TCS Operational Safety Rules

Supporting Procedure 2

Operational &
Safety Switching
SHEQ/TCSESR/SP/002-3.0
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Document Authorisation, History & Review Sheet

TCS Operational Safety Rules Supporting

Procedure 2

Operational & Safety Switching

SHEQ/TCSESR/SP/002-3.0

Document Author:
Name David White
Position Senior Asset Manager
Date 22/11/19

Reviewed By: Authorised By:

Name Keith Stonham Name Mike Lee
Position Authorisation Officer Position Engineering Director
Date 22/11/19 Date 22/11/19

Document Review Date – December 2024

Version No. Date Comment Author Reviewed Authorised
1.0 21/02/2014 First Issue LB DO/BM
2.0 22/08/14 Review and Amendments DW BM ML
3.0 11/12/19 Major Review and Amendments DW KS ML

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CONTENTS
Glossary .............................................................................................................................. 3
1. Purpose and scope ...................................................................................................... 5
2. HV Switching Preparation ........................................................................................... 5
3. HV Switching – Other than Emergency Purposes ..................................................... 6
3.1 Switching Schedules ............................................................................................... 6
3.2 Switching Log Books............................................................................................... 8
3.3 Issuing / Receiving HV Switching Instructions ......................................................... 9
3.4 Undertaking HV Switching Instructions ................................................................. 10
3.5 Completion of HV Switching .................................................................................. 11
4. Switching Instructions Carried Out under a Permit to Work................................... 12
5. Applying Safety Precautions..................................................................................... 12
5.1 Points of Isolation – General ................................................................................. 12
5.2 Points of Isolation Gas Density Dependant (IGDD) ............................................... 13
5.3 Points of Isolation on Voltage Transformers .......................................................... 14
5.4 Points of Isolation on HAM VT/CT Units................................................................ 14
5.5 Primary Earthing ................................................................................................... 15
6. Returning Equipment to Operational Service .......................................................... 15
7. HV Switching – Emergency Conditions.................................................................... 16
8. Defeating of Interlocks .............................................................................................. 16
9. Operation of Non-Interlocked Equipment from the Local Position ........................ 17
10. LV and Mechanical Switching ................................................................................... 18
11. Retention of Documentation ..................................................................................... 19

Appendix 1 – Pre-Approved Switching Schedules

Appendix 2 – Switching Log Book
Appendix 3 – Standard Switching Terminology

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GLOSSARY
AMC Alarm monitoring Centre – A Company Approved
centre for 24/7 monitoring of substation alarms.

CT Current Transformer

Emergency Switching Switching carried out without instruction or approval to

prevent substantial risk to health.

General Log Book A log book held at a substation site to record site
specific general activities or information.

Grid Code Permits the development, maintenance and operation

of an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system for
the transmission of electricity. National Grid and users
of its transmission system are required to comply with
the Grid Code.

HAM High accuracy Metering

IGDD Isolation Gas Density Dependant

LCC Local Control Cabinet

Local position A term used to describe Switching which is carried out

directly at the location of the Equipment being
operated. i.e. from the local mech box of a CB or
disconnector or physically operating a device manually.

Meter Operator The owner and operator of electrical metering facilities

MCB Miniature Circuit Breaker

NGESO National Grid Electricity System Operator

Operational Switching Switching activities involving the reconfiguration of a

System for operational purposes, not to achieve
Safety from the System.

Remote Switching Switching undertaken from a position remote from the

Equipment being operated, for example: via SCADA,
an LCC or other remote operating facility.

RISSP Record of Inter System Safety Precautions – A

document conforming to OC8 of the Grid Code,
specifying the location of Point(s) of Isolation and/or
earthing points across System boundaries using
different Safety Rules.

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Safety Switching Switching activities to achieve Safety from the

System, i.e. preparing for and applying safety
precautions.

SCADA System Control and Data Acquisition – A computerised

system to control and monitor electrical networks.

SF6 Sulphur Hexafluoride, a gas used for its electrical

insulation properties within gas insulated switchgear..

Site Switching Log A document forming a Switching Schedule which

contains a unique reference number and is used for
recording minor Switching activities for a specific site /
network. This shall be in a similar format to a
Switching log book.

SRSP Safety Rules Supporting Procedure

STC System Operator Transmission Owner Code – Defines

the high-level relationship between NGESO and the
Transmission System owner (OFTO).

Substation Status Board An information board utilising Tee cards (or similar) to
identify the status of Equipment at a particular
substation location.

Switching Log Book A blank form in an Approved format to record

unplanned or additional Switching instructions to form
a Switching Schedule. This can also include the
“additional instructions” section of a pre-approved
Switching Schedule.

TCS Transmission Capital Services – The asset managers

for the OFTO projects owned by the OFTO.

TSC Transmission Status Certificates – a requirement of the

STC

VSM Verbal Switching Method

VT Voltage Transformer

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1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1.1 This document sets down the procedures to be adopted when carrying out
Switching operations on Equipment to which the TCS Operational Safety Rules and Safety
Rules Supporting Procedures (SRSP) apply.

1.2 These procedures have been developed to minimise human error incidents by
ensuring that:
• The requirements of the individual issuing the Switching instruction are accurately
and unambiguously conveyed to the recipient of the Switching Instruction.
• The recipient executes the Switching instruction exactly as instructed, without
distraction or undue delay.
1.3 Where words within this SRSP are used in a Bold font. The exact meaning of this
word is described in the definitions section of the TCS Operational Safety Rules.

2. HV SWITCHING PREPARATION
2.1 With the exception of emergency Switching, all HV Switching shall be carried out to
the instructions of the appropriate Control Engineer (the Control Engineer shall, where
reasonably practicable be a separate individual to the person carrying out any Switching
from a local position). Before issuing operational Switching instructions, the Control
Engineer shall consult with NGESO who, in accordance with the STC-Procedures, may in
turn consult with the Control Engineer(s) of other Systems that may be affected by the
proposed Switching.

2.2 Planned HV Switching shall follow the issuing of a Transmission Status Certificate
(TSC) by NGESO to the Control Engineer or; where appropriate, the Switching may be
agreed with NGESO without the issuing of a TSC by means of a Verbal Switching Method
(VSM) issued by NGESO. The Control Engineer shall not give instruction for any
Switching to take place prior to confirming consultation with the Control Engineers of any
other Systems which may be affected by the proposed Switching.

2.3 Before commencing any Operational or Safety Switching on site, the Authorised
Person shall, where reasonably practicable ensure that the Switching operation does not
affect the site supplies. Following the Switching operations, the Authorised Person shall
confirm, where necessary in liaison with the appropriate Control Engineer(s), that there is
no loss of site indications.

