Worker Protection Code - Newfoundland Power Inc. › Reference... · 2020-03-21 · Worker...

WORKER PROTECTION CODE

Worker Protection Code

Date Issued: 2008 07 16

Date Revised: 2020 03 20

Date Reviewed: 2020 03 20

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Created By: WPC Committee

Revised By: R. Murdoch

Reviewed By: R. Murdoch/ N. Collins

Approved By: Sean LaCour

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Organizational Responsibilities

3.0 Definitions

4.0 Control Authority

5.0 Worker Protection

5.1 Application of Worker Protection

5.1.1 Visible Air Gaps

5.1.2 Switching and Grounding for De-Energized Work

5.1.3 Equipment Moved Outside Minimum Approach Distance

5.2 Hold Off

5.2.1 Application of Hold Off

5.2.2 Hold Off Requirements

5.3 Self-Protection

5.3.1 Application of Self-Protection

5.4 Protection Guarantee

5.4.1 Application of Protection Guarantee

6.0 Worker Protection Permit

6.1 Worker Protection Permit Procedures and Responsibilities

6.2 Worker Protection Permit Required Information and Checks

6.3 Application of Worker Protection Permit

6.3.1 Multiple Work Units

6.3.2 Release of a Worker Protection Permit

6.3.3 Worker Protection Permit for Outside Party Workers

6.3.4 Transfer of Protection Guarantee Permit

7.0 Danger Tag

7.1 Application

7.2 Preparation

7.3 Installation/Removal

7.4 Limitations

7.5 Exceptions for Danger Tag Removal

7.6 Danger Tag Relocation - Form No. 76E

8.0 Caution Tag

8.1 Procedures/Responsibilities

9.0 Defective Tool & Test Equipment Tag






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1.0 Introduction

The primary purpose of the Worker Protection Code (WPC) is to guarantee the status of high

voltage electrical lines and equipment or generation systems and equipment. Through formalized

procedures and communications, the WPC provides various forms of protection to safeguard

workers from the energy and hazards that electric power systems, generation systems and

equipment may otherwise present at the worksite.

Electrical power systems and equipment are encountered throughout utility operations in

generating facilities, substations, transmission and distribution lines. SCADA and protective

relaying and automation technologies provide remote control and automatic operation of

electrical lines and equipment and generation systems. The application of these technologies is

expanding. Newfoundland Power workers, contractors and other outside parties must be

adequately protected before undertaking work on high voltage electrical systems lines, equipment

and generation systems . The level of protection provided must take into consideration the nature

of the work to be carried out, sources of energy, proximity to energy sources, hazards that may

exist at the worksite and the risk of exposure to these hazards.

The WPC is a formal process for providing and maintaining safe working conditions at the

worksite. Before undertaking any work on high voltage electrical lines and equipment or

generation systems that may pose a safety hazard to workers, an appropriate form of protection

must be secured according to the procedures outlined in the WPC.

The WPC shall be reviewed annually and revised to ensure that the addition of any new

technologies, equipment and controls does not compromise Worker Protection and the

provisions of the WPC.

Any matters of interpretation or application of the WPC shall be referred to and resolved by the

WPC Committee. The members of the committee are Neville Collins (Chair), Mike Greening,

Bob Murdoch, Eric Stephenson, and Brad Tooktoshina.





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2.0 Organizational Responsibilities

For the WPC to be effective in providing protection for workers, it is essential that all involved in

the planning, supervision and carrying out of work on electrical lines, equipment and generation

systems be trained and competent in the application of, and comply with, the requirements of the

Grounding and Bonding Code, Risk Management and Job Safety Planning Code, Equipment

Lockout OPR 300.14, Newfoundland Power’s Operating Procedures, Switching Order

Guidelines, electrical and generation system switching.

Directors are responsible to ensure that all workers under their responsibility are trained and

competent as outlined in OPR500.15 – Identification and Assessment of Training Awareness and

Competency. Employees involved in the preparation and approval of switching orders shall have

met the qualifications, training and experience requirements as outlined in OPR300.01 Switching

Order Preparation and Approval. Employees involved in the carrying out of steps on a switching

order shall have met the competencies requirements as outlined in OPR106.14 Switching.

The Director responsible for the System Control Center, (SCC) shall select members for the

WPC Committee and give guidance in making any changes to the code and support the

committee with development and delivery of training and resolution of issues pertaining to the

application of the WPC.

With the support of the Director responsible for the SCC as outlined above, the WPC Committee

is responsible for revisions to the code and to ensure the WPC remains effective in providing safe

conditions for work on high voltage lines, equipment and generation systems. The WPC

Committee will oversee the development of training material for the WPC and assist with

delivering training as necessary. Any issue involving interpretation of the code, or requiring

clarification on application of the code, shall be referred to and resolved by the WPC Committee.

If the issue needs immediate resolution, the matter shall be decided by the Manager responsible

for the System Control Center.

