ORHVS

Distribution
Standard Transmission
Generation
Title: Operating Unique Identifier: 240-114967625

Regulations for Alternative Reference N/A
High Voltage Number:
Systems
Area of Applicability: Engineering
Documentation Type: Standard
Revision: 4
Total Pages: 121
Next Review Date: October 2028
Disclosure Classification: Controlled
Disclosure
Compiled by Approved by Authorised by
…………………………. …………………………. ………………………….

Nolan Ockhuis Al’Louise van Naresh Hari
Technical Support Deventer Chairperson, SCOT
Manager Chairperson, NORHVS
Date: 17/10/2023
………………….. 17/10/2023
Date: ………………….. 2023-10-19
Date: …………………..
Supported by Supported by Supported by
…………………………. …………………………. pp
………………………….
Andre Bekker Lenah Mothata Logan Reddy
Chairperson, Plant Chairperson, Chairperson,
Operating – Wires Operating SC, Tx Operating SC, Gx
Operations SC, Dx
Date: 18/10/2023
………………….. 18/10/2023
Date: ………………….. 19-October-2023
Date: …………………..
2
Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems

Unique Identifier: 240-114967625
Revision: 4
Contents
NOTICE ............................................................................................................ 7
SECTION 1 DEFINITIONS ..................................................................... 12
SECTION 2 CONTROL OF THE POWER SYSTEM ............................ 22
2.2.1 OPERATING AUTHORISATIONS ........................................................... 23

2.2.2 LOG. ..................................................................................................... 24
2.3.1 ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS BETWEEN

CONTROL CENTRES ...................................................................................... 24
2.3.2 CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH AN OPERATING INSTRUCTION BETWEEN
CONTROL CENTRES SHALL BE CANCELLED ................................................... 24
2.3.3 USE OF OPERATING INSTRUCTION FORMS ......................................... 25
2.3.4 USE OF OPERATING INSTRUCTION FORM FOR TRANSMITTED
OPERATING INSTRUCTION ........................................................................... 26
2.3.5 ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF INSTRUCTIONS AND USE OF OPERATING
INSTRUCTION FORM FOR PRE-AUTHORISED OPERATING ........................... 26
2.3.6 CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH AN OPERATING INSTRUCTION SHALL BE
CANCELLED BY AN APPOINTED OPERATOR ................................................. 27
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SECTION 3 ACCESS .............................................................................. 32
SECTION 4 KEYS ................................................................................... 34
4.2.1 KEYS TO BE KEPT IN A CABINET ........................................................... 38

4.2.2 EMERGENCY ACCESS TO KEY CABINETS AT SUBSTATIONS ................. 38
4.2.3 RESPONSIBILITY OF PERSONS AUTHORISED TO USE KEYS .................. 38
4.2.4 RIGHT TO POSSESS KEYS ..................................................................... 39
4.4.1 USE OF LOCKS AND KEYS FOR ISOLATORS .......................................... 39

4.4.2 USE OF LOCKS AND KEYS FOR TRUCK-TYPE SWITCHGEAR .................. 39
SECTION 5 SAFE OPERATING AND WORK PRACTICES............... 40
5.2.1 On the Generation System ............................................................ 40
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5.2.2 On the Distribution system ............................................................ 41
5.3.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE OPERATING ......................................... 41

5.3.2 Isolation from supply .......................................................................... 41
5.3.3 SAFETY-TESTING OF APPARATUS AFTER ISOLATION FROM SUPPLY ... 42
5.3.4 PROHIBITORY SIGNS AND EARTHING LABELS ..................................... 43
5.3.5 EARTHING............................................................................................ 44
5.3.6 WORKING ON LINES OR APPARATUS .................................................. 48
5.4.1 UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS ............................................................ 51

5.4.2 WHEN THE APPOINTED OPERATOR IS NOT AVAILABLE ...................... 52
5.5.1 WORK ON A LINE CONTROLLED FROM A SINGLE SOURCE OF SUPPLY 52

5.5.2 REPLACING OF DROP-OUT FUSE ISOLATORS WITHOUT REFERENCE TO
THE CONTROL OFFICER ................................................................................ 52
5.5.3 PIGGYBACK SYSTEM ............................................................................ 53
5.5.4 TOTAL SUBSTATION ISOLATION .......................................................... 53
5.9.1 ON THE GENERATION SYSTEM ............................................................ 54

5.9.2 ON THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM .......................................................... 56
SECTION 6 ABNORMAL CONDITIONS............................................... 57
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SECTION 7 LIVE WORK ........................................................................ 59
7.1.1 PERSONS IN CHARGE OF LIVE WORK .................................................. 59

7.1.2 PERSONS WHO MAY PERFORM LIVE WORK ....................................... 59
7.2.1 PREPARATION AND HANDING OVER OF APPARATUS FOR LIVE WORK

..................................................................................................................... 60
7.2.2 RESTRICTIONS ON RECLOSING BREAKERS........................................... 61
7.2.3 LIVE WORK DECLARATION FORM ....................................................... 62
7.2.4 WHEN THE AUTHORISED PERSON IN CHARGE OF LIVE WORK IS NOT
AVAILABLE .................................................................................................... 64
SECTION 8: WORK PERMIT SYSTEM ...................................................... 65
8.1.1 CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING A WORK PERMIT ................................. 65

8.1.2 FORMS IN DUPLICATE ......................................................................... 65
8.1.3 USE OF WORK PERMIT FORMS ........................................................... 65
8.1.4 ORIGINAL FORMS ................................................................................ 69
8.1.5 DURATION OF WORK PERMITS ........................................................... 69
8.1.6 APPLICATION FORMS MADE OUT IN ADVANCE .................................. 69
8.1.7 MULTIPLE WORK PERMITS .................................................................. 70
8.1.8 WORK PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH PORTION OF WORK ........ 70
8.1.9 WORKERS REGISTER ............................................................................ 70
8.1.10 COMPUTERISED WORK PERMIT SYSTEM .......................................... 71
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8.1.11 FIRE ON ELECTRICAL APPARATUS ..................................................... 72
8.2.1 CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING A WORK PERMIT ................................. 72

8.2.2 FORMS IN DUPLICATE ......................................................................... 73
8.2.3 USE OF WORK PERMIT FORMS ........................................................... 73
8.2.4 ORIGINAL FORMS ................................................................................ 74
8.2.5 DURATION OF WORK PERMITS ........................................................... 75
8.2.6 MULTIPLE WORK PERMITS .................................................................. 75
8.2.7 CASES WHERE A WORK PERMIT IS NOT REQUIRED ............................ 75
8.2.8 WORKING ON APPARATUS INVOLVING CUSTOMERS AND
CONTRACTORS ............................................................................................. 75
8.2.9 WORKERS REGISTER ............................................................................ 76
SECTION 9 NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES ................ 76
9.1.1 PERSONS IN CHARGE OF NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES

