2.7 Safety Requirements When Working from an EWP Purpose The purpose of this instruction is to inform all Horizon Power workers of the safety requirements when working from a EWP. Scope The scope of this instruction includes safety information and work procedures for all Horizon Power workers who undertake the use of EWPs on Horizon Powers network. Safety Before the commencement of work, a risk assessment must be carried out using the Risk Analysis Procedure (OSH-3.6-1-02), to identify and document the hazards and risks associated with the task and ensure appropriate control measures are implemented. It is important that, appropriate control measures must be identified, documented and implemented to lessen or control the identified hazards. Instruction EWP Operators, Occupants and Safety Observers EWP operators and safety observers must possess a current High Risk Work licence EWP operators and safety observers must be trained in the emergency retrieval systems relevant to the EWP being used The safety observer must be competent in the recognition hazards relevant to the use of EWPs and the work task being performed (see Field Instruction 2.27 Safety Observer Role) EWPs must be fitted with an Emergency Decent Device (EDD), with the exception of scissor lifts and self-propelled boom lifts The EWP basket operator must be trained and competent in EDD rescue EWP ground-based operator must be competent in the operation of the EWP and qualified to perform the role of safety observer if a separate observer is not present EWP basket users must wear an approved full body fall protection harness and lanyard, tagged and inspected before use EWP Checks Perform the logbook pre-start EWP operations checks and complete the operator High Risk logbook (yellow book) prior to each operation. If during pre-start checks there is an operational issue, rectify issue or tag EWP with Out of Service Tag The EWP must have an insulation rating equal to, or greater than, the voltage of any energised apparatus within the maximum reach of the boom and basket CS # 2225236 2.7 Safety Requirements When Working from an EWP Page 1 of 6
CAUTION A minimum 132kV insulated EWP must be used for 220kV transmission lines and associated works. Refer to the un-insulated clearances in Table 1 in Field Instruction 2.17 Safe Approach Distances. For un-insulated Vegetation Works, refer to Field Instruction 10.6 Vegetation Management Work Insulated EWP s must be electrically tested every six months with a three-week grace period if required After each 6 monthly electrical test, a compliance sticker must be placed in the cab of the EWP in a prominent position, usually on the windscreen An insulated EWP that does not display a current electrical test sticker or carry an electrical test certificate must be classified as non-insulating and must not be used on the network Check EWP compliance plate to ensure the EWP boom assembly is within 10 year major inspection date Only operate an EWP when the wind velocity is less than 45 km/h or as stated on manufactures compliance plate, or 40 km/h when using HV lifting device for Live HV Work Attach the fall protection harness to the EWP basket anchor point before operating the boom Check EDD release pin and EDD device is in good working order before ascending Operating an EWP When operating a EWP, stay inside the basket and have at least one foot on the basket floor at all times. When transferring between a EWP basket and a tower structure or an approved working platform, always remain attached while transferring from EWP to structure, during the transfer process, all work is to stop until transfer is completed. Operating procedures to follow: Outriggers must be fully deployed and ensure EWP is level Outrigger foot pads must be used on all ground surfaces Use wheel chocks on inclined or declined ground surfaces Ensure EWP basket boom restraints have been removed Tool boxes, bags, EWP remote controls and equipment must not hang or be placed outside of the EWP basket Do not exceed the EWP basket safe working load, this includes tools, equipment and lifting conductors Remain attached at all times when working aloft and travelling in EWP basket Flashing beacons turned on and traffic management used if required CS # 2225236 2.7 Safety Requirements When Working from an EWP Page 2 of 6
Earthing EWP Where there is a risk of a EWP encroaching within the High Voltage Safe Approach Distance (SAD) either directly or through another conducting medium, the EWP must be earthed as per Field Instruction 2.13 Vehicle and Plant earthing Requirements. Vehicle earthing leads must meet minimum vehicle earthing requirements and be approved by Horizon Power; they must be able to withstand the rated short circuit fault current of the relevant High Voltage electrical apparatus. EWPs must be earthed when: Working on or near Live High Voltage conductors / apparatus Working on or near de-energised High Voltage conductors / apparatus When working in a substation When confirming High Voltage conductors de-energised and applying portable High Voltage earths When more than one EWP is involved: when EWPs are within a distance of two (2) metres of each other, they should be connected (bonded) to a common earthing point when EWPs are separated by more than two (2) metres, each mobile plant should have its own direct earth connection applied Working Near Energised Apparatus Everyone involved in EWP operations near energised apparatus must maintain a Ground Approach Distance (GAD) around the base of the EWP, this includes stabilisers and outriggers, (see Table 1 and Fig 1 below). If this is not possible, insulated gloves and outers rated to the highest voltage within the boom reach on the structure must be used. For High Voltages above 33kV insulated gloves and outers must not be used and the GAD must be maintained at all times. The safety observer and other team members must ensure that worksite visitors and the public do not encroach the GAD at any time. Voltage of conductor Table 1: Ground approach distances (mm) Insulated Gloves and Outers to Enter GAD if Required Low voltage 1,000 Yes High Voltage 1 kv up to 33 kv 1,200 66 kv 1,500 No 132 kv 1,800 No Yes Over 132 kv 3,000 No CS # 2225236 2.7 Safety Requirements When Working from an EWP Page 3 of 6