SCC Power System Operators are responsible for ensuring the orderly carrying out of switching

sequences and the issuance of Worker Protection Permits as per the requirements of the WPC.

Employees who prepare, check and approve Switching Orders must be trained and competent in

switching order procedures. They are responsible for understanding the Switching Order, how

the work is to be completed, the form of protection to be used, and the requirements for isolating

and grounding the work area, (grounding not always required for generation system work).

Supervisors and Workers In Charge of work on high voltage lines, equipment and generation

systems are responsible for recognizing the hazards and understanding the risks associated with

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the work their employees and Work Unit members carry out. They must know the appropriate

form of protection to use in a given work situation and they must be aware of the applicable safe

work procedures to be used. They are responsible to ensure the appropriate form of protection is

provided for all workers and/or contractors under their responsibility and that the requirements of

the WPC are adhered to at all times.

Directors, Managers and Supervisors of work on high voltage lines, equipment and generation

systems are responsible for checking worker compliance with the WPC and the other associated

safety codes and work procedures by completing work observations as prescribed in the

Company’s Work Observation Program. Refer to OPR300.05 – Work Observation Program.

For the purpose of this code any responsibility assigned to specific job classifications also apply

to workers designated to temporarily fill the role.






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3.0 Definitions

Apparatus

All equipment pertaining to the generation, transmission, distribution and use of

electricity.

Approved Work Procedure

A procedure written and approved by the Company that enables a worker to safely work

on or near electrical systems and equipment with hazardous electrical energy present at

the worksite. It is identified by a unique procedure number such as found in T and D

Work Methods, Electrical Maintenance Work Methods or Operating Procedures on

Webster.

Caution Tag

An electronic and/or paper tag used to warn of abnormal status or potentially hazardous

conditions.

Control Authority

The employee authorized to issue a Worker Protection Permit.

The Control Authority will be the SCC Power System Operators except when a Local

Authority is established. (See Local Authority)

Check for Potential

The testing for voltage before a ground is installed on any isolated line or equipment.

Danger Tag

An electronic and/or paper tag used to indicate that equipment is being used to establish a

Protection Guarantee, Self-Protection, or a Hold Off.

Dead

See De-Energized.

De-Energized (Dead)

The state of an electrical system, line or equipment that is disconnected, isolated and

grounded and at a potential equal to or not significantly different from that of ground at

the work site.





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Defective Tool & Test Equipment Tag

A paper tag used to indicate that a tool or piece of test equipment is defective and out of

service. Any tools or test equipment tagged as such must not be used by a worker.

Device

A piece of equipment that can be operated to connect, disconnect or ground parts of an

electrical power system. Examples include group operated disconnects, ground switches,

hook stick operated disconnects, Normally Opened Cutouts, inline disconnects, solid

blade and fused disconnects, circuit breakers, grounding trucks, reclosers, etc.

Disconnected

The state of an electrical line or piece of equipment when no energy is being intentionally

applied. The line or equipment has been removed from service by the operation of a

breaker, recloser, switch or other switching device. A disconnected line or equipment is

not isolated or grounded. NOTE: The disconnected system, line or equipment may be

affected by electromagnetic induction, capacitive coupling, or exposed to the risks of

lightning or static charge.

Dynamic Energy

A source of mechanical or electrical energy having sufficient potential or capacity which

is capable of operating any interconnected equipment within their normal operating

parameters.

Earth (Ground)

Reference for zero potential, also referred to as “earth” potential.

Electromagnetic Induction

Produces both an induced voltage and current. When the predominant effect is due to

current, this is known as magnetic field induction.

Emergency

Any condition that poses an immediate threat to life, limb or property. Examples include

live conductor down on the ground or a vehicle, house fire, pole fire, penstock failure, etc.

Energized (Live)

The state of an electrical system, line or equipment connected to a source of dynamic

energy at a potential significantly different from that of ground (earth) at the work site and

which presents an electrical hazard.





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Equipment

A component of the electrical system such as a breaker, recloser, transformer, voltage

regulator, switch, generator and other electrical apparatus.

Generation Systems and Equipment

Include all mechanical and electrical equipment associated with the prime mover and

ancillary equipment in a generation power plant.

Grounding

Connecting lines or equipment to earth potential. Grounding has the following attributes;

1. Provision of a continuous conductive path to the earth that has sufficient ampacity to

carry any fault current that may be imposed on it.

2. Has a sufficiently low impedance to limit the voltage rise above ground potential to safe

levels.

3. Facilitates the operation of the protective devices in the circuit as quickly as possible.

4. Shunts any excess energies induced by electric and magnetic fields or static

Hazardous Energy

Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal or other source of energy

at a level that can cause potential harm to workers.

High Pressure

Generation systems and equipment operating at 250 psi of pressure or greater.

High Voltage

Equal to or greater than 750 volts.

Hold Off

A temporary mode of operation for equipment protection that prohibits the re-energizing

of lines, equipment or generating facilities. The equipment will remain in this mode until

assurance is received from the Worker in Charge that all workers are clear and it is safe to

return the equipment to its normal mode of operation. Hold Off does not protect the

worker from the hazardous energy present at the worksite.