2.4 HV Switching instructions shall be given direct to an Authorised Person except

where portable Primary Earths are to be applied or removed, then the Switching
instruction shall be given direct to a Senior Authorised Person. The Control Engineer and
the recipient of the Switching instruction are responsible for ensuring that they hold the
necessary authorisations.

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2.5 Where carrying out Switching instructions involving the defeating of interlocks or on
non-interlocked Equipment operated locally, the Approved procedures in Sections 8 & 9 of
this document shall be followed.

2.6 When Switching is to be carried out by an individual under training as an

Authorised Person, he/she shall be under the Personal Supervision of an Authorised
Person who will take full responsibility for the correct completion of the Switching
instruction. The Control Engineer shall be made aware and record both names.

2.7 Using the trainees’ original instruction, the supervising Authorised Person shall also
receive the Switching instructions direct from the Control Engineer. Having checked and
confirmed the instruction is correct, he/she shall then countersign the trainees’ instruction.

2.8 When Switching instructions are to be issued by an individual under training as a

Control Engineer, he/she shall be under the Personal Supervision of an appropriate
Control Engineer, who shall check and countersign the written instructions, and take full
responsibility for the accuracy of the Switching instructions being issued. The recipient of
the Switching instruction shall be made aware and note both names on his instruction.

3. HV SWITCHING – OTHER THAN EMERGENCY

PURPOSES

3.1 Switching Schedules

3.1.1 Before HV Switching instructions are to be issued by the appropriate Control

Engineer, they shall be recorded; including a number for the individual operation, the name
of the location at which the instruction is to be carried out, the identification / nomenclature of
the Equipment involved, the specific operational instruction and, where appropriate, the
effect of the operations, this shall be achieved by the use of Switching Schedules.

3.1.2 HV Switching instructions shall be recorded in a Switching Schedule. This can be

in the form of a pre-approved printed Switching Schedule or, for unplanned instructions,
recorded in a Switching log book which will then form a Switching Schedule.

3.1.3 For very minor Operational Switching only, individual Switching operations issued
or carried out by a Control Engineer may be recorded in the Site Switching Log. The Site
Switching Log shall be in the form of a Switching Schedule having its own unique
reference number and shall be used to record minor operational actions and for recording
instructions from / communications with third party Control Engineers where a pre-
approved Switching Schedule or Switching Log Book are not appropriate. Where
Authorised Persons or Senior Authorised Persons are issued Switching instructions
from a Site Switching Log, they shall be recorded in a Switching Log Book by the individual
receiving the instruction.

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3.1.4 The Control Engineer and any Authorised Persons or Senior Authorised
Persons carrying out Switching Instructions shall have a copy of a Switching Schedule in
an appropriate form as described in 3.1.2 & 3.1.3.

3.1.5 The preferred Switching terminology to be used in Switching Schedules is that

shown in Appendix 3. Where there is not a specific terminology available, the general
principles embodied in Appendix 3 shall be applied and agreement reached between the
Control Engineer and the preparer of the Switching Schedule. Any abbreviations used in
Switching Schedules shall be in an Approved format.

3.1.6 If any doubt could arise from non-standard wording of Switching instructions, the
Control Engineer shall confirm understanding of the specific instruction with the
Authorised Person / Senior Authorised Person prior to issuing the instruction.

3.1.7 Pre-approved Switching Schedules shall, where reasonably practicable be

prepared by the Senior Authorised Person in charge of the proposed works and in the
Approved format, as shown in Appendix 1. Where this is not possible another Senior
Authorised Person or Control Engineer shall prepare the Switching Schedule.

3.1.8 The process of approving a pre-written Switching Schedule shall be as follows: -

a) The Switching Schedule is produced by the relevant individual (Senior
Authorised Person or Control Engineer) and signed and dated by the
author. The Switching Schedule shall take into account the site interlocking,
any operational restrictions / limitations, site running arrangements, order of
works / tests, practical efficiency of the Switching and any other
requirements of the work to be undertaken.
b) The proposed Switching Schedule shall now be passed to the approver.
The approver shall, where reasonably practicable be a separate individual to
the author of the Switching Schedule and shall be a Control Engineer.
c) The approver shall read through the proposed Switching Schedule to check
that the proposed operations form a safe system of work.
d) If minor alterations (e.g. rewording or a few additional items) are required,
these may be rectified by the approver following discussions with, and
approval of the author of the Switching Schedule. If more major alterations
are required, the Switching Schedule shall be rejected and passed back to
the author to re-write with revisions as recommended.
e) When both the author and the approver are happy that the Switching
Schedule forms a safe system of work, the approver shall enter their name
and the date on the Switching Schedule to indicate their approval.
f) Once approved, the Control Engineer shall issue the Switching schedule
with a unique reference number and convert the electronic version to a .pdf
file format to prevent changes being made following approval. This .pdf file
can now be printed and used as a pre-approved Switching Schedule.
g) If changes need to be made following the approval, but prior to the
commencement of the Switching Schedule, the Switching Schedule shall,
where reasonably practicable be abandoned and a new one produced in
accordance with steps a) to f) above, and a new unique reference number
given.
h) If additional Switching items are required; or alterations need to be made
following the commencement of the Switching Schedule, all such additional
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items shall be produced in accordance with the procedure for unplanned

Switching instructions as seen below.
3.1.9 Unplanned Switching operations may need to be carried out alongside a pre-
approved Switching Schedule or in isolation; where fault or unplanned work is required.
The following method shall be used to prepare unplanned Switching operations:

a) The Control Engineer shall prepare the Switching Instructions required by

detailing these in a Switching log book (as seen in Appendix 2).
b) Another Control Engineer or a Senior Authorised Person shall, where
reasonably practicable be approached to confirm that the proposed
Switching operations form a safe system of work. Where this is not
reasonably practicable, the Control Engineer preparing the Switching
instructions shall carry out the approval themselves.
c) The Switching instructions prepared and approved shall now be given a
unique reference number (Switching Schedule number), except where the
additional instructions are to be added to a pre-approved Switching
Schedule, in this case the unique reference number shall be the same as the
pre-approved Switching Schedule and the additional Switching instruction
numbers shall be given as decimals to indicate the order of completion (e.g.
new items 2.1 & 2.2 will be carried out between items 2 and 3 of the pre-
approved Switching Schedule).
d) If further additional Switching instructions are deemed necessary during the
same works, these can be added to the Switching log book in accordance
with the above instructions.
e) Where new / additional Switching instructions are required to be issued to an
Authorised Person or Senior Authorised person this shall be carried out
as per Section 3.2 and 3.3 of this SRSP.

