Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

Contents

Authorisation for Issue

Amendment Record
Amendment Summary
Distribution List
Preface
List of Abbreviations

Paragraph Page
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1 Scope 1

2 Responsibilities 1
2.1 Personnel 1
2.2 Business Units 1
2.3 Upstream Technology Group 1

3 Integrated Safe System of Work 2

4 Electrical Competency 2
4.1 Levels of Competency 2
4.2 Assessment of Competency 3
4.3 Records of Competency 4
4.4 Contract and Other Personnel 4

5 Precautions for Electrical Work 4

5.1 General Precautions 4

6 Precautions on Low Voltage Systems 7

6.1 Introduction 7
6.2 Low Voltage Distribution Networks 7
6.3 Remote LV Switching 8
6.4 Emergency Operation of LV Switchgear 8
6.5 Precautions on Extra Low Voltage Systems 9

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UKCS-SSW-003 Electrical Procedures

Contents (cont’d)

Paragraph Page

7 Working on Live Low Voltage Equipment 11

7.1 Introduction 11
7.2 Precautions for Live Working 11

8 Precautions on High Voltage Systems 12

8.1 Introduction 12

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8.2 Operation of High Voltage Switchgear 12
8.3 Emergency Operation of High Voltage Switchgear 12
8.4 Sanction to Test 12
8.5 Proving Dead High Voltage Equipment 13
8.6 Testing of High Voltage Equipment 13

9 Guidance on Electrical Isolations 13

9.1 Introduction 13
9.2 Application of an ICC 14
9.3 Electrical Isolations 14
9.4 Personal Electrical Isolations 14
9.5 Personal Lock-off 15
9.6 Lock-offs 15

10 Controlled Access to Electrical Equipment 15

10.1 Guidance on Accompanied Working 16

11 Electrical Tasks Criticality Guidance 17

11.1 Introduction 17
11.2 Guidance on Task Details 18

12 Battery Systems 20
12.1 Introduction 20
12.2 Guidance for Work on Battery Systems 20

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 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

Contents (cont’d)

Paragraph Page

13 Hazardous Area Classification 22

13.1 Introduction 22
13.2 Hazardous Areas 22
13.3 Hazardous Area Classification 22
13.4 Maintenance of Hazardous Area Equipment 22
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13.5 Inspection and Testing of Equipment in Hazardous Areas 23

14 Static Electricity Precautions 23

15 Portable and Temporary Equipment Precautions 24

15.1 General 24
15.2 BP Management Representative 24
15.3 Inspection 25
15.4 Documentation 25
15.5 Responsibility 25
15.6 Compensation 25
15.7 Dispensation 25
15.8 Temporary Installations 26
15.9 Temporary Lighting of Vessels 26

16 Electromagnetic Compatibility 26

17 Telecommunications Equipment 27
17.1 Precautions for Working on Telecommunications
Equipment 27

18 Electric Shock 27

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UKCS-SSW-003 Electrical Procedures

Contents (cont’d)

Table Page
1 Criticality of Electrical Task 17
2 Electrical Severity Factors 19

Figure
1 Electrical Isolation Flowchart for Working on
Extra Low Voltage Equipment 10

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Addendum 1 Glossary of Terms

iv May 2002 Issue 2

 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

Authorisation for Issue

Technical Authority
Name: Kevin Hailes

Signature: ________________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________
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 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

Amendment Record

For Audit Use

Amendment Incorporated By
Checked
Number
Name Signature Date Signature Date
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AMOSAF.171

May 2002 Issue 2 vii/viii

 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

Amendment Summary

Issue No Date Description

Issue 1 November 2001 First issue.
Issue 1/AM01 March 2002 Minor amendments throughout.
Issue 2 May 2002 • Distribution List updated
• Duties and competency requirements for
Competent Electrical Person revised
• Minor changes to precautions for electrical
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working, including additional guidance on risk,

assessments for electrical tasks and Work
Control Certificates
• Precautions on low voltage systems revised
• Revised requirements for REP handover when
working on high voltage systems
• Requirements for proving dead and testing of
high voltage equipment revised and expanded
• Guidance on electrical isolations and controlled
access to electrical equipment modified to
included Authorised Electrical Persons
• Requirements for Work Control Certificate
revised for when inspecting and testing
equipment in hazardous areas
• Additional guidance provided for temporary
lighting of vessels
• Minor changes to Glossary of Terms including
the addition of Business Unit and Extra Low
Voltage
Issue 2/AM01 October 2002 Change to Technical Authority.
Clarification of level of risk assessment used in
operations.
Distribution List updated.
Issue 2/AM02 February 2003 Due to the misinterpretation in the requirement
to isolate F&G/ESD systems. The addition to
Paragraph 9.4 allows maintenance of safety
devices under a personal isolation which the
previous statements and the old section 15 did
not permit even though this was happening in
many areas.
Distribution List updated.

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UKCS-SSW-003 Electrical Procedures

Amendment Summary (cont’d)

Issue No Date Description

Issue 2/AM03 May 2003 Paragraph 12.2.1 Tools updated because
ESI 23-3/1984 has been superseded and tools
supplied by manufacturers are not manufactured
to a British Standard. Distribution List updated.
Issue 2/AM04 September 2003 Change to Technical Authority.
Issue 2/AM05 April 2004 Removal of the limitation of personal isolation of
electrical equipment above 5kA. This is an issue
discussed with the relevant PU electrical TAs
which was causing confusion as technicians could
not identify which equipment had a fault level
above 5 kA. It was agreed that the competency of
the electrical persons employed on BP Installations
was sufficient to control isolations above 5 kA in a
safe manner.
Paragraph 9.5 included two statements which
contradicted each other. One permitted personal
isolations on F&G/ESD systems, where the other
did not. The statement restricting this common
practice has been removed to allow personal
isolations by CEPs when work is controlled by a
WCC and completed within a single shift.
Table 1 Criticality of Electrical Task; the value 9 has
been changed to 8 to align with Table 2 Electrical
Severity Factors for consistency with the
evaluation process.

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 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

Distribution List

Holders of Controlled Hard Copy

Copy Copyholder Location

01 Data Control Centre (DCC) ODL, Aberdeen

Virtual Copyholders

Copy Copyholder
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01 Withdrawn
02 Document Technical Authority
03 All BU SMS Co-ordinators

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 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

Preface

Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide detailed procedures and guidance for working with
electricity to ensure that all work is carried out in a safe manner, by a competent workforce.
It assists BP in meeting its stated policy aim which is that all electrical activity is carried out
safely in compliance with regulations and ensures that BP meets, or exceeds, the relevant
expectations of the Safety Management System.
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Review and Update

This document will be subject to 12-monthly review and update, when document holders will
have the opportunity to express opinions and suggest improvements.
However, the document control system allows for continuous update of this document. As
such, any user may at any time identify an error or suggest an improvement using an
Amendment Proposal proforma which is available electronically on the UK Upstream SMS
website, from the Data Control Centre (DCC) Supervisor or from the Technical Authority.
All holders of this document are registered so that they can be sent updates and be kept
informed of changes or reviews.