Isolated (Electrical)

The state of an electrical system, line or equipment when it is separated from all sources

of electrical energy by an Isolation Point(s).





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Isolated (Generation)

The state of generation systems and equipment that is separated from all sources of

hazardous energy by a suitable barrier. When a mechanical system is "isolated", it means

that the associated mechanical equipment has been rendered and secured in-operative by

disconnecting, stopping, depressurizing, draining, venting or other effective means.

Isolation Point

A barrier of adequate rating that separates a system, line or equipment from a source of

electrical or mechanical energy. An electrical Isolation Point is referred to as a Visible

Air Gap. Mechanical Isolation points include valves and gates.

Live

See Energized.

Local Authority

A person authorized to act as a Control Authority within an Operating Area when the

SCC cannot attend to all Area needs or when communications with the SCC are lost.

Normally Open Cutouts

Switches that are installed between two feeders to facilitate the transfer of load from one

feeder to another. Identified with a black on yellow background sign that states:

Authorization to close shall only be granted with an approved Switching Order or

permission from a Control Authority. Caution: Cutouts may be Energized top and bottom.

Outside Party

All companies, utilities, organizations and persons other than Newfoundland Power and

qualified Newfoundland Power Utility Contractors.

Prime mover

A machine that transforms energy from thermal, electrical or pressure form to mechanical

form.

In the case of a hydroelectric generating facility, includes all equipment from the

head gate to the tail race.

In the case of a diesel-electric generating facility, includes the diesel engine.

In the case if a Gas Turbine generating facility, includes the gas turbine, power

turbine, and exhaust system.





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Protection Guarantee

A Protection Guarantee provides formal assurance to a worker that all sources of

hazardous energy associated with a line, system or piece of equipment are removed or

controlled and will remain in that state while the Protection Guarantee is in effect. A

Protection Guarantee is granted by the Control Authority to a Worker in Charge and

requires a Switching Order approved and dispatched by the Control Authority to isolate

and ground the work area as required.

Qualified Worker

A worker who through possession of a recognized post-secondary degree or diploma,

trade certificate, or professional standing, has successfully demonstrated his or her ability

to perform the required duties and tasks of the work.

Release

The relinquishing of all protection afforded by a Worker Protection.

Remote Control

Refers to a device when controlled from the System Control Centre or location remote

from the device location.

Self-Protection

Self-Protection allows a Worker in Charge to take direct responsibility for ensuring that a

section of distribution line, feeder equipment or generation equipment is De-Energized

and will remain in that state for the duration of the work.

Switching Order

A sequence of switching steps either prepared on the Switch application with three levels

of approval (identified by 6 digits assigned by the Switch application) or prepared and

approved in the field by Qualified Workers (identified by 7 digits assigned by the Control

Authority).

System Control Centre (SCC)

The location from which the operation of the Newfoundland Power island-wide system is

controlled and/or monitored.

Visible Air Gap

A visible electrical Isolation Point of suitable size (air insulation adequate for the voltage

levels present), that isolates a system, line or equipment from an Energized section of the

system.





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Worker Protection

Either of the three forms of protection provided by the Worker Protection Code:

Protection Guarantee, Self-Protection or Hold Off.

Worker Protection Permit

A Control Authority administered permission given to a Worker in Charge to perform

work on high voltage electrical lines or equipment, and generation systems. The three

types of Worker Protection Permits issued under the Worker Protection Code are

Protection Guarantee Permit, Self-Protection Permit and Live Line Permit.

Work Unit

An individual, a crew or a number of crews working together on the same project under

the same Worker Protection Permit. The Worker Protection Permit for a Work Unit

consisting of more than one crew shall normally be held by the Worker in Charge of the

project who must be capable of communicating with all workers at all times.

Worker in Charge (WIC)

A qualified Newfoundland Power or contractor worker responsible for a Work Unit.





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4.0 Control Authority

All switching, system re-configuration or work on high voltage electrical lines and equipment or

generation systems and equipment, requires authorization from the Control Authority to proceed.

Under normal circumstances the SCC is the Control Authority for all of Newfoundland Power’s

operations.

In large and wide-spread outage situations when the SCC cannot attend to all Area needs, the

Manager responsible for the SCC may request the Manager, Area or Regional Operations to have

a Local Authority established. Generally, the Local Authority will only assume responsibilities

for work on distribution lines. The Local Authority must document any form of Worker

Protection issued, along with any system changes made, and report this to the SCC, when

practical to do so.

In the event communications with the SCC are lost, the Manager, Area or Regional Operations

may designate a Local Authority. The Local Authority must assume all the responsibilities of the

Control Authority and must have received WPC training and be thoroughly familiar with the

substations, transmission and distribution lines in the area for which he/she will be the Local

Authority. The Local Authority must frequently attempt to contact the SCC to provide updates

on any form of Worker Protection in effect and any system changes.