3.2 Switching Log Books

3.2.1 Where a pre-approved Switching Schedule is not available or additional Switching

instructions are required to be issued to an Authorised Person or Senior Authorised
Person, the Control Engineer shall dictate the Switching operation(s) to the recipient in
the following form:

• The unique Switching Schedule number.

• The individual Switching operation number.
• The site where the Switching operation is to take place.
• The Switching operation required.
• The Equipment upon which the Switching operation is to take place.

3.2.2 The Authorised Person or Senior Authorised Person shall write down the dictated
Switching item(s) in the relevant sections of a Switching log book. The Authorised
Person or Senior Authorised Person shall then read back the written Switching item(s) to
the Control Engineer. If the Control Engineer confirms the Switching item(s) have been
recorded correctly, the Switching items can then be issued as per section 3.3 of this
document and the Switching log book used as the Switching Schedule.

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3.3 Issuing / Receiving HV Switching Instructions

3.3.1 HV Switching instructions shall be issued to an Authorised Person or Senior

Authorised Person by the Control Engineer, the Control Engineer shall communicate
directly with the individual who is to carry out the Switching. The instructions shall be
structured in two parts as detailed below:

a) An informal pre-amble between the Control Engineer and the recipient of the
Switching instruction. This is an explanation of the objective of the
subsequent operations which may include an overview of the Equipment
involved. It is not necessary to record this part of the instruction.
b) The formal instruction.

3.3.2 The formal instruction from the Control Engineer shall include:

• The unique Switching Schedule number.

• The number(s) of the Switching operation(s) being issued on the Switching
Schedule.
• The time of the issue.
• The name of the Control Engineer issuing the instruction.

3.3.3 The Authorised Person or Senior Authorised Person shall fill in the issue time of
the instructed operations in the corresponding “issued” sections of the Switching Schedule,
populate the “directed by” sections with the Control Engineers name and populate the
“Switched by” sections with their own name.

3.3.4 The Control Engineer shall record on his copy of the Switching Schedule the
name of the Authorised Person or Senior Authorised Person who has been issued with
Switching instructions, the time of issue of such Switching instructions and their own
name.

3.3.5 The Authorised Person or Senior Authorised Person shall then confirm the
Switching operations which have been issued with the Control Engineer by reading from
his/her copy of the filled in Switching Schedule, including the following details:

• The unique Switching Schedule number.

• The number(s) of the Switching operation(s) which have been issued on the
Switching Schedule.
• The time of Issue of the Switching operations.
3.3.6 The Control Engineer shall then confirm the correct understanding of the issued
instructions by comparing with his/her copy of the filled in Switching Schedule and give
approval for the instructed Switching to commence.

3.3.7 The recipient of the Switching instruction shall fully understand the content of the
instruction before proceeding. The Switching instruction shall then be carried out without
undue delay subject to the recipient’s objections on safety grounds.

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3.3.8 Switching instructions shall not be carried out with pre-arranged time intervals.

3.3.9 All recorded entries on a Switching Schedule shall be written legibly and indelibly.

3.4 Undertaking HV Switching Instructions

3.4.1 Where Switching is being carried out on Live Equipment or where Equipment may
be Charged. The Switching operation shall, where reasonably practicable be carried out
remotely (i.e. from SCADA or via the LCC) rather than from a Local Position.

3.4.2 When carrying out Switching instructions the recipient shall observe the following
requirements:
a) Concentrate on the task - avoid distraction, be deliberate neither rushing nor
causing undue delay, take nothing for granted, and be aware of the surroundings,
activities, and any hazards, carry out the Switching instructions in the sequence
given unless instructed otherwise by the Control Engineer.
b) Be in continuous possession of the Switching Schedule, consulting it and
checking the Equipment Identification against the Switching Instruction before
taking any action.
c) Pause and recheck the proposed action against the Switching instruction before
carrying it out.
d) Equipment that is Locked shall, where practicable only be unlocked immediately
before being operated and then re-Locked immediately after it has been operated.
e) Check, by all means readily available, that the Switching instruction has been
satisfactorily completed. (this may include local Equipment indications, SCADA or
bay controller displays)
f) After carrying out each individual operation the written Switching instruction shall
be checked off the Switching Schedule by inserting a time of operation in the
“Carried out” section of the Switching Schedule to indicate completion.
g) If interrupted or distracted the Authorised Person / Senior Authorised Person
shall review the previous part of the Switching instruction(s) to ensure that the
next step is valid.
h) If for any reason a Switching instruction cannot be completed or has failed, the
recipient of the Switching instruction shall attempt no further operations and shall
inform the Control Engineer of the facts. The Control Engineer will then decide
if the Switching instruction can continue. If an issued Switching instruction is to
be abandoned by instruction of the Control Engineer, the relevant “Carried out”
section of the Switching Schedule shall be populated with the word “ABORTED”.
i) When a piece of Equipment shows any sign of distress, it shall not be operated
and the Control Engineer informed immediately. All personnel in the vicinity shall
be warned that a potential hazard exists and withdrawn from that area.
j) When closing any earth switch the integrity of the connections to the substation
earth system shall, where possible be visually checked before carrying out the
Switching instruction.

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3.5 Completion of HV Switching

3.5.1 Following the completion of HV Switching instruction(s), the recipient of the

instruction shall:
a) Record the time of completion of the operations in the Switching Schedule.
b) Once all instructed items are complete, report back to the Control Engineer
without undue delay. The following information shall be reported to the Control
Engineer:
• The unique Switching Schedule number
• The number(s) of the completed Switching items on the Switching
Schedule
• The time the Switching items were completed.
c) Record the time of confirmation given to them by the Control Engineer in the
relevant “Confirmed” sections of the Switching Schedule.

3.5.2 The Control Engineer receiving the message shall:

a) Record the time of completion of the HV Switching and any other relevant
additional information passed to him.
b) Acknowledge, by repeating back to the sender any relevant information passed to
him and provide a time of confirmation of completed Switching instructions.
c) Where reasonably practicable check against any relevant records and/or displays
the accuracy of the information given to them.
d) Where necessary, dress any relevant diagrams, displays and/or other Approved
records.

3.5.3 Where a Control Engineer is carrying out remote Switching, they shall record the
“carried out” time of the operation in their own copy of the Switching Schedule. They are
not required to complete the “Issued” or “Confirmed” sections, nor have two separate copies
of a Switching Schedule for issuing / confirming and carrying out Switching operations.

3.5.4 On completion of the application of Safety Precautions the Authorised Person(s) or

Senior Authorised Person(s) shall secure the Safety Keys inside a Key Safe and the Key
Safe shall be secured to ensure Safe Custody of the Safety Keys. Details of what Safety
Keys are secured in the Key Safe shall, where reasonably practicable be recorded on the
Key Safe. This can be by attaching a label to the Key Safe.