..................................................................................................................... 76
9.1.2 PERSONS WHO MAY PERFORM NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE
LINES ............................................................................................................ 77
9.2.1 PREPARATION AND HANDING OVER OF APARATUS FOR NON-

ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES......................................................... 77
9.2.2 RESTRICTIONS ON RECLOSING BREAKERS........................................... 78
9.2.3 DECLARATION FORM FOR NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES
..................................................................................................................... 79
9.2.4 WHEN THE AUTHORISED PERSON IN CHARGE OF NON-ELECTRICAL
ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES IS NOT AVAILABLE .............................................. 81
SECTION 10 ANNEXURES .......................................................................... 84
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NOTICE
This specification is and remains the property of Eskom, reduced for its
own purposes.
It is a policy of Eskom that standardised specifications, standards and

other standardised documents of a non-confidential nature, such as this,
may be made available to third parties for their use, on application,
under the following conditions:
1. This specification may be used by such applicants for their own

exclusive purpose which may include the preparation and issue of
copies to prospective tenders and other users within the scope of
their operations.
2. Applicants may not exploit this material for financial gain.
3. The use, application, or interpretation of the material is entirely at

the applicant’s own risk and neither the applicant nor anybody else
shall have any claim against Eskom arising out of the use of the
material.
4. Eskom is under no obligation to advise the applicant of and supply

later versions of the material.
5. Eskom retains the right to refuse the supply of further material

without incurring liability for loss or damage in the event of such
refusal.
6. Eskom reserves the right to modify and change the material as and
when it sees fit.
7. The material is and remains the property of Eskom, who has the
exclusive right of dissemination and reproduction thereof.
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8. The material is protected by copyright and the applicant may not
reproduce or transmit the material by any means except with the
prior consent of Eskom in writing, except as is provided for in 1.
9. No rights of ownership in the material or licence to the applicant

shall be deemed to pass with the supply of material to the applicant.
10. Except as may be provided for in a separate agreement, Eskom

shall not be obliged by virtue of the supply of the material, to advise,
interpret, analyse or otherwise give input on the material to the
applicant or any other person. Eskom reserves the right to recover
costs.
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OPERATING REGULATIONS
for
HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEMS
(These regulations issued in September 2022 replace all

previous regulations)
This book is the property of Eskom and is issued to
............................................
who agrees to return it to the responsible official when called

upon
to do so or upon leaving the service of Eskom.
SERIAL NUMBER:
No.
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE

WORKING OF THE ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS OF
ESKOM
These operating regulations are the minimum requirements.

Additional requirements must be applied where necessary .
1. These operating regulations shall apply to all operating,

maintenance and construction on the high-voltage apparatus of
Eskom. Their purpose is to ensure the safety of all persons and
to safeguard both the apparatus and the continuity of supply.
2. Every employee issued with these regulations must make himself

thoroughly acquainted with, and shall be held responsible for
compliance with, the regulations contained herein.
3. A copy of this regulations shall be issued to all such employees

and other persons as the responsible manager may decide upon
and the procedure governing the issue, production upon request,
and return of such books shall be in accordance with rules
approved by the responsible manager.
4. Circulars or instructions deriving from the DECISION REGISTER,

in addition to and in modification of those contained in this book,
may be issued from time to time, and when any regulation is
amended or cancelled by such circulars, this book must be
corrected accordingly. These circulars and instructions shall be
regarded as an extension of the regulations.
5. Employees who require information in connection with the power

system must apply to their immediate superior through whom
arrangements will be made by the head of the department to
supply the information and, if necessary, give practical
demonstrations.
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6. These regulations are an extension of and must be read in

conjunction with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85
of 1993) as amended and the regulations made there under. Area
Operating Regulation shall be subject to the requirement of the
ORHVS.
7. Whereas not all the functions contemplated in these regulations

may be individually required in the case of every portion of the
area(s), the responsible manager may combine these functions
to suit the organisation and shall delegate authority in writing to
any employee concerned.
8. In cases where the Eskom power system is electrically

interconnected with that of another supply authority, such
instructions as are necessary for co-ordinating the operation of
the two power systems thus interconnected, shall be issued as a
special instruction under the joint authority of Eskom and the
supply authority concerned.
9. In cases where, for practical reasons, these regulations cannot be

complied with and where safety is not compromised, an
exemption must be applied for in writing to the chairperson of the
National ORHVS Care Group.
10. Any word in these regulations implying the masculine gender shall
also indicate the feminine and vice versa.
11. These regulations will come into force in October 2023 and shall
remain in force until replaced by the new revision.
12. These regulations together with the area operating regulations