Responsibility of Copyholders
It is the responsibility of the registered copyholder of controlled hard copy versions to
maintain the accuracy of the document by ensuring that all updates are promptly
incorporated and acknowledged.
Furthermore, the registered copyholder of controlled hard copy versions must at all times
maintain custody of this document unless prior approval is given by the relevant
Technical Authority.
The roles and responsibilities of copyholders and ‘virtual’ copyholders are detailed in Section 1
of the Document Control Procedure (UKCS-DCM-001).

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 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

List of Abbreviations

AEP Authorised Electrical Person

BU Business Unit
CEP Competent Electrical Person
COSHH Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
EAWR Electricity at Work Regulations
ELV Extra Low Voltage
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility
ESD Emergency Shutdown
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F&G Fire and Gas

HV High Voltage
ICC Isolation Confirmation Certificate
ISSOW Integrated Safe System of Work
LV Low Voltage
OIM Offshore Installation Manager
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
REP Responsible Electrical Person
UKCS United Kingdom Continental Shelf
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
UTG Upstream Technology Group
WCC Work Control Certificate

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 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

1 Scope
This document applies to all BP Upstream onshore sites and BP Upstream sites in the
United Kingdom Continental Shelf (collectively referred to in this document as the
BP UKCS) for work associated with electrical systems and equipment which has an
applied voltage and carries current. It applies to all personnel who work with electricity at
all energy levels, whether their discipline is electrical, instrumentation, control,
communications or information technology.
A Glossary of Terms specific to electrical procedures is included as Addendum 1 of this
document.

2 Responsibilities
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2.1 Personnel
It is the responsibility of all persons working on BP UKCS electrical systems and
equipment, to make themselves aware of these procedures and all associated electrical
systems that they will be working on.

2.2 Business Units

Business Units (BUs) shall be responsible for the following:
• Appointing competent persons with regard to the requirements of Paragraph 4 of this
document and working with electricity at their location
• Appointing suitable competent persons to be responsible for the supervision of other
persons, who may not have the technical knowledge or experience to perform a
particular task safely
• Ensuring that all persons engaged in work with electricity are assessed for
competency and a register of all competent personnel is maintained
• Maintaining a recorded system of training for all personnel involved in working
with electricity

2.3 Upstream Technology Group

The Upstream Technology Group (UTG) shall be responsible for the following:
• Maintaining this document
• Sharing best practice in electrical and control engineering technology between BUs
• Providing authoritative advice and guidance to the BU on electrical and control
engineering activities, on request
• Provision of any independent audit of electrical safety on the request of the BU

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UKCS-SSW-003 Electrical Procedures

3 Integrated Safe System of Work

All work activities, including electrical work, are controlled by an integrated electronic
work control system, described in the document Integrated Safe System of Work
(ISSOW) (UKCS-SSW-002).
The electrical control signatories authorised by the local BU for the relevant work control
certificate and supplementary certificates are detailed in the ISSOW documentation at
each location.
All work where the electrical content requires knowledge to adequately assess the
hazards and precautions to be taken, shall have the Work Control Certificate endorsed or
issued by the Responsible Electrical Person (REP), who will ensure that all hazards and
precautions have been identified in writing to the Performing Authority. This work
includes:

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• All HV equipment and associated control systems
• Any work where the Area Authority requests the REP to be involved

4 Electrical Competency
4.1 Levels of Competency

4.1.1 Introduction
The routine operation of electrical equipment is usually carried out by the user but all
other work affecting electrical equipment shall be carried out by competent electrical
persons, or persons under supervision as required by the Electricity at Work Regulations
(1989) (EAWR).

4.1.2 Responsible Electrical Person

The REP is the person appointed in writing by the BU to undertake certain specific
responsibilities and duties. These duties may include:
• Electrical work planning
• Risk assessment
• Countersigning or issuing Work Control Certificates (refer to Paragraph 3 for details)
• Routines and issuing of high voltage switching/isolation instructions
The person carrying out the role of REP shall have total knowledge of the location and
the electrical work being carried out. The REP's authorisation must be to the highest
voltage level at the location for which duty is held. There will only be one REP at any
one time.

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4.1.3 Authorised Electrical Person

A person authorised to carry out duties incidental to the generation, transformation,
distribution and use of electrical power up to the highest voltage level for that location.
The Authorised Electrical Person (AEP) should have sufficient technical knowledge and
experience of the system for which they are authorised so as to avoid danger. The AEP's
duties may include switching and isolations on High Voltage (HV) systems as instructed
by the REP, Low Voltage (LV) electrical switching and isolations on request of the Area
Authority, or for their own personal use carry out LV electrical personal isolations.

4.1.4 Competent Electrical Person

A CEP is one who has sufficient technical knowledge and experience to prevent danger
or is under such degree of supervision deemed to be appropriate with due regard to the
work being undertaken. A CEP must have a recognised electrical qualification suitable for
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the duties they are to undertake. Contract companies will be required to supply people
who are suitably trained and assessed as competent for the work they are going to
undertake and the environment they are going to work in.
BUs may wish to operate with a number of defined levels of CEP where technicians are
trained and assessed to operate within their defined level of competency.
The CEP's duties may include switching and isolations on LV systems as instructed by
the REP, AEP or on request of the Area Authority, or for their own personal use carry out
an LV isolation.

4.1.5 Competent Person (Limited Electrical Activities)

It is recognised that different working practices require measures of multi-skilling and
multi-tasking. Therefore it is acceptable for non-electrical personnel to be deemed
competent, following training in limited electrical activities, to carry out prescribed work
on low voltage equipment only.
A non-electrical person may be deemed competent in limited electrical activities,
including switching off and securing of isolators with an approved lock or locking device,
and carrying out work activities where there is no access to electrical conductors. This
does not apply to equipment where there are control functions within the start circuit
that are external to the circuit, eg level switches. In all cases these shall be identified by
the BU and shall always be isolated by a CEP.

4.2 Assessment of Competency

The Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) or Onshore Technical Authority shall be
accountable for the assessment of the competency of all persons involved in work on
electrical equipment at their location, this duty may be delegated to another who by
virtue of training and qualification and/or experience is technically suitable to assess
competency.

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4.3 Records of Competency

The BU will maintain the Records of Competency which will be available at all times and
will ensure that all the requirements of re-assessment are carried out to ensure
competency is kept up-to-date. The appointment of CEP, AEP and REP will be made in
writing by BP with a hard copy issued to the individual, signed and kept at the location
where the duty is held.

4.4 Contract and Other Personnel

4.4.1 Contract Electrical Staff

Where contract staff are carrying out activities as REP, AEP, CEP in the BP ISSOW
system, then the competency assessment shall be carried out by a BP person. Where
contract staff are doing work which has no live work component, then the contractor

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management will ensure the competency of their staff and shall provide details of
competency on request.