Fig 1: Ground Approach Distance example CAUTION Where inadvertent electrical contact may occur, a barrier must be placed around the EWP and the vehicle earth stake must be barried off to a minimum radius if one meter to avoid touch potential. Un-insulated EWP s in a Zone or Terminal Substation There are different rules for un-insulted EWPs compared to insulated EWPs especially when working around live apparatus in a substation. Un-insulated EWPs are not permitted to work on any live apparatus. Operating procedures to follow: Clearly define the worksite with barriers, flags, ropes and signs All assets within the worksite must be de-energised, isolated and earthed Safe approach distances (SADs) must apply between the worksite boundary and any live conductors to ensure the safety of personnel at all locations within the defined worksite Observe the SAD of live or de-energised adjacent apparatus Un-insulated EWPs working within substation sites must have the chassis connected to a known earth point using the approved earthing leads either bolted or clamped Where practicable the un-insulated EWP basket must also be earthed to the apparatus being worked on unless the apparatus is being tested, removed or replaced Un-insulated EWPs are not permitted to enter the SAD Un-insulated EWPs can only be used on equipment that is earthed Equipment under construction that is at risk of induced voltages must also be made safe by applying earths to ensure no voltage potential rise is possible CS # 2225236 2.7 Safety Requirements When Working from an EWP Page 4 of 6
Traveling in EWP Baskets A risk assessment must be completed to identify all foreseeable hazards and to ensure that risk controls are implemented Comply with the conditions of Department of Transport Exemption 46V14CCHZ3 EWP booms must be kept in the stowed position when traveling The EWP must not exceed six km/h or the posted road speed limit whichever is lower When travelling in the EWP basket you must wear an approved full body safety harness and lanyard attached at all times Carry a copy of Department of Transport Exemption 46V14CCHZ3 within the vehicle and produced on demand if required Escorting a Person in a EWP An escorted person is defined as someone who is authorised to ascend in a EWP basket but is prohibited from performing any operational work. They may only observe, take photographs or make a movie on behalf of Horizon Power A trained and authorised EWP basket operator must accompany the escorted person Escorted person must not operate any EWP controls The EWP basket operator must provide the escorted person with an induction that includes the operation of the EWP and the correct use of the fall arrest harness The EWP basket and boom must not encroach the SAD Cleaning and Maintenance of EWP Wash and clean the inside and outside of insulated EWP boom sections every six weeks or more regularly if used in harsh conditions Use recommended methods and substances to polish the fibreglass After cleaning, rinse well with water to remove any residue Ensure the insulated EWP boom sections are completely dry before using for work on live equipment Report cracks or damage found in the fibreglass section of an EWP boom to the formal leader, tag out EWP with an Out of Service tag, and do not use the EWP until repaired In an Emergency When a EWP has mechanical failure and cannot be lowered, and the personnel are safe, remain in the bucket until a second EWP arrives to effect a rescue The EDD device must only be used in time-critical or life threatening situations or if there is no second EWP for rescue Never tamper with the dead man basket control to bypass its manual function CS # 2225236 2.7 Safety Requirements When Working from an EWP Page 5 of 6
References Occupational Safety & Heath Act 1984 Occupational Safety & Health Regulations 1996 SHMS OSH-3.6-1-02 Job Risk Analysis (JRA) Procedure SHMS OSH-3.6-1-26 Personal Protective Equipment SHMS OSH-3.6-1-03 Mobile Plant and Equipment SHMS OSH-3.6-1-11 Elevating Work Platform Procedure Electrical Safety Standards Field Instruction 2.6 Worksite Clothing / Personal Protective Equipment Requirements Field Instruction 2.13 Vehicle and Plant Earthing Requirements Field Instruction 2.17 Safe Approach Distances Field Instruction 2.23 Job Hazard and Risk management (JRA) Field Instruction 2.27 Safety Observer Role Field Instruction 4.1 Substation Entry Requirements Field Instruction 4.3 Substation Clearances Field Instruction 10.6 Vegetation Management Work AS 2550.10 2006 Cranes, hoists and winches Safe use Part 10: Mobile elevating work platforms CS # 2225236 2.7 Safety Requirements When Working from an EWP Page 6 of 6