Best Practices for Working with Energized Lines

Autor: Dave Yeoman CHSC Date: Wednesday, September 4th, 2013

Introduction
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I would like to thank the COGE Foundation for extending an invitation to PowerStream and myself to attend this important event focused on Health and Safety I would also like to thank the Leal Industrial & Commercial and Salisbury Honeywell for their sponsorship of this session

PowerStream Inc
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PowerStream is an energy services company providing power and related solutions to more than 355,000 customers in central Ontario

Our Values
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Who are we?

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Service area of over 800 square kilometers Total Assets of 987 million dollars System Reliability Index of 99.99 % Net Income of 30 million dollars (CAN)

Definitions and Terms

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Tailboard Conference:
A documented safety discussion that takes place on the job site by the work crew Defines the job steps, identifies the hazards present at the work site and may be created during the job, and the barriers and protection the crew will use to complete the work safely

Definitions and Terms

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Live Line Work:

Live Line Tool:
Trabalho Distncia com Bastes

Rubber Glove Techniques:

Trabalho ao Contato

Bare Hand Techniques:

Trabalho ao Potencial

Working Safely on Energized (Live) Lines

PowerStream performs work on energized, overhead conductors on all our distribution voltages: LLT & RUBBER GLOVE TECHNIQUES
120 to 647 volts (secondary service wires) 2.4 to 16.0 kV distribution circuits

BAREHAND TECHNIQUES
44 kV sub-transmission circuits

Preamble 9 My presentation today is designed to give you some insight on how PowerStream has reduced the risk of working on energized circuits (live line) and thereby reduced the number of injuries to our workers
Some of the methods we use may not be new to you

I hope you will see value in the initiatives I show you today

How We Safely Perform Live Line Work at PowerStream Performing the Work

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Working safely is the result of a number of safety initiatives designed to reduce the risk

Foundation
Working safely begins with a good foundation of qualified workers

Influence from the Top

Management directly influences safe work

Agenda

Live Line Work

< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand

Methods for Reducing Risk Performing the Work

Live Line Work

< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand Description of this graphic and how it will be used to illustrate the methods we use to reduce risk in LLW

Procedures and Rules

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RULE: Safe Conditions for Work

No work shall be done on electrical apparatus, or systems which may have electrical, dynamic or potential energy, unless safe conditions for work are provided by one of the following methods:
the apparatus is isolated and de-energized in accordance with lock-out / tag-out OR Live Line (e.g. Rubber Glove) Techniques are used This rule is a corner stone to safe work

Lock-out / Tag-out
PowerStreams Utility Work Protection Code

Lock-out / Tag-out
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We use our Utility Work Protection Code for situations when we need to work on circuits that are isolated and grounded
Guaranteed OPEN devices are locked and/or tagged

Controlling Authority
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The centralised Control Room has operating control over all switchable devices They receive applications for the establishment of work protection from the various trades groups They write the switching orders and establish the isolated zone with field support

Establishing Work Protection

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The Trade groups establish work protection by operating the switchable devices and placing tags and, when possible, locks This is done under the direction of the Control Room Trade groups test for potential and apply temporary grounds

Lock-out / Tag-out
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De-energizing grounds must be visible to the worker at all times If they can not see a set of grounds, then they must install another set at their work location

Bracket and Point of Work Grounds

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Circuit is isolated and tagged

Bracket and Point of Work Grounds

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WORK B LOCATION WORK LOCATION A

Circuit is potential tested and then Bracket Grounds are installed

Bracket and Point of Work Grounds

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WORK B LOCATION WORK LOCATION A

Point of Work Grounds are installed if Bracket Grounds are out of sight

Lock-out / Tag-out
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All apparatus that has been isolated using Lock-out / Tagout must be potential tested and grounds installed before work is begun

Methods for Reducing Risk Performing the Work

Live Line Work

< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand

Rubber Glove Rule

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PowerStream employees comply with the Ground to Ground, Lock to Lock, Boom Rest to Boom Rest Rule It states they can not leave the ground or open or enter an cabinet or enclosure unless we have on the appropriate class of rubber glove
This rule is another of our corner stones to safe work