3.5.5 Where safety precautions have been established by another company for use by
TCS or by TCS for use by another company (i.e. across boundaries) and it is reasonably
practicable to exchange Safety Keys then this shall be done. Any Keys received by TCS
from other companies shall be secured in a Key Safe.

3.5.6 If an external company issues a proof of Isolation and/or earthing certificate when
they have completed safety precautions, this certificate is to be recorded on the Switching
Schedule, and the document placed in the Key Safe.

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3.5.7 Where a Tee card or equivalent system is in operation at the site, the appropriate
record of safety precautions shall, where reasonably practicable be filled in with the
appropriate details and placed in the relevant section of the Substation Status Board (or
equivalent). This shall be completed by the individual applying the safety precautions.

3.5.8 The Control Engineer shall record; and ensure the maintenance of, all HV safety
precautions established in accordance with an Approved safety management system to
ensure safety precautions are maintained until any works for which these have been
provided are complete.

4. SWITCHING INSTRUCTIONS CARRIED OUT UNDER A

PERMIT TO WORK
4.1 Where a Permit to Work is required to allow a Switching instruction to be
completed, the work identified on the Permit to Work shall be restricted to that necessary to
carry out the Switching instruction.
Guidance: an example could be when applying a portable Primary Earth to a high-
level busbar in a substation.
4.2 When there is deemed to be no requirement for both a formal Switching instruction
and a Permit to Work, the Permit to Work shall be the record of the Switching instruction
between the Senior Authorised Person and Control Engineer.

4.3 The Senior Authorised Person shall prepare and issue the Permit to Work to
himself as a Competent Person to carry out the work. No work other than that necessary to
carry out the Switching instruction should be included on the Permit to Work.

4.4 When the work is complete the Permit to Work shall be cleared and cancelled
immediately and this will be the confirmation that the Switching instruction has been
completed.

5. APPLYING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Points of Isolation – General

5.1.1 When carrying out safety Switching to form Points of Isolation, the following
principles shall be adhered to:
• The Point of Isolation shall be formed by an Isolating Device in the
open position or by the provision of adequate physical separation which
shall ensure the isolation gap cannot fail electrically.
• Caution Notices shall be applied at all Points of Isolation.
• Isolating Devices shall, where reasonably practicable be Locked to
prevent the physical operation of the device from the open position.
• Where lockout Castell keys are provided, these shall be removed. Where
no lockout keys are provided but magnetic bolt interlocking is utilised, the
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magnetic bolt fuses/links shall be removed or MCB’s opened and a

Caution Notice attached, the devices shall, where reasonably practicable
be Locked.
• Where Isolating Devices are capable of being operated electrically, the
LV supply to the operating motor shall be Isolated (by opening MCB’s or
removing fuses/links), a Caution Notice applied and where reasonably
practicable these devices shall be Locked.
• Where Isolating Devices are able to be operated remotely or
automatically, these features shall be made inoperable and shall, where
reasonably practicable be Locked.
• Where a mech box or similar enclosure contains multiple points where
locking is required to suitably secure a Point of Isolation, it is permissible
to provide a single lock and Caution Notice which prevents access to the
enclosure which subsequently prevents interference with all the devices
and forms the Point of Isolation. If more than one door gives access to
this enclosure, these shall also be Locked and a Caution Notice applied.
If fuses/links have been removed to achieve isolation, these may be left in
the bottom of the enclosure prior to securing.
• Where Isolating Devices have a secondary mechanism to allow
operation by hand or dedicated tool. This mechanism shall, where
reasonably practicable be Locked to prevent operation and a Caution
Notice applied.
• Locks used to secure Points of Isolation shall be unique locks at the
location. Locks with common keys shall not be used. These unique
Locks shall, where reasonably practicable only have 1 operating key
available at the location, where this is not reasonably practicable, all keys
for the unique lock shall be accounted for and placed in the Key Safe.
• Safety Keys, any non-secured fuses/links and any lockout keys shall be
placed in a Key Safe and secured to provide Safe Custody of these
items.

5.1.2 HV Circuit breakers shall not be used as Points of Isolation.

5.2 Points of Isolation Gas Density Dependant (IGDD)

5.2.1 Where Points of Isolation have been created which are dependent on SF6
pressure, the Control Engineer shall identify the gas zone containing the Point of Isolation
and the associated gas zone monitoring alarms. Where there is any doubt the Authorised
Person shall be asked to confirm the gas zone and alarm legend when establishing the
Point(s) of Isolation.

5.2.2 The Authorised Person shall confirm to the Control Engineer that the alarm
system monitoring the gas pressure associated with any Point(s) of Isolation is in service.
Where doubt exists as to the operational status of the alarm system, where reasonably
practicable the alarm system monitoring the gas zone shall be tested and proved to the
Control Engineer display from the source of alarm or; at a point close to the source, e.g.
shorting at the gauge or terminal block. Where this is not reasonably practicable, further
precautions shall be taken to ensure the continuing integrity of the gas zone, for example the

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Senior Authorised Person issuing the Safety Document shall be required to instruct the
Safety Document holder to carry out regular checks of the relevant gas zone pressures.

5.2.3 On receipt of an IGDD gas zone pressure alarm the Control Engineer shall inform
the Safety Document holder that an alarm has been received and a hazard exists. The
Safety Document holder shall ensure that the Working Party are warned that a potential
hazard exists, all work shall cease and all individuals shall be withdrawn from the work area
and a Senior Authorised Person informed. The Senior Authorised Person shall arrange
for the appropriate Safety Documents to be cancelled and the relevant gas pressure to be
restored. Where the Control Engineer will not be monitoring the site alarms on a continual
basis, the Control Engineer shall inform the relevant Company appointed Alarm Monitoring
Centre (AMC) of the IGDD and give details of the alarm in question and instruct the actions
to be taken in the event of an alarm being received – which shall be in equivalence to a
Control Engineers response.

5.2.4 Where IGDD safety precautions exist, IGDD shall be recorded in the Point of
Isolation(s) section of the Safety Document and the relevant sections of a RISSP as
appropriate.

5.2.5 Where IGDD isolation is quoted on a Safety Document the telephone contact details
for the issuing Senior Authorised Person, and Competent Person in charge of the work
shall be recorded on the Safety Document. This is to ensure that the site can be contacted
if remote alarms are received. The Senior Authorised Person issuing the Safety
Document shall provide contact details for the Safety Document holder to the Control
Engineer.

5.2.6 Where RISSP's are to be exchanged, the Control Engineer shall notify the
Requesting Safety Co-ordinator that the Point of Isolation(s) is IGDD. Where a gas alarm
leads to the loss of integrity of a Point of isolation, the Implementing Safety Co-ordinator or
Company appointed AMC shall inform the Requesting Safety Co-ordinator without delay.