4.4.2 Visiting Specialists

There will be occasions when visiting specialists are used to carry out work to their own
manufacturer's equipment or take measurements (eg condition monitoring). In this
instance, it will be required that they are competent to deal with all eventualities
associated with the equipment. It is possible that they are not familiar with either
general location or the BU-specific activities and associated permits, safe working
practices, layout etc. In these circumstances they will be given an induction so they
know what to do in the event of an emergency and will work under the control of a CEP.

4.4.3 Visitors
There will be occasions when electrical visitors to an Installation or location carry out
activities such as safety audits, incident review. These visitors will need to be
accompanied unless the Installation or location manager or their delegate deems them
competent to work alone.

5 Precautions for Electrical Work

The following paragraphs specify the minimum safety precautions which shall be applied
when carrying out electrical work.

5.1 General Precautions

5.1.1 Risk Assessment

Electrical equipment must be regarded as being capable of giving rise to danger and
measures must be taken to safeguard personnel. Precautions must be taken with
electrical installations to eliminate the possibility of shock, electrocution and the risk of
fire or explosion from ignition of flammable gas, liquid or vapour by electrical causes.

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 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

All electrical tasks shall have a risk assessment carried out prior to being started.
The level of risk assessment can be determined by use of the severity factor matrix of
Paragraph 11.

5.1.2 Isolation
Before working on electrical systems and equipment all electrical supplies associated
with the particular electrical apparatus, plant or equipment, shall be isolated and that this
is done in such a manner to preclude any likelihood of any supply being accidentally, or
inadvertently made live. Particular attention shall be paid to the isolation of ancillary
supplies for control and indication purposes etc, and that capacitors and cables shall be
discharged in a safe manner.

5.1.3 Live Work

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Electrical equipment should normally be made dead, isolated and proved dead before
work commences. Only when all conditions given in the Electricity at Work Regulations
(EAWR) Regulation 14 are met should live working be considered. An appropriate level
of risk assessment shall be carried out before live work commences (refer to ISSOW
(UKCS-SSW-002)).
Electrical Tasks Criticality Guidance (Paragraph 11) should be used to assist in
determining the appropriate level of risk assessment.

5.1.4 Safety Equipment

Safety equipment for working on live electrical equipment shall be available as follows:
approved insulated gloves, insulated shepherds crook, insulated mats and an approved
live work toolkit.

5.1.5 Objections
When a person receives instructions regarding work on, or the operation of, electrical
apparatus, they shall report any objection to the carrying out of such instructions, on the
grounds of safety, to the REP, who shall then have the matter investigated before
proceeding further.

5.1.6 Responsibilities
Before signing a Work Control Certificate (WCC) or Isolation Confirmation Certificate
(ICC) no person will carry out work of any description, including maintenance, repairs,
cleaning and testing on any parts of electrical apparatus which are normally live, unless
such parts of the apparatus are:
• Isolated, dead and all practicable steps are taken to lock-off from live conductors.
Caution notices shall be posted and keys secured in an approved key control system
• Efficiently earthed as far as reasonably practicable
• Released for work by the issue of the appropriate WCC or procedure

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UKCS-SSW-003 Electrical Procedures

• Worked on by persons fully conversant with the nature of the work to be carried out
and with knowledge of those parts of the system, including adjacent equipment,
which will remain live
• Restoration of such supplies shall only be carried out after the cancellation of the
WCC, or under the control of a Sanction to Test
Work on equipment of such a design that precludes strict compliance with all of these
precautions shall only be carried out to the strict instruction of the REP. An appropriate
level of risk assessment shall be carried out before work commences.

5.1.7 Switching
All switching of high voltage switchgear will be by written instruction or
Installation/location-specific procedures.

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The switching, isolating, proving dead and, where applicable, earthing shall only be
carried out by persons who have been assessed and appointed for that duty.
When fitted, integral earthing equipment should be used for connecting all main
conductors of an isolated unit to earth, otherwise the conductors shall be earthed using
an approved method.

5.1.8 Notices
An approved caution notice shall be attached to the appropriate point of isolation.
An approved danger notice shall be attached to any lock applied to restrict access to live
conductors whilst working. A safety electrical earth Do Not Remove notice will be
attached to any earth switch which is locked in the Earth On position.

5.1.9 Remote Isolation

Where a BU has reasons that it is impractical because of distance problems, eg remote
geographical location between the source of supply and operating equipment, then a
procedure to cover control of remote isolations shall be developed for both low and
high voltage.

5.1.10 Testing
All test equipment shall be kept in good working order, fitted with fused test leads and
regularly tested and calibrated by an authorised body where necessary. Records shall be
kept noting defects and a register maintained for all test equipment.
Where a test is being made simply to establish the presence or absence of voltage, a
proprietary test lamp or two-pole voltage detector suitable for the working voltage of the
system shall be used.
General advice on electrical test equipment for use by electricians can be found in HSE
Guidance Note GS 38.

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 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

5.1.11 Inspection and Testing of Equipment in Hazardous Areas

The inspection and testing of any electrical equipment certified for use in a hazardous
area shall be carried out by Competent Persons as described in the following paragraphs.
No apparatus, except intrinsically safe (Exi) where permitted by the BU, shall be opened
in a hazardous area until it has been, where possible, made dead, by isolating and locking
off or withdrawing fuses.
Note: Particular attention should be paid in the case of apparatus that may be
electrically charged even after it has been disconnected from a source of supply,
eg a capacitor. A procedure should be followed to safely discharge these before
commencing any other work.
Where equipment cannot be isolated, then a WCC – Permit Hot Work 2 (Spark Potential)
shall be required before opening any apparatus in a hazardous area.
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Where for purposes of live electrical testing in a hazardous area it is essential to restore
the supply before the apparatus is re-assembled, then the Sanction to Test procedure
must be followed (refer to ISSOW (UKCS-SSW-002)).
Tests with a suitable gas detector must be made and continued during the operation to
ensure that the atmosphere does not approach the explosive limit.
Where test equipment is used in a hazardous area, it shall preferably embody certified
intrinsically safe characteristics and the test leads shall be securely connected
throughout the duration of the test, or covered by a WCC – Permit Hot Work 2 (Spark
Potential). Where non-IS equipment is used it shall be the subject of a risk assessment,
continuous gas monitoring and covered by a WCC – Permit Hot Work 2 (Spark Potential).

6 Precautions on Low Voltage Systems

6.1 Introduction
The consequences of shock, or serious burns, from short circuits associated with low
voltage systems (low voltage in this instance are voltages of 50 to 1000Vac/120 to
1500Vdc between conductors, or 50 to 600Vac/120 to 900Vdc between conductor and
earth) can be serious and often fatal. Therefore, whenever possible, work on low voltage
equipment and cables shall be carried out after they are proved dead by use of an
approved instrument and, where appropriate, earthed. If it is not possible to make dead,
to prove dead and where appropriate earth low voltage systems, work on them shall be
carried out as if they were live.

6.2 Low Voltage Distribution Networks

Switching operations and isolations on systems which are part of a distribution network
may need to be controlled by instruction or procedure to ensure safe operation and
control of the network supplies. At such locations a switching instruction or procedure
system will be used and a record kept. Where because of distances involved telephone
or radio instructions are used, an instruction/procedure record will be kept at
both locations.

