each individual can undertake Ask about the competence of the electrical contractors you use Review the live work you undertake is there anything obviously unnecessary? Carry out dynamic risk assessments for engineering and electrical tasks

25 Electrical safe working practices - immediate actions 2 of 2 Purchase correct test equipment Ensure all panels/substations locked Show isolation and lock off DVD to those undertaking electrical work NICEIC Make sure have correct type of lock off devices for your circumstances Use caution and danger notices as defined in the rules

26 Conclusions Developing the rules helps give clarity Things which were once acceptable can be challenged as part of the process To implement properly requires an improvement plan It is a journey..

27 Other resources Electrical safety dvd Safety Media %2ehtml&WD=electrical%20safety&SHOP=%20&PN=Safety_Products_Electrical_Safety_DVD_167% 2ehtml%23aESDVD1#aESDVD1 NICEIC Safe isolation procedures dvd Fluke electrical testing DVD Joint Industry Board electrical competency scheme (ecs) Reece Safety, Manchester Isolation and lock out web site