5.3 Points of Isolation on Voltage Transformers

5.3.1 VT secondary LV fuses shall be removed (or MCB’s opened) to provide isolation
against a possible backfeed to the VT, a Caution Notice shall be applied and where
reasonably practicable the Isolating Devices shall be Locked. Where this is not
reasonably practicable, the VT shall be disconnected from the HV System and a Point of
Isolation formed at the disconnection. If this disconnection is achieved by racking out the
VT, this shall be carried out with the HV System Dead.

5.4 Points of Isolation on HAM VT/CT Units

5.4.1 The secondary of HAM VT/CT’s are dedicated to a purpose, consequently under
normal conditions Danger will not arise from inadvertent back energisation to the HV
System and therefore safety precautions are not normally required.

5.4.2 Some System users may require HAM VT/CT units to be Isolated, where relevant
this shall be carried out under instruction from the Control Engineer.

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5.4.3 The VT secondary supplies shall be Isolated as part of the test procedure if carrying
out off load diagnostic testing.

5.4.4 Where HAM VT/CT units are to be Isolated, this will usually require the removal of
Meter Operator seals, if seals are broken the Meter Operator shall be requested to replace
them following restoration.

5.5 Primary Earthing

5.5.1 All safety Switching involving the operation or application of Earthing Devices shall
be in accordance with SRSP 3 – “Earthing of HV Equipment”

5.5.2 Primary Earths shall, where reasonably practicable be Locked.

5.5.3 Locks used to secure Primary Earths shall be unique locks at the location. Locks
with common keys shall not be used. These unique Locks shall, where reasonably
practicable only have 1 operating key available at the location, where this is not reasonably
practicable, all keys for the unique lock shall be accounted for and placed in the Key Safe.

5.5.4 Safety Keys securing Primary Earths shall be placed in a Key Safe and secured to
provide Safe Custody of these items.

5.5.5 Where the instruction is given to “Close and Lock” a fixed Earthing Device, the
Authorised Person carrying out the Switching instruction shall render the Earthing Device
inoperative, this shall take into account the locking of mechanical parts and, where
necessary, immobilising electrical drives by the removal of LV fuses and/or MCB’s.

6. RETURNING EQUIPMENT TO OPERATIONAL

SERVICE
6.1 On restoration of safety precautions under the instructions of a Control Engineer the
Authorised Person or Senior Authorised Person shall amend the Key Safe contents
details and return any Key Safe Keys held in Safe Custody.

6.2 When removing Points of Isolation all devices rendered inoperative in accordance
with section 5.1 shall be returned to normal service. The Equipment shall be in an
operative state following completion.

6.3 Where a Tee card or equivalent system is in operation at the site, the appropriate
record of safety precautions shall, be removed from the relevant section of the Substation
Status Board (or equivalent). This shall be completed by the individual removing the safety
precautions.

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7. HV SWITCHING – EMERGENCY CONDITIONS

7.1 Where HV Switching has taken place under emergency conditions (i.e. where there
is a substantial risk to health) and without instruction from a Control Engineer, the individual
who has carried out Emergency Switching shall inform the appropriate Control Engineer
as soon as reasonably practicable after the operation. All actions taken by the individual
carrying out Emergency Switching shall be recorded by the Control Engineer in the
relevant Site Switching Log. The Control Engineer shall inform NGESO where applicable,
as soon as reasonably practicable.

7.2 When Equipment trips under fault conditions, the individual attending site shall
record all ‘dropped flags’ on tripping relays and any outputs displayed on electronic relays in
the site General log book. The SCADA archives any alarms and it is therefore not necessary
to record events displayed on SCADA. This SCADA record shall only be erased with the
appropriate Control Engineers permission.

7.3 The individual attending site shall then report, as soon as possible, to the Control
Engineer the time of the operation and details of the annunciation’s together with any relay
indications available in the substation control room.

7.4 With agreement from the Control Engineer, the individual can then reset any
‘manually reset’ relays and indications

7.5 The Control Engineer shall, where reasonably practicable ensure that all trip
indications following a fault are recorded prior to them being reset remotely.

7.6 When the Control Engineer instructs action to restore Equipment which has tripped
under fault conditions, the Authorised Person receiving the instruction shall, where
reasonably practicable ensure that the trip relays are reset before attempting to close any
circuit breaker.

7.7 When Equipment is showing signs of distress it shall not be operated and all
individuals shall be kept clear of such Equipment. Operational Switching shall be carried
out as soon as reasonably practicable so that the Equipment concerned can be removed
from service without it being subjected to further operations.

8. DEFEATING OF INTERLOCKS
8.1 Defeating the function of interlocks is a potentially high-risk Switching operation that
removes the in-built safe guards that prevent the Equipment from being operated in an
incorrect sequence. This may then give rise to Danger to those individuals carrying out the
Switching operation.

8.2 These Switching operations require careful consideration and mutual agreement
between the Control Engineer and a Senior Authorised Person.

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8.3 The Control Engineer shall give the Switching instruction to render interlocks
inoperative direct to the Senior Authorised Person.

8.4 The Control Engineer shall then give a separate Switching instruction to an
Authorised Person “to accompany and check that the instructions to defeat the function of
interlocks are implemented on the correct Equipment and in the correct sequence” by the
aforementioned Senior Authorised Person.

8.5 The Senior Authorised Person shall ensure on site that the substation running
arrangements are those as agreed with the Control Engineer and that all staff, except for
the accompanying Authorised Person, are clear of the area adjacent to the Equipment
prior to it being operated.

8.6 The Authorised Person shall also check on site that the substation running
arrangements are those as agreed with the Control Engineer and then confirm with the
Senior Authorised Person that they are at the correct Equipment prior to carrying out the
operation. This is not a passive role.

8.7 Both the Senior Authorised Person and the Authorised Person shall be sure that
the operation can be carried out without Danger before proceeding.

8.8 Where work is to be carried out on interlocks that are under a Permit to Work and all
affected Equipment is Isolated, as long as a specific method statement is in place, no
reference to a Control Engineer is required when disabling/altering interlocks. Steps shall
be taken to ensure the correct operation of this interlocking prior to cancelling the Safety
Document.

8.9 Where defeating of interlocks is required on a System which is completely de-

energised at the site of the operation and there is deemed to be no risk of giving rise to
Danger with the proposed operation, a Control Engineer may instruct a Senior Authorised
Person to render interlocks inoperative without the need to have a separate Authorised
Person to check and confirm the operation. This shall only apply where there is no other
energised Equipment at the site (excluding LV Equipment) and therefore no risk of Danger
arising from the defeating of interlocks on the wrong Equipment. An example of this could
be an offshore platform substation that has the full HV System de-energised at that location.