shall always be in the possession of the authorised person
performing activities in line with ORHVS.
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SECTION 1 DEFINITIONS
Throughout these regulations, all references to terms defined in
section 1 appear in bold face.
1.1. Alive or live means electrically connected to the power system or
electrically charged.
1.2. Alteration or repair means work on any apparatus that will require to
be commissioned. This shall exclude replacement / repairs of poles,
structures and hardware up to and including 33 kV and preventative
maintenance on HV and EHV structures.
1.3. Apparatus means any generator, transformer, motor, switchgear,
isolator, feeder, convertor, rectifier, electrostatic precipitator, or any
other high-voltage plant installed in a station.
1.4. Appointed operator means a person who is authorised to do
operating and is deemed to be an authorised person in terms of these
regulations.
1.5. Approved means sanctioned for use by SCOT (Steering Committee
of Technology).
1.6. Area operating regulations means any document issued as an
extension of the ORHVS of Eskom, but where application is restricted
to the area concerned.
1.7. Authorise or Authorised refers to the giving of permission in writing
to perform specific duties and responsibilities in terms of these
regulations. Authorisation remains valid for a maximum period of up to
five years which is based on divisional requirements.
1.8. Authorised person means a person, who has been authorised in
terms of these regulations.
1.9. Auxiliary apparatus means the busbars and apparatus at a station,
which are supplied by standby generators or the secondary sides of
station, unit or earthing transformers or from the tertiary windings of
main transformers.
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1.10. Barrier or Barricading or Barricade means a device designed and
approved by Eskom to restrict approach to live high-voltage electrical
apparatus.
1.11. Breaker or Circuit Breaker means a device designed to make or
break electric current under both normal and fault conditions.
1.12. Busbar means a conductor or group of conductors that serve as a
common connection for two or more electric circuits within a station.
1.13. Cable means a feeder and includes the terminations.
1.14. Circuit means the whole of the conductors and apparatus from and
including the blades of all isolators or the contacts of other apparatus
(e.g. disconnect circuit breaker) provided for completing the
connection to the busbars.
1.15. Control centre means a place from where the safe operation of the
generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to
customers is controlled or directed.
1.16. Control earth: A control earth is either an earth switch or a portable
earth that is applied and removed on instruction from the control officer.
1.17. Control officer or Controller means an authorised person on duty at
a control centre, who is responsible for the general operation of the
power system or a section thereof.
1.18. Control panel means the panel on which control switches and other
equipment are mounted for controlling the operation of apparatus.
1.19. Control switch means the switch or device that controls the operation
of a breaker, switch, isolator, or other apparatus.
1.20. Danger/dangerous means a condition/substance that constitutes a
risk of personal injury, impairment of health, death, or property
damage.
1.21. Dead means that any apparatus so described is at or about zero
potential and disconnected or isolated from any live power system.
Rotating plant shall not be regarded as dead until it is stationary or is
being slowly rotated by means of barring gear and is not excited.
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1.22. Dead-ended feeder means a feeder that gives supply to a circuit or
circuits for which no alternative supply is available, and no feedback is
possible from said circuit or circuits. A dead-ended feeder can give
supply to several such circuits.
1.23. Declaration form for non-electrical activities on live lines means a
printed form containing declarations and clearance sections for the
authorisation of all non-electrical activities to be done on live
operational lines in terms of these regulations.
1.24. Designated Person means a person or his delegate which is
appointed under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of
1993) (General Machinery Regulation 2(1), 2.7(a)).
1.25. Disconnect Circuit Breaker (DCB) is an apparatus that combines the
functions of the breaker and the isolator into one device.
1.26. Distribution system means all apparatus and feeders forming part of
the power system, except that portion of the apparatus in a power
station as defined.
1.27. Double circuit structure means two circuits supported on the same
structure but situated on opposite sides of the centre of the structure.
1.28. Earthing or earthed means the connecting of apparatus electrically to
the general mass of earth in such a manner that it will ensure an
immediate safe discharge of electrical energy at all times.
1.29. Earthing gear or Earth means the fixed or portable devices used for
earthing electrical apparatus.
1.30. Earthing label means a printed form or notice used for affixing to
control panels, to indicate that apparatus has been earthed.
1.31. Earthing switch or earth switch means a fixed mechanical device
that is intended to connect phase conductors to earth for safety
purposes.
1.32. Emergency switching means:
a) The opening only of such breakers or switches as may be
necessary to avoid imminent danger to life or damage to apparatus.
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b) The closing only of series capacitors bypass breakers to avoid
imminent damage to apparatus.
1.33. Employee means a person employed by Eskom.
1.34. Equipotential zone: means a safe work area created to ensure that
any two or more conducting parts that can be touched by a person
simultaneously are bonded together by approved earthing leads to
ensure a zone of equal potential between different parts of the working
area.
1.35. Feeder means a line or cable in or from power stations or substations.
1.36. Generator circuit means the electrical portion of generating plant, its
circuit shall include all the apparatus between its outgoing terminals
and the busbar isolators and between its neutral terminals and earth.
1.37. Ground or Floor level means a permanent structure that is designed
to walk on and can be elevated.
1.38. Hazard(s) - means a source of or exposure to danger.
1.39. High voltage means a nominal AC voltage greater than 1000 volts or
DC voltage greater than 1500 volts.
1.40. High-voltage authorisation form means the printed form used for
detailing in writing the extent of authorisation in terms of these
regulations.
1.41. Human Machine Interface (HMI) means a software application that
presents information to an operator or user about the state of a
process, and to accept and implement the operators control
instructions. An HMI is often a part of a SCADA (Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition) system.
1.42. In commission means the state of apparatus that is available for
immediate use, although it may not actually be in service.
1.43. Isolate or Isolated or Isolation or Isolating refers to the

