Avoid miscues during electrical switching through written procedures and safe work practices

Operation of electrical power systems is often accomplished safely through the use of planned, written switching orders or procedures. These procedures are usually step by step executable plans detailing the necessary actions to energize, de-energize, isolate, or alter the configuration of an electrical system for maintenance. Written switching procedures afford the electrical operations crew the opportunity to address beforehand the risks, necessary personnel, notifications, personal protective equipment, and lockout items needed for safe switching. This paper reviews applicable regulations, technical documentation, risk management, resources, emergency preparation, review/approval, and other basics of developing a successful switching procedure. It then details a number of practices for verifications, signage, and logistics from petrochemical, utility, and industrial facilities which complement well written switching orders to encourage safety. It illustrates different levels of detail which can be included in the switching procedure. Lastly related is a real life listing of miscues encountered in the execution of switching procedures and how they could be (or were) avoided by referring to sound practices.