5.0 Worker Protection

The WPC provides for various forms of Worker Protection: Hold Off, Self-Protection and

Protection Guarantee. No form of protection is better or safer than the other when used for the

purpose for which it was intended. Each form of protection has applications when work is to be

performed on high voltage electrical lines and equipment or generation systems and equipment.

The Worker in Charge is responsible for establishing an appropriate form of Worker Protection

for himself/herself and/or his/her Work Unit, and obtaining the appropriate Worker Protection

Permit from the Control Authority. A Work Unit may consist of several workers or crews as

long as each are involved in the same Risk Management and Job Safety Planning process and are

working on the same job.

5.1 Application of Worker Protection

5.1.1 Visible Air Gaps

The electrical system line or equipment on which a Self-Protection or a Protection Guarantee is

established, must be isolated from all sources of electrical energy by Visible Air Gap(s) that

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provides adequate Worker Protection except for the two cases outlined below. Points to consider

should include the normal supply points, customer owned generation, by pass switches, feeder

paralleling switches, etc. Each of these supply points must be isolated and suitably tagged.

Where metal clad switchgear or concealed contacts are used, it is not always possible to establish

a Visible Air Gap.

The following apply in these cases:

1. Circuits supplied by metal clad switchgear will be considered isolated if the breaker is in

its fully racked down or out position.

2. Concealed contacts should be avoided whenever possible. However, if impractical to

avoid, extreme caution must be exercised to ensure the circuit is isolated. This can be

achieved by checking the circuit with an approved potential test indicator. In cases when

the above checking methods cannot be used, particular attention must be paid to the

position of external indicators associated with the switch.

5.1.2 Switching

When a Protection Guarantee or Self-Protection is to be used to perform work, the Worker in

Charge must initiate the process by contacting the Control Authority.

Switching Orders for Protection Guarantees are normally prepared and approved on the SWITCH

application.

All workers required to take an active part in the switching required to establish a Protection

Guarantee must have an approved copy of the Switching Order. In the case of Self-Protection,

the Switching Order must be checked by at least one other qualified worker. If no other qualified

worker is available in the field, then the steps must be communicated to and approved by the

Control Authority.

The Switching Order used to establish a Protection Guarantee or Self-Protection must be

reviewed with all workers at the worksite prior to the start of the job.

All grounding required to establish a Protection Guarantee or Self-Protection must be installed in

accordance with the Grounding and Bonding Code (GBC).

5.1.3 Equipment Moved Outside Minimum Approach Distance

Work on electrical equipment that has been physically moved to a location where it cannot be

connected to the system, or under the influence of electromagnetic induction, does not require a

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form of Worker Protection, provided that the minimum approach distance to other Energized

lines and equipment can be maintained. (i.e. metal clad switchgear breaker physically moved

from the cubicle to the floor).

5.2 Hold Off

A Hold Off provides a guarantee that a line or piece of generating equipment, that trips, or has

shut down will not be re-Energized until all Hold Offs have been released. A Hold Off does not

protect the worker from the hazardous energy that may be present at the worksite.

Hold Off is obtained and released by the Worker in Charge for themselves and/or a Work Unit

for which they are responsible. After the Hold Off is established a Worker Protection Permit

must be issued by the Control Authority for de-energized work or a Live Line Permit issued for

live line work.

5.2.1 Application of Hold Off

Hold Off must be used;

1. When performing live line work.

2. When installing or removing poles in Energized lines.

3. When performing work which may encroach on Minimum Approach Distances to

Energized equipment, as per OPR 106.07- Minimum Approach Distances to Energized

Equipment.

4. When required as part of a Newfoundland Power Approved Work Procedure.

5. When cutting danger trees or performing tree trimming work within Minimum Approach

Distances to energized lines or equipment, as per OPR 106.07- Minimum Approach

Distances to Energized Equipment .

6. When required to reduce the risk of public or worker exposure to hazards associated with

the risk of power line failure or faults as required by OPR106.46 – Power Line

Disconnection and Hold Off Protection.

7. When there is a possibility that the work being performed could result in an accidental

contact with an adjacent line(s).

8. When the location or condition of adjacent line(s) presents a particular hazard to worker(s).

(Adjacent line(s) are those that cross over or under the line being worked on or are

supported on common structures).

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9. When working on Energized substation equipment or a substation bus. (In this case the

breaker or recloser on all sources connected to the worksite must be placed in Hold Off.)

10. When there is a possibility that work being performed could result in contact with

Generating systems and equipment, that possesses sufficient dynamic energy to potentially

cause injury to workers or damage to equipment.

For example, work being carried out in generating facilities while the generators are

running that may include but not limited to the following:

a. painting or general construction or repairs to the building,

b. work on building louvers or exhaust fans,

c. work on control systems,

d. work on adjacent generators that may impact the operation of nearby equipment.