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UKCS-SSW-003 Electrical Procedures

All aspects of the switching operation shall be controlled by the instruction or procedure
and shall include:
• Opening and closing breakers
• Operating the isolator handles
• Operating truck racking mechanisms
• Truck removal and installation
• The application and removal of locks to mechanisms
• The operation of integral earth switches
Where a full isolation cannot be achieved using normal operating procedures for the
switchgear or access is required to normally restricted live components, this part of the
switching will be subject to the issue of a WCC.

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6.3 Remote LV Switching
Where a BU has chosen to use instructions or procedures to control the operation of LV
systems and there are reasons that make it impractical because of distance problems,
eg remote geographical location between the source of supply and operating equipment,
then a procedure to cover control of remote switching/isolations shall be developed.
To control the remote operation of switchgear every telephone or radio message relating
to the operation of the low voltage system shall be by instruction or procedure.
In addition, every such message shall be repeated in full to the sender to ensure that the
message has been accurately received and understood. All remote switching
instructions or isolations will be recorded at both locations and kept on record.
The isolation request from the remote location will be recorded on the ICC and given
over the telephone or radio to the CEP who will write the isolation on an ICC and read
back the isolation request to confirm it is correct. The isolation will be carried out by the
CEP who will complete the ICC and sign it, the CEP will contact and repeat the full
isolation back to the remote location to confirm the isolation is in place and correct.
When this has been confirmed the name of the CEP will be entered on the ICC at the
remote location and the ICC over-stamped 'duplicate'. If the isolation is for electrical
work the circuit must be proven dead by a person authorised to do so.

6.4 Emergency Operation of LV Switchgear

In an emergency, low voltage switchgear may be operated without the requirement of
instruction or procedure. In all such cases where emergency switching has been carried
out in order to prevent imminent danger to persons or damage to plant, locks should be
applied as soon as is practical. When the emergency is over the actions should be
recorded and isolations applied in the approved manner or the system restored to normal
as required.

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 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

6.5 Precautions on Extra Low Voltage Systems

Work on control and telecommunications plant and equipment operating at extra low
voltage (less than 50Vac/120Vdc between electrical conductors or to earth) requires an
assessment of risk for live working using the flowchart shown in Figure 1.
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April 2004 Issue 2/AM05 9

10
START

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE MODIFICATION FAULT REPORT SHEETS

(REFER TO PMP)
UKCS-SSW-003

IDENTIFY AND DOCUMENT THE

EQUIPMENT, SCOPE OF WORK AND
CIRCUITS TO BE WORKED ON

IS THE CIRCUIT ARE THE

BEING WORKED ON, ENVIRONMENTAL OR
CAN
CAN NO PART OF A CONTROL OR CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
YES YES RISKS IDENTIFIED YES
THE EQUIPMENT TELECOMMUNICATION PLANT CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE TO
BE CONTROLLED SO AS
BE ISOLATED? OPERATING AT EXTRA LOW VOLTAGES ALLOW THE WORK TO BE CARRIED
TO PREVENT
(<50vac/120vdc BETWEEN OUT SAFELY
DANGER?
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS ie DRY CONDITIONS,
AND EARTH)? GOOD LIGHTING?

YES

NO NO NO

CARRY OUT LEVEL 2

RISK ASSESSMENT

CAN
RISKS IDENTIFIED
IN LEVEL 2 RISK ASSESSMENT YES
BE CONTROLLED SO AS TO
PREVENT
DANGER?
ACCOMPANIMENT IS ONLY
NO REQUIRED WHERE THE
ACCOMPANYING PERSON
CAN SUBSTANTIALLY
PLAN JOB SO SYSTEM CAN
CONTRIBUTE TO THE
BE ISOLATED SAFELY
SAFETY OF THE TASK OR
IS IDENTIFIED IN LEVEL 2
RISK ASSESSMENT
ISOLATE AS LAID DOWN
IN THIS DOCUMENT

WORKING DEAD WORKING LIVE

Figure 1 Electrical Isolation Flowchart for Working on Extra Low Voltage Equipment
UKCSSSW003_001.ai

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Electrical Procedures

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 Electrical Procedures UKCS-SSW-003

7 Working on Live Low Voltage Equipment

7.1 Introduction
Live working should be avoided if at all possible and only allowed after the consent of
the REP following an appropriate level of risk assessment and having met the conditions
of the EAWR Regulation 14.
Entry into any panel or terminal box which has live electrical components or connections
should be regarded as potentially hazardous even when all live connections are
identified, labelled and shrouded. Risk assessment is required to work in such panels
taking into account all risk within the panel or terminal box not just the live circuit to be
worked on.
Where there is a risk from exposed live conductors, where existing shrouding or safe
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live work procedures cannot minimise the risk, temporary shrouding should be added. In
these cases redesign for the addition of shrouding should be considered and if
temporary shrouding or live work procedure cannot minimise the risk, live work cannot
take place.
Where live work is required to take place in a hazardous area it must be preceeded by a
gas test with gas monitoring during the work.
An appropriate level of risk assessment should be carried out for all live work, including
entry into live panels, terminal boxes or equipment for inspection.

7.2 Precautions for Live Working

Live working should be avoided if at all possible. However, if there is no other way to
work, test or fault find on electrical circuits except live, every precaution shall be put in
place to ensure safety to both personnel and equipment and the conditions of the EAWR
Regulation 14 must be met before live working may commence.
Only CEPs having been appointed for the voltage they are working at may work on live
equipment.
Live work must be approved by the REP by his endorsement on the WCC before live
work may commence.
The following precautions shall be observed at all times:
• Only approved insulated live work tools and test equipment should be used
• The correct Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) should be worn, which may include
suitable clothing/coveralls including insulating helmets, goggles and gloves
• Insulating materials shall be used as fixed or temporary screening to prevent electric
shock and to prevent short circuit between adjacent live conductors or between live
conductors and earth
• Insulating mats and stands shall be used to prevent electric shock current via the feet
• Personnel carrying out such work shall be accompanied by another person or persons
unless working on extra low voltage systems. Such persons should be able to
contribute to the safety of the person carrying out the work

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UKCS-SSW-003 Electrical Procedures

There should be effective control of any area where there is danger from live conductors
during live testing. Barriers and warning signs should be used.
If the person undertaking the work is continuously present while danger exists from the
live conductors and the area is small enough to be under their constant supervision and
control, then further precautions to control access may not be necessary. If, however,
the area is too large for the person to exercise effective surveillance, or they are not
continuously present, then effective control will need to be secured by other means
such as the provision of lockable enclosures or barriers, and warning notices indicating
the presence of live conductors.

8 Precautions on High Voltage Systems

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8.1 Introduction
High voltage is voltages greater than 1000Vac/1500Vdc between conductors, or greater
than 600Vac/900Vdc between conductor and earth.
Should the work continue over the period of a change in designated REP, then the new
REP must familiarise himself with the state of the work, the terms of the WCC and shall
countersign the WCC.