disconnecting of the apparatus to form a visible air gap from all
possible sources of electrical potential. In cases where a visible air gap
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cannot be created, equipment specific isolation procedures will apply.
In the above context, isolation may be obtained by:
a) the opening and removal of fuses/solids
b) the opening of isolators
c) the removal of jumpers/droppers
d) the opening of switches
e) the racking out of truck-type switchgear
f) the immobilisation of breakers having visible contact
separation, and not fitted with grading capacitors
g) the manual locking of the opened and isolated DCB blocking
device.
• The DCB Circuit (NOT the breaker) shall then be deemed
isolated the same as the isolator circuit being isolated.
The isolation point can never be a part of the hand over.
1.44. Isolator means a device provided for the purpose of isolating
apparatus from the source of electrical potential.
1.45. Key cabinet means a locked or sealed cabinet provided for safe
custody of keys. Each key shall be adequately labelled.
1.46. Line means an exposed overhead feeder and includes the supports
and all terminal equipment up to but excluding the line isolator, transfer
or bypass isolators, line earth switches and DCB’s.
1.47. Linking means the opening or closing of isolators or electrical and
mechanical blocking/unblocking of a DCB.
1.48. Live chamber means any chamber, enclosure or any situation in
which inadvertent human contact with conductors or live parts of
electrical apparatus working at high voltage is possible from
ground/floor level excluding high voltage non-lethal fence installations.
1.49. Live work or live working means maintenance, repair, building and
construction work carried out on live and operational apparatus using
approved techniques and equipment as specified in the standard for
live work.
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1.50. Live work declaration form means a printed form containing
declarations and clearance sections for the authorisation of all live
work to be done on live, operational apparatus in terms of these
regulations.
1.51. Live work warning notice means a portable or other warning notice
provided to indicate that live work is in progress on apparatus and to
indicate any special operating condition in force on any panel or circuit
whilst live work is in progress.
1.52. Medium voltage networks mean lines, cables, feeders and
associated equipment at voltages from1 000 V to 33 kV.
1.53. Mix Technology Gas Insulated Switch Gear (MTGIS) is switch gear
with embedded components that may include breakers, isolators, earth
switches, current transformers and voltage sensing devices.
1.54. Non-electrical activities mean activities using approved techniques
and equipment as specified in the relevant standards, that involve the
power line structure only and that do not require the making of
intentional contact, either through insulated tools and / or bare hand
techniques, with any live conductors.
1.55. Operate or Operating means switching, linking, safety testing and
earthing.
1.56. Operating diagram (Paper/Mimic/SCADA/HMI) means the diagram in
a control centre, or in a power station control room with the purpose of
indicating the operating position and state of all apparatus.
1.57. Operating instruction form means a printed/electronic form used for
recording instructions issued by the control officer relating to the
operating to be carried out on electrical apparatus.
1.58. Operating lock means an approved lock forming part of a series of
locks operable by common keys in the possession of authorised
persons only.
1.59. Operating stick means the approved insulated rod provided to enable
live isolators and fuses to be operated and to carry out safety testing
and earthing.
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1.60. Out of commission means the state of any apparatus, which has
been taken out of service and is not available for immediate use.
1.61. Panel or bay means all the apparatus in the same circuit situated in
live chambers, prohibited or restricted areas, from and including the
busbar isolators and/or connectors.
1.62. Piggyback system means a system where more than one circuit of
different high voltages are supported on the same structure. This term
excludes double circuit structures and high voltage structures carrying
low-voltage conductors.
1.63. Permission to Operate and Work means permission granted by a
control officer to an appointed operator authorising switching, linking,
safety testing, earthing and handover over of apparatus in a
designated section of the network in preparation for work.
1.64. Permission to Sectionalise means permission granted by a control
officer to a maximum of three appointed operators authorising
switching and linking on a designated section of the network to locate
and isolate faulty plant from the rest of the network and restore supply
to healthy sections of the network.
1.65. Power station means a site on which electrical energy is generated
and shall also comprise all works necessary or incidental thereto,
including buildings and all apparatus up to the point where energy is
ready for distribution. It may or may not include any substation situated
within the precincts of the power station, as determined.
1.66. Power system means the power stations, feeders, stations and
apparatus whereby electrical energy is made available to the
customers’ points of supply.
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1.67. Pre-work checklist means a form used by the responsible person to
check that he has considered or verified all requirements before
starting actual physical work as well as hazards and risks as identified
by the risk assessment which must be discussed with all the workers
allocated to do work under a specific work permit.
1.68. Prohibited area means an enclosed area in which live conductors or
live parts of electrical apparatus working at high voltage are accessible
but situated in such a position that inadvertent human contact
therewith is not possible from ground/floor level.
1.69. Prohibitory sign means an approved sign attached to a point of
isolation and/or control panel indicating work in progress and
prohibiting interference with the apparatus to which it is attached.
1.70. Responsible person means a person, who has been authorised to be
responsible for ensuring that the work on the apparatus covered by a
work permit can be, carried out with safety and within the terms of
these regulations.
1.71. Restricted area means an enclosed area that is neither a live chamber
nor a prohibited area as defined, and that is enclosed for the purpose
of power system security and the safety of personnel.
1.72. Risk assessment means the process to determine as far as
reasonably possible, what the dangers/hazards to the health and
safety of persons attached to any activity or work and the precautions
that are to be taken to mitigate the risks, dangers and hazards.
1.73. Safety or Non-standard lock means an approved lock for which only
one unique key is available.
1.74. Safety clearance or minimum approach distance means the
minimum distance that, for safety reasons, needs to be maintained
between any part of a person’s body or any work tool and any
unearthed bare conductor.
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1.75. Safety panel means apparatus or line that has been isolated and
earthed as a precautionary measure to prevent contact with the live
high-voltage apparatus or line where there is a risk of encroaching in
person or with machinery or objects on the safe working clearances
when work is being performed near or close to such apparatus or line.
The apparatus or line is therefore deemed to be safe only if it is isolated
and earthed in accordance with the ORHVS.
1.76. Safety testing means the testing of apparatus to ascertain whether it
is alive or dead by means of approved equipment provided for the
purpose.
1.77. Standards for live work means written instructions for the safe
execution of work on live apparatus, constituting an extension of these
regulations, stating exactly how live work, referred to in these
regulations, is to be done.
1.78. Station means a power station or a substation.
1.79. Substation means a site on which any transforming, switching or
linking apparatus forming part of the power system is situated and on
which no active power-generating equipment other than auxiliary
generating sets is situated. The term ‘substation’ includes distribution
stations and switching stations.
1.80. Supervision or Supervise refers to the overseeing of the actions of a
person or persons so as to prevent any act that could be dangerous or
in contravention of these regulations.
1.81. Switch means a device, other than a breaker, designed for making or
breaking a rated flow of electric current. The term includes air break
switches or weight-operated disconnects and similar devices.
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1.82. Switching means the opening and closing of breakers or switches.
1.83. Tagging means the warning notice that is placed on the operating
diagrams at the Control Centre.
1.84. Warning notice or sign means an approved notice or sign calling
attention to the danger of approach to, or interference with, the
apparatus to which it is attached and to indicate any special operating
condition.
1.85. Work or Working or Worked refers to all physical activities in
connection with apparatus, excluding operating and any non-
dangerous activities that will not affect the health and safety of workers
or the safe operation of apparatus.
1.86. Working earth means a supplementary portable earthing device used
on apparatus in such a position that it is visible from and applied as
close as possible to the point of work in such a manner that an
equipotential zone is created.
1.87. Work permit means a written declaration on the work permit form,
signed by the appointed operator and issued to the responsible
person.
1.88. Work permit form means a printed form containing the application,
work permit and clearance for the authorisation of all work to be done
on apparatus in terms of these regulations.
1.89. Workers register means a register of workers allocated to do work.
An authorised person must complete the workers register.
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SECTION 2 CONTROL OF THE POWER SYSTEM

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONTROL
OFFICERS
The control officer shall be responsible for carrying out the following
duties in addition to duties detailed elsewhere in these regulations in so
far as they apply:
2.1.1 Ensuring the safety of persons, safety of apparatus and the
continuity of the power supply to customers.
2.1.2 Only authorised control officers shall issue instructions

relating to switching, linking, safety testing and earthing
activities to the extent of their authorisation, except where
persons are being trained for their authority. These trainees
shall operate and issue instructions under the supervision of
a control officer, provided that the appointed operator has
been duly informed of such an arrangement.
2.1.3 Issuing instructions for all operating in connection with the

section of the power system under his control with the
following exceptions:
2.1.3.1 Emergency switching
2.1.3.2 Operating on dead-ended feeders and auxiliary

apparatus in power stations excluded by means of area
operating regulations.
2.1.3.3 Working earths on lines and totally isolated

substations as per reg. 5.5.4 only.
2.1.4 Operating via supervisory control as the power system

demands.
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2.1.5 Before issuing operating instructions to appointed
operators, ensure that all parties have the updated
corresponding diagrams in their possession.
2.1.6 Keeping a record of the time and details of all operating

carried out by him or under his instructions, including the
names of persons instructed to carry out such operating.
2.1.7 Keeping a record of the time and details of emergency

switching, including the names of persons who have carried
out these operations.
2.1.8 The manipulation of the operating diagram/SCADA/mimic in

the control centre to indicate, at all times, the state of
breakers, switches and isolators and position of earths
throughout the section of the power system under his control
and recording the names of persons to whom feeders or
apparatus are handed out.
2.1.9 Giving the relieving control officer all the relevant information
regarding the state of the power system and all other
necessary information for the proper execution of his duties. It
shall also be the duty of the control officer taking over to
obtain this information and to read and endorse the relevant
entries in the records.
2.2 KEEPING OF RECORDS