5.2.2 Hold Off Requirements

1. For feeders protected by multiple reclosers or other automatic reclosing devices, a Hold

Off must be obtained on all such devices on the source side of the worksite.

2. It is the responsibility of the Worker in Charge to ensure that a Hold Off is obtained and

released whenever necessary and the Control Authority notified. If an electrical line or

piece of generation equipment with a Hold Off trips or shuts down, the device must not be

re-Energized until permission to do so is received from the Worker in Charge. If this

occurs, the Control Authority must be notified immediately. A Danger Tag marked Hold

Off does not prevent the device from being tripped (opened or disconnected).

3. The Worker in Charge is responsible for confirming that the Hold Off is requested for the

correct line or piece of equipment. Field verification is required as per OPR 106.46 Power

Line Disconnection and Hold-Off Protection.

4. When work is being performed on a substation, transmission line or distribution line

directly connected to a NP generating plant, a Hold Off must be established on the

generator(s).

5. Generator Hold Off Requirements

a. If a generator is in remote mode, Water Management must be turned off and a

Hold Off tag placed on the SCADA start/stop button.

b. If a generator is in local auto mode, Water Management must be turned off and

a Hold Off tag placed on the generator control panel.







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c. If the generator is in Manual mode, a Hold Off tag must be placed on the

generator control panel.

6. Equipment requiring Hold Off to be placed manually will require a NL Power worker to

perform this task.

5.3 Self-Protection

Self-Protection allows a Worker in Charge to take direct responsibility at a worksite for ensuring

that a section of distribution line or feeder equipment or generation equipment is De-Energized

and will remain in that state while Self-Protection is in effect.

Self-Protection is invoked and released by the Worker in Charge for themselves and/or their

Work Unit. After the Self-Protection has been established a Self-Protection Permit must be

issued by the Control Authority before work can commence, except for an Emergency condition

as outlined in Section 6.0.

5.3.1 Application of Self-Protection

1. Self-Protection is used for straightforward switching on one distribution feeder (may

include distribution breaker, recloser, and associated DL’s, DB’s and the by pass switches).

2. Self-protection is used on straight forward switching on Generating equipment operating at

less than 250 psi and not more than 750 volts. It is not intended for major work on prime

mover equipment whereby the equipment is to be dismantled. Some examples include but

are not limited to the following: adjusting shaft gland followers, changing brush elements,

work on filter systems and low pressure governor systems.

3. Self-Protection is not permitted to be used on a feeder that requires it to be paralleled with

another feeder(s) as part of the switching to isolate the work area.

4. Self-Protection is not permitted for work on transmission lines or work on substation

equipment.

5. If three or more devices have to be operated (opened or closed) to establish Self-Protection,

a written Switching Order is required.

6. If a written Switching Order is required the Worker In Charge is responsible to have it

prepared.

7. The Worker In Charge is responsible for the approval and dispatch of the Switching Order

prepared for Self-Protection. If a second crew member is not available, the Worker In





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Charge shall prepare the Switching Order and must have a SCC Power System Operator

review and approve it.

5.4 Protection Guarantee

A Protection Guarantee provides formal assurance from the Control Authority to a Worker In

Charge, that high voltage electrical lines and equipment or generation systems and equipment is

De-Energized and will remain in that state while the Protection Guarantee is in effect. Protection

Guarantees are required for all work on De-Energized High Voltage lines and equipment except

where Self-Protection is permitted.

After the switching to establish a Protection Guarantee is completed, a Protection Guarantee

Permit must be issued by the Control Authority before work can commence.

5.4.1 Application of Protection Guarantee

1. A Switching Order approved and dispatched by the Control Authority is required to ensure

the work area is isolated and grounds are applied if necessary.

2. A Protection Guarantee applies only to the lines or equipment described in the “Equipment

or Area Covered by Protection Guarantee” section of the Switching Order.

6.0 Worker Protection Permit A Worker Protection Permit is a Control Authority administered permission given to a Worker in

Charge before any work can start on High Voltage electrical lines and equipment or generation

systems and equipment, except for an Emergency condition as outlined below. There are three

types of Worker Protection Permits:

1. Hold Off Permit (Live Line Permit with Hold off)

2. Self-Protection Permit

3. Protection Guarantee Permit

They are identified by a unique number issued by the Control Authority.

For an Emergency condition the Worker In Charge may invoke Self-Protection to remove the

immediate danger without communicating with the Control Authority to obtain a Self-Protection

Permit. After the immediate threat has been removed, a Worker Protection Permit will be

required to make repairs.





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6.1 Worker Protection Permit Procedures and Responsibilities

1. A Worker In Charge must request a Worker Protection Permit from the Control Authority

and once issued, record this Permit number on all related tags and forms such as a

Tailboard Conference Plan Form 84, Form 543A Worker Protection Permit for Outside

Party, etc.

2. A Worker In Charge may be issued multiple Worker Protection Permits provided the

Permit conditions do not require the Worker in Charge to be present at more than one

worksite at the same time.