8.2 Operation of High Voltage Switchgear

Only a REP can issue an instruction for HV switching or isolation, the person who issues
the instruction cannot carry it out.
Circuit breakers and fuse switches will not be reset or re-closed after opening on fault
condition without the permission of the REP.

8.3 Emergency Operation of High Voltage Switchgear

In an emergency high voltage switchgear may be operated without the requirement of
an instruction or procedure. In all such cases where emergency switching has been
carried out in order to prevent imminent danger to persons or damage to plant, locks
should be applied as soon as is practical. When the emergency is over the actions
should be recorded and isolations applied in the approved manner or restore the system
to normal as required.

8.4 Sanction to Test

All temporary de-isolations on HV equipment carried out for Sanction to Test under the
control of the WCC will be by written instruction or procedure recorded in the HV
Isolations/Switching Logbook clearly defined as a Sanction to Test.

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8.5 Proving Dead High Voltage Equipment

During proving dead barriers should be erected and danger notices posted to stop
unauthorised personnel entering the area and also to restrict access only to that
equipment which is being proven dead.
Proving dead a high voltage electrical circuit may be carried out by an AEP authorised to
carry out the task using an approved and proven circuit tester suitable for the applicable
voltage. The AEP should be accompanied by a CEP during testing, who understands and
can contribute to the procedure, for safety reasons and for agreed confirmation that the
circuit is dead.
The opening and proving dead of certified electrical equipment in a hazardous area must
be preceded by an approved gas test by a competent person and continuous gas
monitoring maintained for the duration of the task.
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All electrical equipment and conductors shall be regarded as live until proven dead with
an approved and proven circuit tester.

8.6 Testing of High Voltage Equipment

During testing barriers should be erected and danger notices posted to stop
unauthorised personnel entering the area and also to restrict access only to that
equipment which is isolated and the WCC has been issued.
No high voltage testing may be undertaken without a WCC or the Sanction to Test part
of the WCC specifically authorising it. In addition, any changes to the isolations shall be
noted on the ICC.
For test connections to spout contacts, test bushes as supplied by the manufacturer
shall be used. Test connections shall not be applied in a cell or compartment in which
there is any exposed metal live at high voltage.
All cables shall be discharged before and after the application of a test voltage.
Temporary conductors used for test purposes shall be of a suitable size and
easily visible.

9 Guidance on Electrical Isolations

9.1 Introduction
Electrical Isolation is carried out by appointed CEPs/AEPs to ensure approved practices
are followed for isolation to ensure the safety of equipment and people working on it or
its electrical supply systems.
With the exception of personal electrical isolation, electrical isolation is controlled by the
use of an ICC. The purpose of the ICC is to ensure the systematic and thorough isolation
of any item of plant or equipment from sources of energy that might jeopardise the
safety of anyone working upon the item, typically for maintenance and inspection.
It also ensures that no de-isolation takes place until those involved with the maintenance
or inspection work are clear, and until it is safe for the plant or equipment.

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9.2 Application of an ICC

An ICC shall be used whenever:
• More than one trade or isolation is required to carry out the task
• The task is being carried out by someone other than the isolator
• The task is expected to extend beyond one shift change
• When electrical isolations only are required on an electrical system with an extended
layout or with several connections to different circuits
An ICC need not be raised where self-isolation is performed by a CEP/AEP who is
carrying out the task themself within the present shift. However, refer to Paragraph 9.4
for the conditions under which a personal isolation is not allowed.
An ICC is not suspended or cancelled by any general alarm or announcement regarding
withdrawal of WCCs. An ICC is valid until it is signed off, de-isolation can only take place

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when the WCC has been signed off. Temporary de-isolation is permitted under the
control of a Sanction to Test which is detailed on the WCC and recorded on the ICC as a
temporary de-isolation.

9.3 Electrical Isolations

Only CEPs/AEPs may carry out isolations for electrical work.
Electrical equipment requested for isolation under the control of an ICC will be padlocked
in the isolated position and a caution notice attached.
Electrical isolation of equipment with no padlock isolator shall be by the removal of fuses
and/or disconnection of the equipment supply conductors, with an isolation tag and
caution notice attached. Where possible, the appropriate enclosure containing the
removed fuses or disconnection should be locked and a caution notice attached.

9.4 Personal Electrical Isolations

CEPs/AEPs may carry out personal electrical isolations without an ICC, provided work is
completed by that person in their own shift.
A CEP may carry out work on F&G/ESD/safety devices provided the work is controlled
by a WCC.
Each CEP/AEP will be issued with one unique personal electrical isolation lock and tag,
which will be engraved with that person's name and 'personal padlock'.
To carry out electrical work without the need of an ICC, full electrical isolation must be
achieved by the application of one personal ID tag or padlock. An approved isolation – Do
Not Operate and Caution Notice shall be attached secured by the tag or lock.
Personal electrical isolation is not allowed on:
• High voltage
• Equipment fed from more than one source

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9.5 Personal Lock-off

The switching off and securing of isolators for personal use by non-electrical personnel
with an approved lock or locking device to carry out work activities where there is no
access to electrical conductors is defined as a 'personal lock-off'. A personal lock-off can
be carried out by any person who has been assessed competent for the task to be
carried out.
A personal lock-off is for mechanical or process work as the equipment has not been
proven dead and is therefore unsuitable for electrical work.
A person of any discipline who has been assessed and appointed may carry out a
personal lock-off without an ICC, provided the following criteria are met:
• Work must be completed within the duration of the performer's own shift
• The performer must have been appointed to be competent for the task they are going
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to carry out
• The task is performed by the person who applied the personal lock-off
• Full isolation must be achieved by the application of one lock as only one is allowed to
achieve a personal lock-off
Personal lock-offs are not allowed on:
• High voltage equipment
• Safety equipment
• Safety systems, eg Fire and Gas or ESD systems
• Equipment fed from more than one source
If any of the criteria change, the performer must raise an ICC and have the isolation
carried out by a CEP.

9.6 Lock-offs
The switching off and securing of a number of electrical isolators with an approved lock
or locking device to carry out work activities where there is no access to electrical
conductors is defined as a lock-off. A lock-off can be carried out by any person who has
been assessed and appointed, any number can be carried out when recorded on an ICC.

10 Controlled Access to Electrical Equipment

Only a CEP or persons under their direct and continuous supervision may enter any
enclosure (substation, switchgear room etc) containing high voltage equipment, where it
is possible under any circumstance to come into contact with live high voltage
conductors.
Onshore enclosures shall be kept locked. Offshore rooms may be left unlocked
particularly where part of an escape route.

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In all locations suitable warning notices should be placed on all access doors stating that
access is restricted to authorised personnel only.
Substations, switch houses, transformer houses and bays should not normally be used
as subsidiary store rooms. The switchgear and floors of these buildings must be kept
clear of all materials and obstructions. However, provided the switchroom is large, well
laid out and provided with secure storage arrangements, then limited storage for non-
combustible items is allowed when authorised by the REP.
The immediate area around all switchboards and equipment racks must be kept clear of
all obstructions to a recommended minimum distance of 0.75m. All spare entries to
switches, fuse gear or other equipment must be plugged, or blanked off. All covers,
cover bolts and nuts must be fixed in position and tight.
Substations and switchgear rooms which have inert gas flooding as a fire protection
measure, require a system which controls and records the status of the system.