2.2.1 OPERATING AUTHORISATIONS
2.2.1.1 A record shall be maintained in each control centre, except for
National Control, for the section of the power system under its jurisdiction,
of the names and telephone numbers of all persons authorised to operate
in terms of these regulations and the extent of their authorisation.
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Revision: 4
2.2.2 LOG.
2.2.2.1 A record shall be kept at power stations and substations, in which
the authorised person shall record a summary of activities, stating the date
and times and shall print his name and add his signature thereto.
2.3 ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.3.1 ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
BETWEEN CONTROL CENTRES
2.3.1.1 Before any instructions are issued, the control officers shall discuss
in detail the scope of work and operating to be carried out, including
potentially hazardous conditions which may exist. All parties shall refer to
the updated corresponding diagrams and shall agree to the relevant
operating.
2.3.1.2 All instructions from the control officer relating to the operation of
apparatus shall be given in detail, without abbreviations, stating the name
of the apparatus, the nature of the operating and the time of confirmation
of the instruction.
2.3.1.3 Following the issuing of the instructions by the control officer, such
instructions shall be read back to the control officer, who shall confirm or,
if necessary, correct the instructions.
2.3.2 CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH AN OPERATING INSTRUCTION

BETWEEN CONTROL CENTRES SHALL BE CANCELLED
2.3.2.1 Should any circumstances arise to prevent or delay the carrying out
of an operating instruction such instruction shall be cancelled and the
operating deferred until it can be completed without interruption. In such
circumstances a new operating instruction shall be issued.
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Revision: 4
2.3.3 USE OF OPERATING INSTRUCTION FORMS

2.3.3.1 All instructions from the control officer relating to the operation of
apparatus shall be given in detail, without abbreviations, stating the name
of the apparatus, the nature of the operating and the time of confirmation
of the instruction. These instructions may be pre-written by the appointed
operator doing the operating or person authorised to transmit operating
instructions on the operating instruction form provided for that purpose.
The operating instructions shall be written and carried out sequentially. If

the instructions have been incorrectly pre-written, they are to be cancelled
and are to be completely re-written at the instruction of the control officer.
Should the instructions not be pre-written, they are to be written down on the
operating instruction form as issued by the control officer.
Following the issuing of the instructions by the control officer, such

instructions shall be read back to the control officer, who shall confirm or,
if necessary, correct the instructions. The receiver of the instruction,
thereafter, shall sign the operating instruction form. Each separate step in
the operating instruction shall commence on a new line on the operating
instruction form.
Standard abbreviations as detailed in the annexure to these regulations may

be used when writing the instruction. In the case of a person in training, the
form shall be countersigned by the appointed operator responsible for the
operating.
2.3.3.2 The operating instruction form shall be taken to the place where
the operating is to be carried out and the instructions shall be read by the
appointed operator carrying out the operating, who shall check that the
apparatus and the intended operating corresponds with the written
instruction before the operating detailed on it is commenced.
The appointed operator who received the instructions from the control
officer shall carry out each instruction on the operating instruction form
in its entirety. When a person in training is being trained for operating, both
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Revision: 4
the appointed operator and the person in training shall satisfy themselves
that the apparatus and intended operating corresponds with the written
instruction before the operating is commenced.
2.3.3.3 Each item as detailed on the operating instruction form shall be

ticked off as each step of operating is completed.
2.3.3.4 The completion and time of completion of operating instructions

shall, as soon as possible, be reported to the control officer.
2.3.3.5 The operating instruction form relating to completed operating

shall be retained for a minimum period of three months.
2.3.4 USE OF OPERATING INSTRUCTION FORM FOR

TRANSMITTED OPERATING INSTRUCTION
2.3.4.1 In cases where the absence of direct communication between a
person who is operating and the control officer makes it necessary for
operating instructions to be transmitted through a third person, such third
person in addition to the person operating, shall comply with regulations
2.3.3.1 and 2.3.3.4.
2.3.5 ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF INSTRUCTIONS AND USE OF

OPERATING INSTRUCTION FORM FOR PRE-
AUTHORISED OPERATING
2.3.5.1 When operating has to be done on the distribution system and
where there is no communication with the control centre and the
transmitting of operating instructions by a third person is not practicable,
pre-authorised operating instructions may be given.
2.3.5.2 Pre-authorised operating instructions may be given to power

station staff when it is necessary to synchronise, load, change-over auxiliary
supplies, off-load and shut down one or more generators.
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Revision: 4
The appointed operator to whom pre-authorised operating instructions

are issued shall comply with regulation 2.3.3.
If any change in the running arrangement of a power station should occur

for any reason after the issuing of the pre-authorised operating
instructions, the pre- authorised operating instructions must be
cancelled.
2.3.5.3 A permission to operate and work instruction may be issued to an

appointed operator and operating shall be performed in accordance with
Regulation 5.3.
2.3.5.4 A permission to sectionalise may be granted to an appointed

operator and shall be performed in accordance with Regulation 5.10.
2.3.5.5 The operating steps planned by the appointed operator having

received a PTO&W or PTS shall be detailed on an operating Instruction
form and the operating performed in accordance with Regulation 2.3.5.
2.3.6 CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH AN OPERATING INSTRUCTION

SHALL BE CANCELLED BY AN APPOINTED OPERATOR
2.3.6.1 Should any circumstances arise to prevent or delay the carrying

out of an operating instruction by the appointed operator, such
instruction shall be cancelled and the operating deferred until it can
be completed without interruption. In such circumstances a new
operating instruction shall be issued.
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Revision: 4
2.4 CONTROL OF LOADING OF POWER STATIONS UNDER

NORMAL AND ABNORMAL CONDITIONS
The official in charge of loading at a power station and the responsible

control officer shall effectively exchange all the relevant information
pertaining to the loading of plant and continuity of supply. The control
officer shall keep this official fully informed as to the expected loading
of plant and the capacity to be kept in reserve. The official shall inform
the control officer from time to time on the condition of the plant and
any change that might affect previous arrangements.
In the event of conditions arising at a power station, which may affect

the health of generating plant, the official in charge of that plant shall
take the necessary action to safeguard the plant and shall immediately
notify the control officer of its condition and possible impact on
previous arrangements.
For work on generating plant at a power station, the official in charge

shall make the necessary arrangements with the control officer for the
plant to be taken out of commission. On completion of the work, this
official shall notify the control officer that the plant is available for
service. Should any delay arise in returning the plant at a pre-arranged
time, this official shall immediately advise the control officer of the
delay so that other arrangements may be made.
Plant shall be considered to be out of commission immediately after

the control officer has given permission for work to be started
thereon, and plant shall be considered to be in commission as soon
as the control officer has been advised that such plant is available for
service.
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Should abnormal conditions arise requiring deviation from any pre-

arranged programme, all concerned will co-operate in adjusting to the
altered conditions in the most efficient and expeditious manner. Should
any question arise as to the measures to be taken, the matter will be
referred to the senior officials of the departments concerned.
Pre-authorised synchronising of generators with the system shall not be

permitted at system frequencies above 50, 3 Hz.
Pre-authorised disconnection of generators from the system shall not be

permitted at system frequencies below 49, 7 Hz.
2.5 CONTROL OF LOADING OF DISTRIBUTION