9. OPERATION OF NON-INTERLOCKED EQUIPMENT

FROM THE LOCAL POSITION
9.1 Operation of non-interlocked Equipment from the local position is a potentially high-
risk Switching operation where there are no in-built safeguards to prevent the Equipment
being operated in an incorrect sequence. This may then give rise to Danger to those
individuals carrying out the Switching operation.

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9.2 These Switching operations require careful consideration and mutual agreement
between the Control Engineer and a Senior Authorised Person “to operate non-
interlocked Equipment from the local position”. An accompanying Authorised Person must
also check and confirm both the running arrangements, Equipment Identification and
Switching Instructions.

9.3 The process and checks are as those defined in “Defeating the Function of
Interlocks” given in Section 8.

9.4 Where operation of non-interlocked Equipment from the local position is required
whilst the Equipment is under a Permit to Work and all affected Equipment is Isolated, no
reference to a Control Engineer is required when operating this Equipment.

9.5 Where operation of non-interlocked Equipment from the local position is required on
a System which is completely de-energised at the site of the operation and there is deemed
to be no risk of giving rise to Danger with the proposed operation, a Control Engineer may
instruct a Senior Authorised Person to operate the Equipment locally without the need to
have a separate Authorised Person to check and confirm the operation. This shall only
apply where there is no other energised Equipment at the site (excluding LV Equipment)
and therefore no risk of Danger arising from the incorrect operation of the Equipment. An
example of this could be an offshore platform substation that has the full HV System de-
energised at that location.

10. LV AND MECHANICAL SWITCHING

10.1 A Senior Authorised Person shall be responsible for the co-ordination and control
of operational and safety activities with regard to LV and Mechanical Systems.

10.2 Work on LV Equipment shall be carried out in accordance with SPSR 11 – “LV
Systems”.

10.3 When LV and/or Mechanical Switching is to be carried out in conjunction with HV

Switching, the LV and/or Mechanical Switching can be included on the Switching
Schedule if this adds benefit to the safe system of work.

10.4 Where LV Switching takes place to provide safety precautions against a potential
HV infeed onto a HV System, this shall be included in the Switching Schedule (For
example: Points of Isolation on a VT or on the LV side of a HV/LV transformer) and shall
be instructed by a Control Engineer.

10.5 Where LV and/or Mechanical Switching is not to be included on a Switching

Schedule, the control and operation of the Equipment shall be co-ordinated by a Senior
Authorised Person. All individuals operating on LV and/or Mechanical Systems under the
instruction of a Senior Authorised Person shall have adequate knowledge, experience and
training to carry out the task at hand.

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10.6 The general principles of Section 3 – “HV Switching” of this document shall be
followed where a Senior Authorised Person is issuing Switching instructions on LV and/or
Mechanical Equipment, with the following exceptions:

a) Where an Approved method statement or Approved local procedure form a

safe system of work with regard to LV and/or Mechanical Switching.
b) Where the Senior Authorised Person undertakes the relevant LV and/or
Mechanical Switching themselves
c) If a Safety Document is issued, this shall be the record of the Safety
Switching.
d) Where verbal instruction by the Senior Authorised Person is deemed to be
wholly adequate to form a safe system of work for basic LV or mechanical
Switching operations.

10.7 Safe Custody of Keys etc. for LV and Mechanical Equipment shall either be
achieved by personal retention by the Competent Person in charge of the work or in line
with the requirements for HV Equipment.

11. RETENTION OF DOCUMENTATION

11.1 Documentation relating to Switching instructions shall be retained at the location of
operation and/or TCS offices for a period of at least 36 months.

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APPENDIX 1 – PRE-APPROVED SWITCHING SCHEDULES

Example Switching Schedule Cover Sheet:

Unique reference number

for the Switching Schedule
(to be inserted only by a
Control Engineer once
Brief description of work to be schedule is approved)
undertaken.

Date the work is to planned

be carried out.

Details of the producer and

Any additional information to be approver of the Switching
supplied to the producer from Schedule and any specific
the approver or vice versa e.g. remarks.
any alterations made during
approval or any further changes
required.

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Example Switching Schedule Layout:

Control Engineer to tick to

confirm Safety Record
updated

Equipment Identification / Initials of Control Person

nomenclature of Equipment giving consent
to be operated on

Time of Consent (given by

Control Person) for
Site name or approved
Switching instruction
abbreviation where
switching is to take place
Time the Switching
operation is confirmed as
complete to the Control
Person

Initials of Authorised Person

Switching Item number or Senior Authorised Person
carrying out the instruction

Description of operation as Time the Switching

per standard terminology instruction was physically
carried out

Unique reference number

for the Switching Schedule

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APPENDIX 2 – SWITCHING LOG BOOK

Switching log books shall, where reasonably practicable be of the following Approved format:

Where Site Switching Logs are used, these shall be in a similar format to a Switching Log book.

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APPENDIX 3 – STANDARD SWITCHING TERMINOLOGY

To ensure all HV Switching instructions are clear and unambiguous, standard terminology
shall be adopted. Some transposition of words is permitted to achieve clear phraseology.
Only one Switching operation on one piece of Equipment shall be included in each
Switching Instruction.
Where there is no standard terminology available for a proposed operation, agreement shall
be made between the Control Engineer and the recipient of the instruction as to the
wording. This shall follow the principles of this document, understanding of the actions
required shall be confirmed by all relevant parties.
All Switching instructions shall detail the location of the Switching operation to be taken
(the substation or location name), the switching instruction (i.e. the operation), and the
Equipment ID. The “Equipment ID” section of the switching instruction may also contain
minor text notes where useful to add clarity to the instruction.