Rubber Glove Rule

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We have the appropriate class gloves whenever we climb a pole with spurs, go aloft in an aerial device or open an enclosure, like a padmount transformer Compliance with this one rule has saved lives and reduced the number of serious injuries significantly

Methods for Reducing Risk Performing the Work

Live Line Work

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< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand

Job Planning and Tailboard Conference Discussion Job Planning

Every job is pre-planned Pre-planning includes a documented Tailboard Discussion between all the crew members All crew members participate in this important job safety process

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Conducting a Tailboard Conference Discussion The crew gathers at the job site and together discuss:
The Job Steps and who is doing which part of the job Job Hazards and the Barriers used to reduce risk of hazard causing injury

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Conducting a Tailboard Conference Discussion Once crew agrees on the safe work methods (job steps) and what barriers will be used, they put their signature on the documented TBC sheet

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Documented Tailboard Conference Discussion TBC Sheets

Job Description Have we considered? Major Job Hazards and Barrier selection Job Steps and Hazards and Barriers Crew Sign-off Change Management

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Documented Tailboard Conference Discussion TBC Sheets

Emergency Plan Traffic Worker Protection Plan Additional Job Planning Notes Supervisor Check and Sign-off

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Methods for Reducing Risk Performing the Work

Live Line Work

< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand
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Safe Limits of Approach

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Cover-up is used when the Safe Limits of Approach cannot be maintained

Safe Limits of Approach

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Insulated Cover-up and Live Line Techniques required in Restricted Zone

Use of Protective Insulated Cover-up All PowerStream crews and Contractors must adhere to Safe Limits of Approach and the use of Protective Cover-up
Here a Contractor works near a transformer

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Use of Protective Insulated Cover-up 50 kV hard plastic cover-up

Used on 44 kV circuits

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Class 2 and 4 rubber blankets and hoses are use on 2.4 kV to 16 kV apparatus

Use of Protective Insulated Cover-up Pole replacement near existing underground cable pole Rubber hoses and blankets are installed to provide required clearances

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Conductor Stringing
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Cover-up is installed Pole Guard is installed Rubber Gloves are worn

Switchgear Installation
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Rubber Gloves are worn Hoses are applied Insulator Hoods are installed

Barehand 44 kV Switch Installation Barehand Methods being used Cover-up and Hoses are applied Insulator Hoods are installed

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Methods for Reducing Risk Performing the Work

Live Line Work

< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand
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Arc and Flash Resistant Clothing Shirts, Pants, and Coveralls are supplied to all tradespeople Category 2 and 4

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Arc and Flash Resistant Clothing Contractors are also required to have their workers wear Arc and Flash Resistant Clothing

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Personal Protective Equipment Flash Protection for Face and Eyes are also provided Flash resistant hard hats are also provided

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Arc and Flash Resistant Clothing

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Arc and Flash Resistant Clothing even comes in Winter Clothing for temperatures to minus 40 Celsius

Investment in Equipment
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PowerStream invests in high quality safety equipment and vehicles

Investment in Equipment
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PowerStream believes safety and efficiencies begin with high quality tools and equipment

How We Safely Perform Live Line Work at PowerStream Performing the Work

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Working safely is the result of a number of safety initiatives designed to reduce the risk

Foundation
Working safely begins with a good foundation of qualified workers

Influence from the Top

Management directly influences safe work

Building A Foundation of Competency Competency and a High Level of Skill is essential for safe live line work Live Line Work
< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand

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A Great Foundation College Training Program Powerline Technician 2 year Co-op College Training Program
This skills based program offers a unique opportunity for students to prepare for all facets of the distribution powerline trade

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A Great Foundation Starts with College Courses Powerline Technician 2 year Co-op College Training Course

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Students are registered as Powerline Technician Apprentices with the Provincial Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and the Ontario College of Trades The 2 year training course is sponsored and supported financially by government and the energy distribution companies in Ontario

A Great Foundation Starts with College Courses The 2 year training course teaches students overhead and underground line work

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A Great Foundation continues with Apprenticeship Training Apprentices register with the government sponsored, 4 year, Powerline Technician Apprenticeship Program

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A Great Foundation continues with Apprenticeship Training The 4 year Apprenticeship includes:
Six weeks of PowerStream Indoctrination Training Course Four two week Apprenticeship Training delivered at the Ontario Line Trade Training Centre (MEARIE) 8000 hours of documented, on-the job field learning and mentoring