APPARATUS
Subject to the provisions laid down in regulation 2.1, the official in
charge shall be responsible for the apparatus on load. Whenever
apparatus has to be taken out of commission at a substation, due
to failure or for work to be carried out thereon, this official shall make
arrangements with the control officer and the customers where
necessary, to prevent overloading of apparatus remaining in service.
In an emergency the control officer shall take the necessary action
and notify the official in charge of all actions taken.
2.6 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE IN USE OF COMMUNICATION

SYSTEMS
Messages from and to the control officer shall at all times take
precedence over all other calls or messages.
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2.7 MAKING APPARATUS ALIVE ON FIRST INSTALLATION,

OR AFTER ALTERATION OR REPAIRS
2.7.1 Any apparatus on first installation, after alterations or repairs
shall not be placed in commission without prior handing over
for service to the control officer by the designated person of
the department concerned.
No commissioning shall be carried out unless all apparatus and

control panels are suitably labelled.
The control officer shall ensure that all necessary high-voltage

testing of apparatus and the checking of all phasing,
synchronising equipment and protection equipment is carried out
on first installation or after alterations or repairs.
A note to this effect, including the names and designations of

persons responsible for such tests, shall be logged by the control
centre concerned.
The control officer shall be responsible for arranging, where

necessary, for temporary settings of relays on first installation of
apparatus, and thereafter for the final settings of the relays for
normal working conditions.
2.7.2 Apparatus that is being installed does not fall under the
responsibility of the control officer until the installation reaches
the stage at which the making of connections between the
apparatus and the power system will enable some part of the
apparatus to be made alive.
The control officer shall then immediately be advised of the

status by the appointed operator who shall give the control
officer all required details of the apparatus, including the number
and position of any earths which are at that time affixed to the
apparatus.
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Revision: 4
From this stage, the control officer shall be responsible for all
earths on the apparatus being commissioned, and the procedure
detailed in section 5 shall be followed.
2.8 TAKING PLANT OFF THE SYSTEM

Apparatus shall not be considered to be part of the power system
when it has been disconnected and declared out of commission by
the designated person from the power system by:
a) the removal of droppers / jumpers on voltages 44 kV and above.
b) the breakaway of the first span from the point of isolation on
voltages 33kV and below.
c) the opening of isolators. When opened, these isolators shall be
locked with safety locks and the keys placed in the custody of a
person not directly involved with the operating. In generation it
shall be kept in a key safe: or,
d) the locking of the DCB’s mechanical blocking device that shall be
locked with safety locks and the keys placed in the custody of a
person not directly involved with the operating.
The designated person shall ensure that apparatus declared not part
of the power system is prepared in accordance with these regulations
with exception that operating instructions shall not be issued by the
control officer.
2.9 USE OF OPERATING DIAGRAM

The operating diagrams at the control centres and power stations
shall be adjusted as may be necessary on completion of any
operating. Such operating shall not be deemed to be completed until
the operating diagram concerned has been adjusted to indicate the
correct state of the apparatus affected.
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2.10 PERSONS SUMMONED TO A SUBSTATION

When an authorised person is summoned to a substation, he must
immediately contact the relevant control centre to report his arrival.
SECTION 3 ACCESS
ACCESS TO LIVE CHAMBERS, RESTRICTED OR
PROHIBITED AREAS
3.1.1 LOCKING OF DOORS AND GATES
Every door and gate giving access to a live chamber, restricted or
prohibited area shall normally be closed and locked. To facilitate an
emergency exit, a door or gate giving access to a live chamber,
restricted or prohibited area shall remain unlocked while work or
operating is in progress provided no unauthorised person may gain
unrestricted access.
3.1.2 PERSONS AUTHORISED TO ENTER LIVE CHAMBERS,

RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED AREAS
Only authorised persons may enter live chambers, restricted or
prohibited areas without having to obtain special permission except
as provided for in regulations 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4.
3.2 PROCEDURE FOR ACCESS OF PERSONS TO LIVE

CHAMBERS
Only authorised persons or persons under supervision of an
authorised person may enter a live chamber.
In Generation no individual is authorised to enter live chambers.
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Revision: 4
3.3 PROCEDURE FOR ACCESS OF PERSONS TO

PROHIBITED AREAS
A person may enter a prohibited area only if he is:
a) an authorised person or
b) under the supervision of an authorised person or
c) working under a work permit.
An unauthorised person shall remain on ground level unless the
working area is suitably demarcated by means of barriers to ensure
that inadvertent human contact with live apparatus adjacent to or
above the demarcated area is not possible from within the barriers. In
addition, a work permit shall be issued detailing the apparatus on
which he is required to work, unless he is working on the distribution
system under the supervision of an appointed operator authorised
for supervision in accordance with regulation 8.2.7.
If a section of a prohibited area and the access to that section in which

work is to be carried out is effectively segregated so as to prevent
dangerous approach to live apparatus, such section shall no longer
constitute a prohibited area and no supervision by an authorised
person shall be required.
3.4 PROCEDURE FOR ACCESS OF PERSONS TO

RESTRICTED AREA
Access to restricted areas shall be allowed only to persons who have
obtained permission, through an authorised method.
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Revision: 4
SECTION 4 KEYS
ISSUE AND USE OF KEYS FOR LIVE CHAMBERS,
PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED AREAS AT POWER
STATIONS
4.1.1 KEYS TO BE KEPT IN A KEY CABINET
Keys to live chambers prohibited or restricted areas and to
apparatus must be kept under lock and key in the key cabinet
provided for that purpose. The key to this key cabinet must be kept
in the custody of the person on duty responsible for the issue and
return of keys to live chambers, prohibited or restricted areas.
4.1.2 PERSONS TO WHOM KEYS MAY BE ISSUED

Keys to live chambers, prohibited or restricted areas may be issued
only to a person authorised in terms of regulation 3.1.2 who will be held
solely responsible for these keys while they are in his possession. He
must not let any of these keys pass out of his possession until they are
returned to the person responsible for the safe custody of the keys.
Refer to regulation 5.2.1.
4.1.3 ISSUE OF KEYS TO BE RECORDED

When a key to a live chamber, prohibited or restricted area is issued
to a person in terms of regulation 4.1.2, the particulars of the key, the
identity of the person to whom the key is being issued and the time and
date of issue must be recorded. In all cases the signature of the person
receiving the key and that of the person issuing the key must be
entered against the record. Similarly, when a key to a live chamber,
prohibited or restricted area is returned, its receipt shall be recorded.
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Revision: 4
4.1.4 RESPONSIBILITY OF PERSONS AUTHORISED TO USE KEYS