(_ _ _) Indicates where the inclusion of appropriate terms of identification are

required e.g. Equipment Identification / nomenclature.
(V) Indicates where a voltage rating of the related Equipment should be inserted.
___ Indicates where the inclusion of appropriate terms is required.
* Delete as appropriate
( ) Include where appropriate

Operational Switching instructions

Where operational Switching is taking place, it is often preferable to include an operating

voltage and the outcome of the action as well as detailing the Equipment and operation.
The preferred terms and actions are as follows:

Switchgear

Instruction Equipment ID Action

CLOSE (TO CHARGE) ( V ) CIRCUIT BREAKER (_ _ _) Close Circuit Breaker

OPEN (TO OFFLOAD) ( V ) CIRCUIT BREAKER (_ _ _) Open Circuit Breaker

Where relevant, confirm
( V ) DISCONNECTOR (_ _ _) circuit breaker on the circuit
CLOSE
concerned is open, then
Close Disconnector
Where relevant, confirm
( V ) DISCONNECTOR (_ _ _) circuit breaker on the circuit
OPEN
concerned is open, then
Open Disconnector

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The Control Engineer shall

check that an electrical
parallel path exists between
the busbars on the circuit
concerned. This shall be
CLOSE (FOR ON LOAD ( V ) DISCONNECTOR (_ _ _) conveyed to the Authorised
CHANGEOVER) Person who shall where
practicable visually check
that the parallel path exists
prior to carrying out the
Switching instruction (Close
Disconnector).
The Control Engineer shall
check that an electrical
parallel path exists between
the busbars on the circuit
concerned. This shall be
conveyed to the Authorised
OPEN (FOR ON LOAD ( V ) DISCONNECTOR (_ _ _) Person who shall where
CHANGEOVER) practicable visually check
that the parallel path exists
and that the opposing
busbar disconnector is
Closed prior to carrying out
the Switching instruction
(Open Disconnector).
Check relevant isolators are
( V ) EARTH SWITCH (_ _ _)
open to form an Isolated
CLOSE **TO DISSIPATE TRAPPED
zone prior to closing earth
CHARGE**
switch.

Reactive Compensation Equipment

Instruction Equipment ID Action

TARGET VOLTAGE _ _ _ Adjust target voltage to the
ADJUST TARGET VOLTAGE
prescribed value
SVC (_ _ _) – INITIATE Initiate the SVC shutdown
SELECT TO STANDBY
SHUTDOWN SEQUENCE sequence
SVC (_ _ _) – INITIATE Confirm the SVC target
SELECT TO OPERATION STARTING SEQUENCE voltage and Initiate the SVC
TARGET VOLTAGE – _ _ _ starting sequence
Select the DVAR to its C
SELECT TO C STOP DVAR OPERATING STATE
Stop setting
Select the DVAR to its De-
SELECT TO DE-ENERGISED DVAR OPERATING STATE
energised setting
Confirm the DVAR target
DVAR OPERATING STATE
SELECT TO RUN voltage and select into
TARGET VOLTAGE – _ _ _
service
Initiate the STATCOM
SELECT TO OFF STATCOM (_ _ _)
shutdown sequence
Confirm the STATCOM
STATCOM (_ _ _)
SELECT TO OPERATION target voltage and initiate
TARGET VOLTAGE – _ _ _
the starting sequence

As there is a multitude of variants of Reactive Compensation Equipment available and; as

technology advances, further instructions may be required to carry out additional and
unforeseen operations on this Equipment. Specific terminology shall use the general
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principles of the above list and shall be agreed, and understanding confirmed between the
Control Engineer and the Authorised Person prior to issuing instructions.

Tap Changers

Instruction Equipment ID Action

TAP TO MAINTAIN TARGET Operate tap changer control
(_ _ _)
VOLTAGE OF _ _ _ _ to maintain target voltage.
Operate tap changer control
TAP FROM POSITION _ _ TO _
(_ _ _) to move tap position as
_ _ TO RAISE/LOWER* VOLTS
instructed.
Select the tap changer to
SELECT TO NON-AUTO (_ _ _) TAPCHANGER
non-automatic function
Select the tap changer to
SELECT TO AUTO (_ _ _) TAPCHANGER
automatic function

Safety Switching Instructions

Where safety Switching is taking place, the preferred terms and actions are as follows:

Fixed Isolating Devices / disconnectors

Instruction Equipment ID Action

Open disconnector and form
OPEN & APPLY ISOLATION DISCONNECTOR (_ _ _)
a Point of Isolation
CHECK OPEN & APPLY Check disconnector is open
DISCONNECTOR (_ _ _)
ISOLATION and form a Point of Isolation
REMOVE ISOLATION & Remove Point of Isolation
DISCONNECTOR (_ _ _)
CLOSE and then close disconnector
REMOVE ISOLATION & LEAVE Remove Point of Isolation
DISCONNECTOR (_ _ _)
OPEN and leave disconnector open
Check that the disconnector
CHECK OPEN/CLOSED* DISCONNECTOR (_ _ _)
is open/closed*

Metal Clad Switchgear

Instruction Equipment ID Action

Rack out CB from service
TO BUSBAR/FEEDER* position, confirm shutters are
APPLY ISOLATION SHUTTERS OF closed, Lock and apply
CIRCUIT BREAKER (_ _ _) Caution notice to secure
busbar/feeder* shutters
Remove lock & Caution
RESTORE TO SERVICE
CIRCUIT BREAKER (_ _ _) Notice from shutters & rack
POSITION
CB into service position
Rack out VT from service
position, confirm shutters are
TO VT SHUTTERS OF
APPLY ISOLATION closed, Lock and apply
VT (_ _ _)
Caution notice to secure
shutters

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Remove lock & Caution

RESTORE TO SERVICE
VT (_ _ _) Notice from shutters & rack
POSITION
VT into service position
Rack in CB or earthing truck
CLOSE TO BUSBAR/FEEDER* to the relevant earthing
CIRCUIT BREAKER (_ _ _)
EARTH POSITION position, close, lock and
render inoperative
Render operative the CB or
OPEN FROM
earthing truck, open and
BUSBAR/FEEDER* EARTH CIRCUIT BREAKER (_ _ _)
rack out of the earthing
POSITION
position

Voltage Transformers

Instruction Equipment ID Action

Remove VT fuses/links or
ISOLATE VT SECONDARY VT (_ _ _)
open MCB’s and form Point
SUPPLIES
of Isolation
Remove Point of isolation
RESTORE VT SECONDARY VT (_ _ _)
and restore VT
SUPPLIES
fuses/links/MCB’s
VT (_ _ _) Rack out VT HV and form
ISOLATE VT HV
Point of Isolation
VT (_ _ _) Remove Point of Isolation
RESTORE VT HV
and rack in VT HV

Earthing / Auxiliary Transformers

Where Earthing / Auxiliary transformers have dedicated disconnectors or Isolating Devices

with adequate identification and are shown on the operations diagram for the site, the
instruction used for fixed isolation devices / disconnectors shall be used. In any other case,
the below terminology shall be used:

Instruction Equipment ID Action

Open LV isolating switch or
ISOLATE SECONDARY EARTHING/AUXILIARY*
remove fuses and form a
SUPPLIES TRANSFORMER (_ _ _)
Point of Isolation
Remove the Point of
RESTORE SECONDARY EARTHING/AUXILIARY* Isolation and close LV
SUPPLIES TRANSFORMER (_ _ _) isolating switch or restore
fuses.