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A Great Foundation continues with Apprenticeship Training

Every Contractor is required to hire qualified tradespeople or Apprentices who are registered with the government sponsored, 4 year, Apprenticeship Program

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A Great Foundation continues with Apprenticeship Training Contractor employees too must complete the Apprenticeship:
Four two week Apprenticeship Training Sessions 8000 hours of field learning and mentoring

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Line Training Matrix Continuing Education

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PowerStream Qualified Trades people complete 2 weeks of training every year based on a six year rolling training matrix The training matrix is a comprehensive list of mandatory courses every tradesperson must complete through-out their careers

Line Training Matrix Continuing Education PowerStream only hires Contractor who can prove their Qualified Tradespeople complete a comprehensive list of mandatory courses Training records are provided to PowerStream to show this on-going skills training is completed by all tradespeople of the contractor

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Our Contractors have highly skilled Tradespeople

It is a requirement of PowerStream that our contractors work to our high standards, follow our rules and procedures and use the same safety equipment and PPE

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How We Safely Perform Live Line Work at PowerStream Performing the Work

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Working safely is the result of a number of safety initiatives designed to reduce the risk

Foundation
Working safely begins with a good foundation of qualified workers

Influence from the Top

Management directly influences safe work

Leadership and Compliance

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Live Line Work

< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand

Strong Message from the Executive Team The Executive Team speaks with workers on a regular basis Safety meetings and Town Hall Meetings are used to communicate a strong safety message

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Leadership and Compliance

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Live Line Work

< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand

H&S Steering Committee

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The Health and Safety Department meet on a regular basis with the H&S Steering Committee (Exec. Members) They are presented with reports on on-going safety initiatives and results They provide direction and approval for new safety initiatives The report to Board of Governors on results of safety record and initiatives

Leadership and Compliance

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Live Line Work

< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand

Pro-active Investigations
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PowerStream has a Pro-Active approach to safety investigations and the subsequent improvements Employees are encouraged to report on Hazard Concerns and Near Misses

Pro-active Investigations
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Both of these reports are investigated as if the event actually happened But since no event occurred this is a Proactive approach to working safer We dont wait for an injury or worse to occur We continually promote the Pro-Active reporting of events and hazards This has lead to a reduction of actual injury events by 56% since 2010

Pro-active Investigations
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Only 13% of investigations are reactive over 85% are Pro-Active

Near Misses 25% Injury 13% Hazard Concerns 62%

Leadership and Compliance

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Live Line Work

< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand

Site Visits and Inspections

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PowerStream employees in Managerial and Supervisory positions perform documented site inspections of work sites, facilities, and work equipment to ensure employees and contractors are working in compliance with the OHSA, applicable regulations, rules, policies, procedures and best practices

Documented Site Visits and Inspections

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Every year over 2500 documented site visits are conducted on our work crews as well as our contractors work crews

Site Visits and Inspections

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Managers and supervisors take an active role and fulfill their due diligence obligations by ensuring their employees and contract employees are working safely Completion of a mandatory number of visits are part of Managers and Supervisors financial incentives

Site Visits and Inspections

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PowerStream employees and Contractors are expected to work safely AND they have regular safety visits from their supervisor, manager, director, and various members of the executive team

Inspection Items
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PPE, Safety Equipment, and Vehicles Job Planning Folder and TBC documentation Barriers used to protect workers

Site Visits and Inspections

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Monthly totals of completed site inspections are displayed on the Health and Safety Dashboard

Small Incentive Big Reward

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If a crew does well during a site visit safety audit they each get a $5 Tim Horton Coffee Shop gift card Crews now strive to get this incentive It is the pat on the back they want from their supervisor, manager and CEO They boast to others when they get one

Conclusion

Live Line Work

< 750 Volts Rubber Glove Barehand

How We Safely Perform Live Line Work at PowerStream Performing the Work

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Working safely is the result of a number of safety initiatives designed to reduce the risk

Foundation
Working safely begins with a good foundation of qualified workers

Influence from the Top

Management directly influences safe work

Success is Celebrated
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We celebrate our success of having another safe year

Thank you for listening

Dave Yeoman PowerStream