3. Only a Newfoundland Power Worker In Charge can obtain a Worker Protection Permit on

behalf of an outside party working near Newfoundland Power High Voltage lines,

generation systems and equipment.

4. A Protection Guarantee Permit can be transferred to another Worker In Charge as per

clause 6.3.4.

5. When work is complete the Worker In Charge must Release the Worker Protection Permit

to the Control Authority before the system can be restored to normal.

6. A Worker Protection Permit is not required to perform switching to isolate faulted sections

of lines or failed equipment or switching to restore power following an outage. The

Control Authority, with the help of Operations and Engineering personnel, will work out a

plan to isolate the fault and restore service to as many customers as possible before making

repairs. Once the fault has been isolated, a Worker Protection Permit will be required to

make repairs.

6.2 Worker Protection Permit Required Information and Checks

Information required by the Control Authority to create a Worker Protection Permit includes:

Name of Worker In Charge

Location of work

Purpose of work

Electrical and/or generation protection required

Confined Space Entry Permit – Form 707 (if required)

Form of protection to be used

Before issuing a Worker Protection Permit, the Control Authority will confirm that the following

have been considered and complied with if applicable:

Has a Hold Off been established?

Have temporary system conditions been checked?

Are there any other Worker Protections in effect that could impact the work?

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Has the Tailboard and Job Steps Plan been completed and reviewed with all crew

members?

The Control Authority may refuse to issue a Worker Protection Permit if any of the above

conditions are unsatisfactory. If a Worker Protection Permit is refused by the Control Authority,

notification shall be given via email to the Manager responsible for System Control stating the

reason(s) for the refusal.

6.3 Application of Worker Protection Permit

6.3.1 Multiple Work Units

A Work Unit must not work under a Worker Protection Permit that has been established for

another Work Unit. If more than one Work Unit requires a Worker Protection Permit on the

same line or equipment, each Work Unit must establish its own Worker Protection Permit. A

crew can be added to an existing Work Unit provided they are working on the same project and a

tailboard conference is held with the Worker In Charge.

6.3.2 Release of a Worker Protection Permit

The Release of a Worker Protection Permit is a formal statement to the Control Authority that the

Worker in Charge is relinquishing all protection afforded by the Worker Protection Permit.

In the event that the Worker In Charge is unable to Release a Worker Protection Permit, only the

Manager of the Worker In Charge or, if unavailable, the responsible Director can authorize the

Release. The person authorizing the Release of the Worker Protection Permit must assume

complete responsibility. Whenever a Worker Protection Permit is released under this

circumstance, the details must be reported in writing to the Control Authority and Manager

responsible for System Control.

6.3.3 Worker Protection Permit for Outside Party Workers

When any electrical line or piece of generation equipment is De-Energized to allow any Outside

Party to work on or in close proximity to it, a Worker Protection Permit for Outside Party - Form

543A must be completed to provide assurance that the line or piece of equipment has been De-

Energized and will remain in that state until the Worker Protection Permit is released by the

Outside Party.

If isolation points are required for any diving activity, a Form 543A shall be issued to the diving

contractor Worker In Charge.

The Worker Protection Permit for Outside Party - Form 543A must be:

http://porch/SiteDirectory/Environment/EnvironmentHealth%20and%20Safety%20Forms/Form%2085A.pdf








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1. Used in conjunction with a Self-Protection Permit or Protection Guarantee Permit.

2. Completed, signed and dated by the NP Worker In Charge and the Outside Party Onsite

Supervisor.

3. Maintained by the NP Worker In Charge and a copy provided to the Outside Party Onsite

Supervisor.

4. Signed and dated by the Outside Party Onsite Supervisor and the NP Worker In Charge

releasing the Form 543A -Worker Protection Permit for Outside Party.

Multiple Worker Protection Permit for Outside Party - Form 543A may be issued under the same

Worker Protection Permit. When all Worker Protection Permits for Outside Parties are released,

the associated Protection Guarantee or Self-Protection Permit may be released, and the line,

equipment or piece of generation equipment may be Energized.

6.3.4 Transfer of Protection Guarantee Permit

If a Worker In Charge who has been issued a Protection Guarantee Permit is unable to continue

to exercise their responsibilities due to illness, injury, vacations, or other cause, the work must

stop until a new Worker In Charge is established with formal notification to the Control

Authority stating the reason for substitution. The new Worker In Charge takes on full

responsibility associated with the Protection Guarantee Permit and the original Worker In Charge

relinquishes all responsibility.

Provided all original Protection Guarantee Permit conditions remain unchanged, the Protection

Guarantee Permit may be transferred. Transfer of Worker Protection Permit - Form 76D must be

completed by the Worker In Charge and sent to the SCC for approval and filing. The SCC Power

System Operator must attach the completed form to the SCC’s copy of the Switching Order. In

the event that the Worker In Charge is unable to complete the form, Transfer of Worker

Protection Permit - Form 76D , it may be completed by the SCC Power System Operator when

clear communications are available from the SCC to both the existing and proposed Workers In

Charge.


http://porch/SiteDirectory/Environment/EnvironmentHealth%20and%20Safety%20Forms/Form%2076D.pdf







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7.0 Danger Tag

The Danger Tag is used to indicate that:

1. A Protection Guarantee or Self-Protection has been established and equipment or devices

must not be operated.