Fixed Earthing Devices

Instruction Equipment ID Action

Close the earth switch and
CLOSE & LOCK EARTH SWITCH (_ _ _) Lock. Render the Earth
switch inoperative
Render the earth switch
OPEN EARTH SWITCH (_ _ _)
operative and open.
Close the high-speed earth
CLOSE & LOCK (_ _ _) HIGH SPEED EARTH SWITCH switch and Lock. Render
the Earth switch inoperative
Render the high-speed earth
OPEN HIGH SPEED EARTH SWITCH
switch inoperative and open.
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Earthing via Portable Earthing Devices

Instruction Equipment ID Action

APPLY PORTABLE PRIMARY (DESCRIPTION OF Apply PPE’s in accordance
EARTHS (_ _ PER PHASE) POSITION#) with Approved procedure
Remove PPE’s in
(DESCRIPTION OF
REMOVE EARTH accordance with Approved
POSITION#)
procedure

# The description of the position of Portable Primary Earths should include a description of
the Equipment the earths are to be installed on, Equipment surrounding the earth
application point and the Equipment they will be adjacent.
For example:
1. On 400kV Busbar at junction of X905/X903 adjacent to X903.
2. On 400kV Busbar at junction of X901A/400kV Lincs circuit VT/cable sealing end
(CSE), adjacent to CSE.

Points of Isolation at a Physical Disconnection

Instruction Equipment ID Action

(POINT OF
APPLY ISOLATION Refer to Note 1
DISCONNECTION#)
(POINT OF
REMOVE ISOLATION Refer to Note 1
DISCONNECTION#)

# Where a Point of Isolation is to be made by a point of physical disconnection, the

Equipment description should describe the form of physical disconnection and if necessary,
the side of the disconnection where Isolation is to be applied.
For example, the Equipment stated could be
1. Busbars removed between X905 and X903 – Apply Isolation X903 side
2. Jumpers removed to 400kV cable sealing end at Lincs 400kV Bay – Apply Isolation
CSE side.

Note 1: To APPLY ISOLATION to a point of disconnection, the following actions are

required:
i. Check to confirm the disconnection is in place and adequate to provide a
Point of Isolation.
ii. Apply Caution Notices to supporting structures where the disconnection has
been made.
iii. If relevant, secure and lock removed conductors with a Safety Lock.

To REMOVE ISOLATION on a point of disconnection remove the Caution Notices and

where relevant unlock removed conductors if they are to be restored.

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General LV Instructions

Instruction Equipment ID Action

Isolate LV to a certain item
ISOLATE LV SUPPLIES (_ _ _ _) of Equipment and form
Point(s) of Isolation
Remove Point(s) of Isolation
RESTORE LV SUPPLIES (_ _ _ _) and restore LV supplies to a
certain item of equipment
Start the generator
START GENERATOR (_ _ _ _)
prescribed
Stop the generator
STOP GENERATOR (_ _ _ _)
prescribed
Select LV supplies from one
SELECT LV SUPPLIES TO _ _ _ _ source to another as
prescribed

Safety Documents

Instruction Equipment ID Action

PTW NO - _ _ _ _ _
ISSUE PERMIT TO WORK Issue Permit to Work
ON (_ _ _ _) FOR _ _ _ _
CANCEL PERMIT TO WORK PTW NO - _ _ _ _ Cancel Permit to Work
SFT NO - _ _ _ _
ISSUE SANCTION FOR TEST Issue Sanction for Test
ON (_ _ _ _) FOR _ _ _ _
CANCEL SANCTION FOR
SFT NO - _ _ _ _ Cancel Sanction for Test
TEST
LIMITATION OF ACCESS
ISSUE LIMITATION OF
NUMBER _ _ _ _ _ FOR Issue Limitation of Access
ACCESS
(WORK DESCRIPTION#)
CANCEL LIMITATION OF LIMITATION OF ACCESS Cancel Limitation of
ACCESS NUMBER _ _ _ _ _ Access

When issuing Safety Documents, the unique number of the Safety Document, the
Equipment being released and the work being carried out should be described in the
switching item.
For Example:
1. Permit to Work – PTW 06845, on X905, X903, X901A and X901B, for routine
maintenance.
2. Sanction for Test – SFT 06745 on Lincs feeder bay 400kV cable between X903 at
Walpole Substation and X113A/X113B at Lincs Onshore Substation, for HV DC
Testing.

Additional Switching Terminology

Instruction Equipment ID Action

To register the Risk of an
RISK OF TRIP CIRCUIT BREAKER (_ _ _) item of Equipment tripping
during works

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CIRCUIT
OPERATE AS REQUIRED BREAKER/DISCONNECTOR/E Allow free operation of a
(LEAVE OPEN/CLOSED*) ARTH SWITCH* (_ _ _) certain item of Equipment.

Render interlocking
inoperative on the
RENDER INTERLOCK
ON (_ _ _) prescribed equipment
INOPERATIVE
following an Approved
procedure
Select a general item of
SELECT TO AUTO (_ _ _) Equipment to automatic
operation
Select a general item of
SELECT TO NON-AUTO (_ _ _) Equipment to non-
automatic operation
CONFIRM Complete section 1.3 of
OUTAGE/RESTORATION* TSC TSC with NGESO
IS IN PLACE. RECEIVE permission – to receive
ISSUE TSC START NGESO PERMISSION TO permission to commence
COMMENCE SWITCHING switching as per method
SCHEDULE described in section 1.2 of
TSC REF - _ _ _ _ the TSC
Complete section 2.2 of
SYSTEM RELEASED WITH TSC with NGESO
ISSUE TSC RELEASE NGESO permission – to release the
TSC REF - _ _ _ _ system described in section
2.1 of the TSC
Complete section 3 of TSC
CANCEL TSC TSC REF - _ _ _ _ with NGESO permission to
cancel the TSC
RISSP NO - _ _ _ _ Issue RISSP with third party
ISSUE RISSP
ON (_ _ _) Control Engineer
Cancel RISSP with third
CANCEL RISSP RISSP NO - _ _ _ _
party control Engineer
Issue HVSCC to remove or
HVSCC NO - _ _ _ _ include items of Equipment
ISSUE HVSCC
TO ADD/REMOVE* (_ _ _) under the Operational
Safety Rules
Where liaison with third
LIAISON _ _ _ _ ____ parties is required i.e.
generator / DNO / NG
Where a check of the site
CHECK ALARMS
alarms is required
Where a check to confirm
CHECK NO LOAD (_ _ _ _) no load is present prior to
opening a CB
Where a general check
CHECK ____
activity is required
Where an additional note is
required or non-standard
TEXT ____
terminology is required to be
used

Transmission Capital Services SRSP 2 – Appendix 3 – Standard Switching Terminology

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