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Relevant personnel must be familiar with the procedure to be followed to inhibit the
system and what to do in the event of an emergency should the system be required and
selected to manual.

10.1 Guidance on Accompanied Working

Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations covers work on live conductors
where danger may arise and addresses accompaniment by another person as a possible
safety measure. The need for accompaniment should be based on considerations of
how injury is to be prevented. If the accompanying person can substantially contribute
towards the implementation of safe working practice, then one should be present. The
accompanying person should be trained to recognise danger and, if necessary, to render
assistance in the event of emergency.
Examples of work where accompaniment may be required are:
• Live electrical testing, phasing or fault finding
• Working on battery systems
• Entry to enclosures with live exposed conductors
• When determined by risk assessment
The level of risk assessment required is determined using the severity factor in
Paragraph 11.
Where the hazards of an activity are judged by the Area Authority issuing the WCC to be
significant, and it is decided that additional safeguards are required, then a Level 2 Risk
Assessment shall be performed.

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11 Electrical Tasks Criticality Guidance

11.1 Introduction
All tasks associated with electrical equipment require an assessment of risk before being
started. The risks of working with electricity need to be considered in a structured
manner by competent people with the implementation of precautions to reduce risk of
injury to as low as reasonably practicable.
In order to assist electrical competent people to assess the criticality of a task and the
severity of injury or damage, the following process should be used as guide to assess
the level of risk assessment required.
(1) Identify task and any procedures that automatically apply (eg planned
maintenance task).
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(2) Using the criticality table (refer to Table 1), calculate the criticality score for
the task.
(3) Using the criticality score and the severity factor (refer to Table 2), in combination
with known procedures, identify the task severity factor.
(4) Depending upon the severity factor, proceed as follows:
• Severity factor L – no further risk assessment is necessary
• Severity factor M – identify any simple precautions and implement (WCC)
• Severity factor H – carry out a Level 2 Risk Assessment in accordance with the
ISSOW (UKCS-SSW-002)

Details of Task

Voltage Fault Level Type of Work Accompanied Location Score

High Greater than Fault finding Not Hazardous 4
voltage 20kA accompanied area
Low 5 to 20kA Testing Yes – not Outside 3
voltage electrical
Extra low 1 to 5kA Routine Yes – electrical Inside – 2
voltage maintenance not standing by constrained
Isolated Less than Operation Yes – electrical Inside – non- 1
and dead 1kA and standing by constrained
Total the scores and determine the risk as follows:
15 to 20 = Risk of incident likely
11 to 14 = Risk of incident possible
8 to 10 = Risk of incident not likely
5 to 7 = Risk of incident very unlikely

Table 1 Criticality of Electrical Task

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11.2 Guidance on Task Details

The following paragraphs gives general principles for identifying the appropriate score
but where the competent person, from experience and knowledge of the plant, site and
task, feels the score to be inappropriate, then he may assign a level either higher or
lower as necessary. For example, working on live equipment carries risk to personnel
and plant. It is generally accepted that at extra low voltage the risk to personnel from the
electric shock is unlikely to cause injury. However, there may be circumstance when
consequences of an electric shock may be dangerous, eg working on ladders and
scaffolding. Risk of ignition of flammable atmospheres should be considered to be
possible at all voltages.

11.2.1 Voltage
High voltage includes low voltage control circuitry associated with high voltage

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equipment.

11.2.2 Fault Level

An accurate level is not required but should be based on the maximum levels attainable
for the voltage that are being worked on unless the detailed values are known.

11.2.3 Type of Work

• Fault Finding
This covers activities where no formal procedures are available.
• Testing
This covers tests using a megger, multimeter, avometer or similar instruments
requiring the application of test leads.
• Operational
This includes the starting and stopping of equipment.
• Routine Maintenance
Following manufacturers' instructions or maintenance routines.

11.2.4 Accompanied
This is to be considered as that which would normally occur for the task to be
carried out.
• Not Accompanied
The task would normally be carried out by the Competent Person alone.
• Yes – But Not Electrical Competent
The accompanying person would be trained in dealing with an injury arising from
electric shock or burn.

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• Yes – Electrical But Not Standing By

In this situation the accompanying person is electrical competent but carrying out
other tasks in the same area. They should still be in general sight and sound contact
with the person carrying out the task.
• Yes – Electrical and Standing By
This when the accompanying person is also an electrical competent person and is not
carrying out any other tasks but whose function is to add to the safety of the person
carrying out the task.

11.2.5 Location
• Hazardous Area
Any area classified on the hazardous area drawings as Zone 0, 1 or 2.
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• Outside
This covers other areas where they may not be classified as hazardous but are open
to the general environment. It may also apply to semi-open modules, or modules with
louvres.
• Inside Constrained
This area is one where space could be restricting the activities. It could also apply to
work on scaffolding or ladders. It could also apply to areas where lighting levels
are poor.
• Inside Non-constrained
This area is where space is not a problem for the task, where there is plenty of light.

Severity Factor = Electrical Criticality x Severity

Severity of Incident
Severity Criticality Score Low Medium High
Risk of incident likely 15 to 20 M H H
Risk of incident is possible 11 to 14 M M H
Risk of incident not likely 8 to 10 M M M
Risk of incident very unlikely 5 to 7 L M M
Severity:
• Low Negligible risk of burns, shock or damage
• Medium Some potential for first aid requirement or damage requiring greater than
24 hours to repair
• High Potential for fatal shock, significant burns or damage

Table 2 Electrical Severity Factors

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12 Battery Systems
12.1 Introduction
Batteries are a source of electrical energy that can cause injury, be it one cell or multi-
connected cells in parallel or series. Nicad cells contain alkaline a corrosive material and
lead acid cells contain sulphuric acid which is a corrosive material, both of which can
cause injury. Hazards exist on battery-bank systems due to high currents that may flow
during fault, corrosive electrolyte and the production of explosive gases during charging.
Battery systems with high stored energy and hazardous electrolyte can be dangerous to
personnel and therefore precautions should be taken when working with such systems.
In particular, flooded cells requiring electrolyte replacement. As a minimum the following
guidance should be noted when working on battery systems.

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12.2 Guidance for Work on Battery Systems
A flammable atmosphere can be caused by charging or discharging a battery and so
before disconnecting or connecting a battery, it shall be isolated at a remote location, as
a spark at the battery may cause an explosion. Prior to starting work, the battery shall be
well ventilated with no evidence of excessive gassing which would be indicated by a
strong smell and picked up by carrying out an approved gas test.
Where the hazards of an activity are judged to be significant, and that additional
safeguards are required, then a Level 2 Risk Assessment shall be performed.
Electrical test equipment and wet-cell level indicators on topup bottles may not be
suitable for use in the hazardous areas surrounding batteries during charging and
discharging. Extreme caution should be taken to ventilate areas and gas test prior to
carrying out any work which could create a source of ignition.
Following isolation from the charger and the load a battery or battery bank remains live
and a source of danger. Removal of inter-cell connections reduces the risk but at all
times all precautions for safe working must be followed.
Ensure an eyewash station is in place and in date.
Note: Isolation of the charger from the battery, or the battery from the load, is not
required for checking cell voltages, adjusting electrolyte levels or measuring
electrolyte concentration.