2. A Hold Off has been established and the re-energizing of electrical or generation

equipment is prohibited.

The knowledge that any device or generation equipment bearing a Danger Tag marked Protection

Guarantee or Self-Protection is not to be operated and any device or equipment bearing a Danger

Tag marked Hold Off is not to be closed is the basis upon which the WPC guarantees protection

to workers.

7.1 Application

Danger Tags must be placed electronically and/or physically on, but not limited to, the following

situations:

1. All Isolation Points or Visible Air Gaps used to isolate the work areas. This includes

switches that are opened as part of the procedure, normally open points such as bypass

switches, isolating switches for customer owned generation that could act as a source of

supply to that portion of the system being worked on. If open jumpers are used to provide

a Visible Air Gap(s), they must also be Danger Tagged. Normally Open Cutouts

permanently identified with yellow signs must be confirmed open by either field

verification or SCC verification where applicable and Danger Tagged electronically by the

Control Authority. Note: Field verification of normally open cut outs may be done in

advance of the switching procedure and status confirmed with the SCC.

2. Grounding switches that are closed as part of the switching procedure must be Danger

Tagged in the closed position.

3. Switches or breakers that form part of the conductive grounding path shall be Danger

Tagged in the closed position. (Breakers must have DC turned off and Danger Tagged).

4. All grounds required to obtain a Protection Guarantee or Self-Protection must be Danger

Tagged.

5. Breakers, reclosers and other devices used to provide a Hold Off must be Danger Tagged.





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7.2 Preparation

The tag must be clearly marked to indicate the type of protection in effect. On the reverse side,

the following terms must be completed:

1. The Switching Order number (if applicable).

2. The device designation (e.g. RBK-G1-MI-01).

3. The date the tag is placed using year-month-day format.

4. The notes area is intended for any special instructions or details.

7.3 Installation/Removal

Danger Tags must be installed as follows:

1. Where switches are group operated by a ground level control handle, the Danger Tag must

be tied onto the lock used to secure the switch in either the opened or closed position. A

switch that is capable of being padlocked must not be Danger Tagged unless it is locked.

2. Motor operated switches and valves shall be tagged on the control panel control switch. In

addition, the DC power supply shall be turned off and Danger Tagged. Motorized switches

that can be remotely controlled from a building and/or panel within the substation will have

a permanent label placed on their respective motor cabinets. This label will be yellow with

black lettering and will say: "Local operation will only be permitted in Emergencies or if

special permission is obtained from the Control Authority".

3. Hook stick operated (HSO) disconnects shall be Danger Tagged by securing the Danger

Tag to the blade of the center phase. This is done using a special tag holder that is to be

applied with a standard switch stick.

4. When cut-outs have the blades or fuse holders removed, the Danger Tag must be fastened

to the blade or fuse holder that is in turn fastened to the pole or tied to the steel structure.

5. Device control switches must have the Danger Tag fastened directly to the switch handle

where possible. If the physical layout of the control switch or control panels makes this

impossible, the Danger Tag must be fastened to the control panel as near as practical to the

appropriate switch. At the SCC, the remote control switches must be Danger Tagged

electronically which will display on the SCADA system diagram.

6. When Danger Tagging open jumpers, the Danger Tag must be fastened to the pole so as to

be easily visible to anyone who would attempt to close the jumpers.





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7. If the position of a single isolating device is being guaranteed for more than one Work Unit

or Worker Protection Permit, each Worker In Charge must have his/her own Danger Tag in

place (in the field and electronically where applicable).

8. When a breaker, recloser or other device remotely controlled is placed in Hold Off, it must

have an electronic Hold Off Danger Tag placed on it in the Worker In Charge’s name at

the SCC. When the device placed in Hold Off is not remotely controlled, a paper Hold Off

Danger Tag must be placed on the device, or in the case of a breaker, on its control switch.

When the device to be placed in Hold Off is equipped with an automatic reclosing or

automatic transfer feature (e.g. recloser, breaker with reclosing relay, etc) the

reclosing/transfer feature must be blocked either locally at the device or remotely from the

SCC. If placed locally, only the breaker/recloser control switch/handle is to be Danger

Tagged. Before any devices are switched to non-reclose, the Control Authority must be

contacted for authorization and will require confirmation from the field that the field

device has actually been placed in the non-reclose position and tagged in the field, before

the status of the equipment and tags will be changed on the SCADA system. This will

confirm that field devices are actually in non-reclose and Danger Tagged before the SCC

issues a Hold Off protection to anyone requesting a Hold Off in their name.