Subject to the provisions of regulation 5.7, a person who has unlocked
a door or gate giving access to a live chamber, prohibited or
restricted area shall, during the period when the door or gate is
unlocked, be responsible for enforcing compliance with regulations
3.2, 3.3 and 3.4.
On withdrawing from a live chamber, prohibited or restricted area

for any reason, the person to whom a key to a live chamber,
prohibited or restricted area has been issued shall be responsible
for seeing that all persons have withdrawn from the live chamber,
prohibited or restricted area and that the doors or gates are securely
locked before returning the key to the person responsible for the
custody of the key. Under no circumstances may the key to a live
chamber, prohibited or restricted area be left in the lock or be kept
for longer than is necessary by the person to whom it has been issued.
4.1.5 MARKING OF KEYS AND LOCKS

At power stations, each door or gate giving access to a live chamber,
prohibited or restricted area shall be marked with the name of the
live chamber, prohibited or restricted area and, where necessary,
with a distinguishing number close to the lock. A label marked with the
name of the live chamber, prohibited or restricted area and the
distinguishing number corresponding to the lock shall be attached to
the key by means of a suitable key ring.
4.1.6 PERSONS AUTHORISED TO USE POWER STATION MASTER

KEYS
Only authorised persons shall use master keys for access to
prohibited or restricted areas at power stations.
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Revision: 4
4.1.7 REQUIREMENTS OF A KEY SAFE SYSTEM AT POWER

STATIONS
4.1.7.1 A key safe shall conform to the general requirements as shown in 0.

Each key safe at a site shall be clearly marked with a unique identifying
number.
4.1.7.2 An operating lock series shall be different from any other series in
use at that site. If the operating locks are not clearly discernible from other
series in use at that site, they shall be provided with a permanent common
identifying feature.
4.1.7.3 A safety lock shall:

a) be marked with an individual number.
b) have only one available key permanently marked with the same
number.
c) form part of a series different from any other series in use at that
site. The available key shall be affixed to a key ring in such a
manner as to preclude its removal without the use of tools.
Furthermore, the dimensions of the ring shall be such that
destruction of the ring is necessary before it can be removed from
a locked key safe. No master keys must be available for safety
locks. If the key is lost, the relevant head of department will be in
charge of the removal of the safety lock. The incident must be
recorded in the appointed operators’ logbook and the head of
shift’s logbook.
4.1.8 USE OF A KEY SAFE SYSTEM AT POWER STATIONS

No person may at any time forcibly open, damage or interfere with a
key safe, its locks or the keys retained thereon.
No operating lock may be removed from a key safe whilst any safety
lock is still applied on that specific key safe, except under the following
conditions.
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Revision: 4
a) If it becomes necessary to gain access to the keys on the key safe

for any reason other than for testing in terms of regulation 5.9,
permission must be obtained from the relevant head of department,
who must personally witness the procedure. The occurrence must
be recorded in the appropriate authorised persons logbook or
b) if the key safe must be extended as per regulation 4.1.8.4.
4.1.8.1 Before a work permit is issued, all points of isolation shall

be immobilised by the application of a safety lock in such a manner
that inadvertent operation of the point of isolation is impossible.
4.1.8.2 The integrity of isolation is ensured by the application of

safety locks and prohibitory signs at each point of isolation.
These locks shall be applied by the appointed operator.
4.1.8.3 The keys for the safety locks used for isolation as required
before issue of a work permit shall be placed together on one key
safe. The key safe shall be locked by the appointed operator with
an operating lock and a safety lock. The key to this safety lock
shall be handed to the responsible person together with the work
permit.
4.1.8.4 Where it is necessary to use some, or all the original

isolation points, in addition to other isolation points, for
another work permit, an additional safety lock must be
applied to the original key safe. The key for this lock, together,
with the safety lock keys for the additional isolating points,
must be placed on another key safe and locked with an
additional operating lock and safety lock. Cross-referencing of
these work permits is required.
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Revision: 4
4.2 ISSUE AND USE OF KEYS IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

FOR LIVE CHAMBERS, PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED
AREA
4.2.1 KEYS TO BE KEPT IN A CABINET
Where keys to live chambers, prohibited areas or restricted areas
are kept at a substation, they shall be kept in a locked or sealed
cabinet. Each key shall be adequately labelled.
4.2.2 EMERGENCY ACCESS TO KEY CABINETS AT SUBSTATIONS

Any person may open the key cabinet in an emergency, where human
life is endangered or in abnormal circumstances to obtain keys to gain
access to live chambers, prohibited areas or restricted areas. The
person shall, as soon as possible, advise the official in charge or the
control officer on duty.
In the event of a person breaking into the key cabinet or finding it
broken, shall take possession of all keys contained in the cabinet and
return them, as soon as possible, to the official responsible for their
custody. The official shall return the keys to their normal position and
replace the lock or seal of the key cabinet.
4.2.3 RESPONSIBILITY OF PERSONS AUTHORISED TO USE KEYS

Subject to the provisions of regulation 5.7, a person who has unlocked
the door or gate to a live chamber, prohibited or restricted area
shall, during the period when the door or gate is unlocked, be
responsible for enforcing compliance with regulations 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4.
Immediately on entering a live chamber, prohibited or restricted
area he shall lock the door or gate through which he has entered,
except as provided for in regulation 3.1.1. On withdrawing from a live
chamber, prohibited or restricted area for any reason, the person to
whom the key has been issued, shall be responsible for seeing that all
persons have been withdrawn and that the doors or gates are securely
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Revision: 4
closed and locked. Under no circumstances may the key to the live
chamber, prohibited or restricted area be left in the lock.
4.2.4 RIGHT TO POSSESS KEYS

Keys shall be issued only to authorised persons. All persons who
have been issued with keys shall be responsible for the safe custody
thereof and shall not transfer them to any other person.
4.3 SURRENDER OR LOSS OF KEYS

Any person to whom keys have been issued in terms of these
regulations shall surrender such keys to Eskom on request. Loss of
keys shall be immediately reported to the relevant head of the
department.
4.4 USE OF LOCKS AND KEYS

4.4.1 USE OF LOCKS AND KEYS FOR ISOLATORS
Where isolators have manually operated mechanisms, these
operating mechanisms shall be fitted with locking facilities and locks.
These mechanisms shall be locked irrespective of whether the
contacts are in the open or in the closed position. This excludes
isolators that are operated by means of an operating stick.
4.4.2 USE OF LOCKS AND KEYS FOR TRUCK-TYPE SWITCHGEAR

Truck-type switchgear shall be locked irrespective of whether in the
racked-in or racked-out position. For isolation purposes, truck-type
switchgear shall be racked out and locked in that position or, if
withdrawn, the shutters or other barrier devices shall be in place and
locked.
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Revision: 4
4.5 USE OF KEYS WHEN CHANGING OVER BUSBARS

In order to facilitate the changing over of busbars in substations with
manually operated isolators, the isolators may be unlocked in
advance. On completion of the entire operation, the isolators shall be
locked again, except under emergency conditions when the locking of
the isolators may be deferred until normal conditions are restored.
4.6 LOCKING OF SUBSTATIONS

Substations shall be kept closed and locked when unattended.
SECTION 5 SAFE OPERATING AND WORK