12.2.1 Tools
Only proprietary battery tools or tools manufactured to EN60900:1994 should be used
for work on battery systems. Use separate equipment such as hydrometers, pipettes,
buckets etc for lead acid cells and Nicad cells, if the same equipment is used on each
type of cell it will contaminate the electrolyte and damage the cells.

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12.2.2 Personal Precautions

Do not wear any jewellery, especially rings on fingers and metal watchstraps, or other
conductive materials that can fall across the battery terminals, and empty pockets of all
metal objects.
The correct PPE such as a rubber apron, rubber gloves, eye protection and any other
clothing required by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Assessment and detailed on the WCC should be available and used. Suitable insulating
gloves may be worn provided that the required manual dexterity is not impaired.
Ensure a supply of eyewash medication and handwashing facilities are available at the
worksite while work on the batteries is in progress. (This is also valid when working on
sealed batteries.)

12.2.3 Working Precautions

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The system to be worked should have been correctly identified.

All risk assessment and WCC precautions should have been put in place, isolations of
chargers, isolators and cells should be carried out as applicable and the required PPE
should be made available prior to work starting.
Every precaution should be taken to prevent cross contamination of alkaline and lead
acid cells.
Ensure that batteries are not connected with temporary jump leads without carrying out
a risk assessment and giving due consideration to the increase in fault potential.
Whilst work is in progress ensure that the work place is kept well ventilated.

12.2.4 Battery Discharge Testing

Discharge testing of batteries may only be carried out, following an approved procedure
by vendor specialists or by those who have been assessed and authorised.
Where battery banks have to be re-linked or have temporary leads fitted for testing the
full precautions for live work with batteries shall be followed.
Battery discharge tests may only be carried out with the area well ventilated.
Where due to failure during testing, cells are linked out of the system, careful
consideration needs to be given to discharge rates and the amount of flammable gas
produced.
Following discharge testing it may be necessary to link out or replace defective cells.
Where replacement cells of exactly the same type are not available and temporary cells
are to be installed, change assessment should be carried out with regard to the rating of
the cells or they will gas excessively during charging.

12.2.5 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Battery Rooms

Permanent notices of 'No naked lights', 'No Smoking', 'Danger acid alkaline-filled
batteries' and 'No Unauthorised Access', should be posted.

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13 Hazardous Area Classification

13.1 Introduction
Due to the nature of the processes within the BP UKCS, certain areas are at greater risk
than others where an explosive atmosphere occurs or can be expected to occur to such
an extent that there is a risk of explosion. There are procedures, guidelines and
recommendations that will identify such areas and that will detail, the selection,
installation and maintenance of electrical equipment in the hazardous areas to limit the
possibility of explosion so far as is reasonably practicable.

13.2 Hazardous Areas

A hazardous area is an area in which explosive gas-air mixtures are or may be expected

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to be present in quantities such as to require special precautions for the construction,
installation and maintenance of electrical equipment.
Hazardous areas will have been identified and marked on the relevant hazardous area
classification drawings. Each area, or zone as they are called, will note the nature of the
potential hazard and the likelihood of the hazard existing at any given time.

13.3 Hazardous Area Classification

• Zone 0
An area in which an explosive gas-air mixture is continuously present, or present for
long periods.
• Zone 1
An area in which an explosive gas-air mixture is likely to occur in operating conditions.
• Zone 2
An area in which an explosive gas-air mixture is not likely to occur in normal operation.
If mixture occurs it will exist only for a short time.
• Unclassified/Non-hazardous
An area in which an explosive gas-air mixture is not likely to occur in normal operation.

13.4 Maintenance of Hazardous Area Equipment

Electrical installations and equipment in hazardous areas possess features specially
designed to render them suitable and certified for operations in classified hazardous
areas. It is essential for reasons of safety in those areas that the integrity of these
features is preserved for the life of the Installation.
To maintain this integrity, the equipment will require inspections and maintenance to
monitor the condition and maintain the integrity. Over the years design and maintenance
standards have changed and BP are now following International Standard IEC60079-17.

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13.5 Inspection and Testing of Equipment in Hazardous Areas

The inspection and testing of any electrical equipment certified for use in a hazardous
area shall be carried out by people who have been suitably trained, assessed as CEPs for
the task.
No electrical or instrument apparatus should be opened whilst live in a hazardous area
unless its certification ensures no risk to the equipment's certification integrity or to
personnel. Intrinsically safe Exi apparatus fall into this category if installed and
maintained to the certification standard.
Any other apparatus to be opened live in a hazardous area would be subject to a Level 2
Risk Assessment, the work to be carried out under the control of a WCC, a gas test and
gas monitoring whilst the equipment is open.
Particular attention should be paid in the case of apparatus that may be electrically
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charged even after it has been disconnected from a source of supply, eg capacitors or
long cable runs. A procedure should be followed to safely discharge these, preferably in
a safe area or after gas testing and with gas monitoring, before commencing any
other work.
Where equipment cannot be isolated, then a WCC for hot work shall be required before
opening any apparatus in a hazardous area.
Where for purposes of live electrical testing in a hazardous area it is essential to restore
the supply before the apparatus is re-assembled, then the Sanction to Test procedure
must be followed (refer to ISSOW (UKCS-SSW-002)).
Tests with a suitable gas detector must be made and continued during the operation to
ensure that the atmosphere does not approach the explosive limit.
Where test equipment is used in a hazardous area, it shall embody certified intrinsically
safe characteristics and the test leads shall be securely connected throughout the
duration of the test. Other types of test equipment shall be subject to a WCC – Permit
Hot Work 2 (Spark Potential).

14 Static Electricity Precautions

Static electricity is produced whenever movement takes place. It is a form of electrical
energy built up by joining and parting between certain materials. Some of the risks from
static electricity and suggested precautions are listed in the following paragraphs.
Static electricity is readily generated by personnel clothing, especially manmade fibres.
The human body can accumulate a static charge in excess of 10,000 volts, although
when discharged, it is short-lived and of low temperature.

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Hydrocarbons may become charged with static electricity from pumping, filtering, splash
filling, or by settling out of water through them. High velocity flowrates increase static
generation and reduce the opportunity for charge relaxation which may result in
sparking. A low flowrate assists by reducing charge separation in the fluid (and hence
charge accumulation) and may allow charge to migrate to earth, hence reducing the risk
of sparking. When pouring flammable low-conducting fluids from a container to a
receptacle, then the container, receptacle and funnel, if used, must be bonded together
and to earth. All equipment should be of metal. Recipient vessels and loading nozzles or
hoses should be bonded to earth during transfer operations. Where practicable, inert gas
blankets should be maintained over the liquid in storage when filtering operations
take place.
A particular area of risk is the loading and unloading of road tankers onshore where a
procedure of cross bonding the tanker and the loading/unloading equipment will be used
to ensure static build up or discharge does not occur.