Breakers/reclosers that can be controlled from a building and/or panel within the substation

will have a permanent label placed in their respective cabinets. This label will be yellow

with black lettering and will say: “Local operation will only be permitted in emergencies

or if special permission is specifically obtained from the Control Authority”.

9. When breakers are racked down or out to provide a visible air gap, a Danger Tag stating

the device designation must be attached to the door of the switchgear cubicle.

10. A Danger Tag marked Hold Off that was placed locally for SCC can only be removed

when all Hold Offs have been released and instruction to do so has been given by the

Control Authority. The device can then be placed in normal operation with automatic

reclosing.

11. The Worker In Charge is responsible for ensuring the appropriate tags are removed from

the field and returned to his or her supervisor along with the field copy(s) of the switching

order(s) for review when switching has been completed.

7.4 Limitations

Equipment tagged with a Danger Tag must not be operated or have its position changed until

either:

1. The Protection Guarantee Permit is released by the Worker In Charge and permission to

remove the Danger Tag is obtained from the Control Authority.





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2. The Self-Protection Permit is released by the Worker In Charge and permission to remove

the Danger Tag is obtained from the Worker In Charge.

3. In the case of a Hold Off, assurance is received from the Worker In Charge that all workers

are clear and that the Live Line Permit has been released. A Danger Tag marked Hold Off

does not prevent the electrical line or pieces of equipment from being tripped (opened or

disconnected).

7.5 Exceptions for Danger Tag Removal

Grounds may be removed and reinstalled for testing or commissioning purposes as per the

Grounding and Bonding Code. This must be stated in the Switching Order under the

Remarks/Hazards section. The Worker In Charge is responsible for notifying all workers in the

Work Unit prior to the grounds being removed for testing or commissioning purposes and all

other work associated with the Protection Guarantee Permit must cease until grounds and Danger

Tags have been reinstalled.

7.6 Danger Tag Relocation - Form No. 76E

The relocation of an Isolation Point with Danger Tag or grounding path with Danger Tag is

permitted when the device used to provide isolation or grounding must be changed to facilitate

the continuation of work.

A Danger Tag Relocation - Form 76E must be completed by the Worker In Charge and approved

by the SCC prior to relocating the Isolation Point, or relocating grounds and Danger Tag.

Grounding must be established as per the Grounding and Bonding Code.

8.0 Caution Tag

A Caution Tag warns of an abnormal status or a hazardous condition(s).

Caution tagging is used to identify equipment that is in an abnormal status, out of service, out of

order (broken or defective), in the process of being commissioned or presents a hazard to workers

for other reasons.

A physical Caution Tag should be installed on all such identified equipment. If the equipment is

represented on SCADA the SCC should place an electronic Caution Tag on the equipment

control panel on SCADA.

../Code/porch/DavWWWRoot/SiteDirectory/HS/Code/Grounding%20and%20Bonding%20Code.pdf

http://porch/SiteDirectory/Environment/EnvironmentHealth%20and%20Safety%20Forms/Form%2076E.pdf





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A Caution Tag should be installed, during switching, on equipment that has been placed in its

abnormal position and left unattended during or after the switching process.

Some examples of when to use a Caution Tag include, but are not limited to, the following:

Breakers or reclosers opened to permit down-line switching if left unattended.

Normally opened switches and cutouts closed as part of the switching procedure and

not part of the grounding path.

Switches operated to transfer load or change modes of operation.

Equipment found to be defective or inoperable.

Equipment that has its settings temporarily changed.

Devices placed in an abnormal state and will be left unattended.

Protection and control devices in the process of being commissioned or removed from

service.


Any worker placing a Caution Tag affecting system operations shall notify the Control Authority

as soon as possible that it has been placed. The Control Authority shall log the information and

bring it to the attention of the appropriate personnel for follow-up if necessary. The Control

Authority is to be notified that the Caution Tag has been removed as soon as possible after doing

so and the Caution Tag returned to the appropriate location for filing.

A Caution Tag may only be removed by a Newfoundland Power worker who understands why

the Caution Tag was placed and takes necessary corrective action to remedy the original

situation.

The Control Authority is to be notified that the Caution Tag has been removed as soon as

possible after doing so.





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9.0 Defective Tool & Test Equipment Tag

A Defective Tool & Test Equipment Tag is to be used to tag defective tools and or test equipment

out of service. The tag shall identify the nature of the defect in the remarks section of the tag and

the tag shall not be removed from the tool or test equipment until such time as a repair has been

made by a person qualified to make the repair.

Defective Tool & Test Equipment Tags are not to be used as a system (Electrical or Generation)

tags. Caution and or Danger Tags are for use on equipment impacting Electric and Generation

systems.


Any worker placing a Defective Tool & Test Equipment Tag shall immediately remove the

tagged item from service and make arrangements to return the item to the appropriate person or

location for repair as soon as is most convenient.

The Defective Tool & Test Equipment Tag may only be removed once the device has been

repaired by a qualified person and the device has been deemed ready to return to service.

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