Network Safety Rules and Access Policy

Purpose. This policy sets out how Gridworks applies the electricity supply industry safety rules of its clients and its own rules for working on, near or in the vicinity of electrical apparatus.

1.Purpose and scope

Gridworks workers perform work on high voltage and low voltage apparatus that can kill instantly. This policy applies to every employee, contractor and visitor at any network site, substation, rail corridor or depot. It adopts the client network safety rules for each network and sets the business's own minimum requirements where the rules differ.

2.Fundamental rules

No person will work on or near electrical apparatus unless they are authorised for that work, an access authority or permit has been issued where the rules require it, the apparatus has been isolated, proven de-energised and earthed for de-energised work, and a tailgate briefing has been held. Apparatus is treated as live until these steps are complete.

• Only authorised persons perform or direct work on apparatus
• Access authority or permit before work on or near apparatus
• Isolate, prove de-energised and earth before de-energised work
• Safe approach distances maintained at all times
• Stop work and re-brief when anything changes

3.Safe approach distances

Workers must not approach, or bring any object closer than, the safe approach distance for the voltage of the apparatus unless authorised and equipped for live work. Plant operators must maintain the distances for their plant and use a spotter where the rules require. Safe approach distances for each voltage and category of worker are printed on the authorisation card carried by every field worker.

4.Live work

Live work on low voltage apparatus and live line work on high voltage apparatus using glove and barrier, stick or barehand techniques will be performed only by workers holding the specific authorisation, following the approved work method, with the tested insulating equipment and the safety observer the method requires. Live work will not proceed in rain, lightning, high wind or when a fire danger declaration prohibits it.

5.Responsibilities

The Network Operations, Safety and Training Manager maintains the authorised persons register and ensures workers are trained and reassessed. Managers and team leaders must confirm every worker's authorisation before allocating work. Workers must hold and carry their authorisation, follow the access and switching procedures and refuse work they are not authorised to perform.

6.Breaches

A breach of the safety rules is a serious matter. Every breach will be recorded in the incident register, investigated, and reported to the client where the rules require. Authorisations will be suspended while a breach involving the worker is investigated.

7.Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and whenever a client changes its network safety rules. The General Manager approves each revision.