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The refuelling of helicopters should only be carried out using an approved refuelling skid.
Other items in common use which may cause static electricity buildup if not properly
earthed are grit blasting and even fine watersprays used for firefighting. Safeguards
should include bonding of nozzles and the use of anti-static hoses.
Electronic equipment can be very sensitive to electrostatic discharge. Suitable
precautions such as the use of earthed wriststraps should be used when handling
electrostatic sensitive electronic equipment (including packing and unpacking).
Wrist-band cords shall be checked prior to use.

15 Portable and Temporary Equipment Precautions

15.1 General
The document Control of Hired and Transportable Equipment (UKCS-SOP-005) identifies
the standards for equipment and steps to be taken to minimise the problems that could
arise with portable equipment. Onshore and offshore locations may need to produce
control documents for local specific requirements and the application of local rules, this
is acceptable when approved by the Technical Authority. Onshore locations need to
ensure consideration to (HS(G)47) – avoiding the danger from underground services
during excavation or working adjacent to underground services when portable or
temporary equipment is being used.

15.2 BP Management Representative

An Onshore BP Management Representative will be made accountable for all electrical
matters concerning portable equipment both on and offshore. The representative should
ensure that the contractor's documentation including up-to-date test certificates and
hazardous area certificates are in order and available for the location to which the
equipment is going.

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15.3 Inspection
Where inspection and/or testing of equipment is deemed necessary by a BP UKCS
inspection authority, the BP Representative shall inspect and test or supervise the
inspection and testing of all temporary and portable equipment for use offshore.
In the case of portable modules, the BP Representative and the inspection authority shall
have access to inspect the equipment at any stage of construction or assembly, before
shipment offshore.
Maintenance routines are to be supplied with equipment.

15.4 Documentation
All documentation confirming the suitability of the temporary and portable equipment for
duty and conditions of use, as well as maintenance requirements shall be available for
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review and shall travel with the equipment at all times.

15.5 Responsibility
BP shall not be responsible for the maintenance and repair of any portable or temporary
equipment offshore. The offshore contractor/Operator is also responsible for the
operation of their equipment to be within its approved limitations.

15.6 Compensation
Where appropriate BP may wish to consider seeking compensation for:
• Maintenance or repair work by BP personnel on temporary and portable equipment
• Back-loading any contractor equipment found to be defective and unsuitable for use
offshore

15.7 Dispensation
For equipment that is likely to remain in service for very short periods or of a special
nature that cannot meet normal requirements, then a dispensation procedure should be
in place.

15.7.1 Temporary Stores, Offices, Workshops and Service Units

The design should conform to recognised standards. Where module is pressurised for
use in a hazardous area, it shall have protective measures to isolate non-certified
equipment on loss of pressurisation, on detection of gas at air inlets, or operation of
sprinkler systems.
Interfaces with the Installation/site systems may be required for electrical supplies, Data
Telecommunications, ESD/F, water and firefighting supplies. In all cases interconnection
drawings must precede delivery of the unit and systems tested prior to occupation
and use.

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15.8 Temporary Installations

Temporary electrical installation work should be avoided as far as possible, but when
necessary should be designed to the same standards as any permanent installation.
Where the temporary installation is in place for longer than 3 months the equipment
shall be deemed to be part of the permanent installation and should have all normal
procedures for it (eg maintenance routines). Refer to Change Control Procedures in
BP Technical Integrity Performance Standards – TIPS (UKCS-TI-001) and Control of Hired
and Transportable Equipment (UKCS-SOP-005).
All temporary installations must be recorded and such records kept in the Control Room
or other appropriate area. A CEP, who will record and sign the date of the inspection in
the record, shall make a weekly check of the temporary installations.
When temporary electrical distribution is being provided at the commencement of a
long-term construction project, drawings shall be provided showing the location of all

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temporary and permanent distribution cables and these shall be updated at regular
intervals.

15.9 Temporary Lighting of Vessels

Vessels which have been certified gas free may be illuminated by temporary lighting
certified for the area, air driven (flameproof) or suitably certified battery powered torches
Exd Exe Exde or by extra low voltage (25Vac) portable lighting equipment, approved for
use in a Zone 1 area.
Supply cables to low voltage lighting transformers approved for use in Zone 1 areas shall
always be supported above ground and the transformers never taken inside tanks,
or vessels.
Vessels which have been certified gas free may be illuminated using voltages greater
that 25V provided the risk is managed by a Level 2 Risk Assessment.
Refer to HSE Information Document HSE 780/11 Paragraph 58 for recommendation on
lighting in confined spaces.

16 Electromagnetic Compatibility
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the ability of a device or system to operate
satisfactorily in its environment without introducing unacceptable electromagnetic
disturbance to, or being affected by, that environment. In its widest form it covers all the
electrical emissions from a device (both radiated and conducted) as well as the effect of
all forms of incoming signal (including mains transients, nearby transmitters, static etc).
All equipment marketed in the EEC shall conform to EMC limits and carry a mark
indicating this.

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17 Telecommunications Equipment
17.1 Precautions for Working on Telecommunications Equipment
When work is to be carried out on any telecommunications equipment all normal
precautions should be put in place for the work to be carried out, with due consideration
to the special requirements of telecommunication equipment. The following precautions
should be taken:
• The equipment to be worked on should be correctly identified
• The equipment should be isolated in the approved manner by the locking of isolators,
fuse removal or conductor disconnection
• Warning notices should be prominently displayed at local and remote controlled
equipment
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• Capacitors within the system should be discharged and where necessary connected
to earth
• Any work carried out on antenna or aerial tuning units should be isolated to the same
standard as electrical equipment so it cannot be energised
• Non-magnetic tools should be used when testing or fault finding in the proximity of
high magnetic fields
In addition to the above it should be noted that there is hazardous microwave radiation in
front of satellite parabolic antenna and no work should be carried out in front of the
antenna without isolation and a WCC.
Telecommunication antenna power and beacon voltages are high and may require
special precautions and risk assessment.

18 Electric Shock
WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH THE VICTIM WITH BARE HANDS OR OTHER
CONDUCTING MATERIAL.
• All electrical personnel shall receive instruction on how to deal with persons suffering
from electric shock, plus the emergency procedures to be followed for the
Installation/site
• If possible, the power should be switched off immediately, if this is not possible then
any attempt to pull the victim away from the live conductor should only be made
using a dry non-conductor, in switch rooms there should be an approved implement
for this purpose
• Placards of instruction for the 'Treatment of Persons Suffering from Electric Shock'
and 'Advice on First Aid Treatment of Electric Burns' shall be displayed in switch
rooms, workshops etc where electrical equipment is located

May 2002 Issue 2 27/28