PRACTICES
PERSONS AUTHORISED TO PERFORM SWITCHING,
LINKING, SAFETY TESTING AND EARTHING
OPERATIONS
Only appointed operators shall carry out switching, linking, safety
testing and earthing activities to the extent of their authorisation,
except where persons are being trained for operating authority.
These trainees shall operate under the supervision of an appointed
operator, provided that the control officer has been duly informed of
such an arrangement.
The switching of power stations' auxiliary motor circuits by remote
control shall be excluded from this regulation.
PROCEDURE FOR WORK IN LIVE CHAMBERS

5.2.1 On the Generation System
No person shall enter or be allowed to perform any activity or work in
a live chamber, unless the live apparatus in the chamber has been
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effectively barricaded off or isolated and earthed. In addition, he shall

work in accordance with regulation 8.1.
5.2.2 On the Distribution system

No person shall perform any work in a live chamber or prohibited
area, unless the apparatus to be worked on is isolated, earthed and
the rest of the live apparatus is barricaded. Work shall be performed
in accordance with regulation 8.2.
MAKING APPARATUS OR LINES SAFE TO WORK ON

5.3.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE OPERATING
Note: No persons shall carry out work on any apparatus or lines
unless the apparatus or lines have been prepared in accordance with
these regulations or area operating regulations.
All operating on apparatus or lines on the power system shall be
carried out under instruction from the control officer at the appropriate
control centre, including Permission to Operate and Work.
Permission to Operate and Work shall be performed in accordance
with regulations 5.3.2, 5.3.3, 5.3.4, 5.3.5, 5.3.6.1, 5.3.6.3 and 5.4. The
only exceptions shall be those mentioned in regulations 2.1.3 and
5.5.2.
Before any instructions are issued, the appointed operator or
operators shall discuss in detail with the control officer, all work to
be carried out, including potentially hazardous conditions which may
exist. All parties shall refer to the updated corresponding diagrams and
shall agree to the relevant operating.
5.3.2 Isolation from supply

Where it is necessary to operate at two or more points situated some
distance apart, the operating may be performed by a corresponding
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number of appointed operators, but all the operating detailed under

these regulations must be performed by one appointed operator only
for each site. The control officer shall not give an instruction for any
earthing operation to be carried out until isolation has been
completed at all points. The control officer shall inform the appointed
operator that the breakers and isolators at each point controlling the
feeder have been opened.
Where continuous operating is in progress, the appointed operator
may hand over to another appointed operator relieving him, provided
that all operating instructions issued by the control officer to the off-
going appointed operator have been fully carried out.
Where it is impracticable for one or more appointed operator/s to
communicate directly with the control officer, instructions may be
relayed through a person authorised to transmit operating
instructions. These appointed operators must comply with the
procedure set out in regulation 2.3.
Where a breaker or isolators can be controlled from a remote point
over which the appointed operator has no control, such facilities shall
be made inoperative before isolation is commenced.
5.3.3 SAFETY-TESTING OF APPARATUS AFTER ISOLATION

FROM SUPPLY
Immediately before applying an earth at a point, the appointed
operator shall ensure, by using an approved testing device provided
for the purpose that such apparatus is dead at each point where an
earth is to be applied.
In the case of certain apparatus that cannot be safety tested before
earthing, the earth shall be applied in a manner approved by the
applicable procedures.
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Where cables have been isolated and earthed and work on either of
the end terminals is necessary, without these end terminals yet having
been tested, the terminal boxes will be opened employing approved
work procedures and the terminals tested with an approved testing
device. Covered terminals shall be tested before any attempt is made
to intrude on the covering.
Where a cable must be cut, and cannot be positively identified, the
cable shall be spiked by means of an approved spiking device before
the cable is cut.
5.3.4 PROHIBITORY SIGNS AND EARTHING LABELS
5.3.4.1 Exhibition of prohibitory signs
Before apparatus is isolated a prohibitory sign shall be affixed on

each control panel corresponding with such apparatus. No isolation of
apparatus shall be deemed complete until a prohibitory sign has
been affixed at each point from which such apparatus can
inadvertently be made alive.
The prohibitory signs must not be detached until all earths have been
removed and the apparatus is ready to be made alive.
Prohibitory signs on the control panel shall be the last to be

removed.
5.3.4.2 Exhibition of earthing labels at power stations
As soon as the completion of the earthing operation has been reported to

the control officer, an earthing label shall be completed by the appointed
operator stating the number and position of all earths and the work permit
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Revision: 4
number, if one has been issued. The original form shall be detached and
affixed be detached and affixed to the control panel of the apparatus so
earthed. This shall apply when any apparatus at a power station is

earthed in preparation for work on it, or any feeder panel is earthed
for work external to the station by the Distribution Section.
At power stations where electronic mimic panels are in use, the

electronic earthing label must be visible at the point where the earth
is applied to the mimic panel; an earthing label or the electronic
earthing label must be printed, signed and attached to the copy of the
work permit.
5.3.4.3 Control of portable earths within generation
All applied portable earths at power stations shall be reflected on the

work permit as a control earth. (see regulation 5.3.5.3.1).
The appointed operator shall remove an earthing label after the

operation of removing the earthing gear to which it relates is completed
at the instruction of the control officer.
5.3.5 EARTHING
Note: All earths applied or removed in a substation will be applied or
removed at the instruction of the control officer, except when earths
are applied as per regulation 5.5.4.
5.3.5.1 Minimum requirements
When apparatus other than a line or a busbar has been isolated from
all points of supply and tested in accordance with these regulations
such apparatus shall be earthed at all such points of supply.
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After apparatus has been earthed the appointed operator shall

ensure that the apparatus is free from induction at the point of work to
enable the work to be carried out in an equipotential zone.
When a line or section of a line has been isolated from all points of
supply and tested in accordance with these regulations, at least one
control earth shall be applied to the line or section of line, between
the point of isolation and the first place of work excluding Single Wire
Earth Return lines. The appointed operator shall then apply sufficient
working earths on the line to enable the work to be carried out in an
equipotential zone.
The control earth on an isolated Single Wire Earth Return line or a

section of the line must be applied across the terminals and the earth
point of the isolation transformer or a load transformer as close as
possible to the worksite, even if it is beyond the point of work.
The overhead guard conductor of a line shall also be earthed.
When a static VAR compensator or capacitor bank has been isolated

from all points of supply and tested in accordance with these
regulations, it shall be earthed at all such points of supply.
Earths shall be applied in accordance with equipment specific earthing

procedure to ensure that all possible trapped charges will be
discharged for the duration of the work.
When a busbar has been isolated from all points of supply and tested
in accordance with these regulations it shall be earthed at one point at
least.
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When a transformer has been isolated from all points of supply and
tested in accordance with these regulations each primary, secondary
and tertiary winding of the transformer shall be earthed at its point of
supply.
When a transformer winding cannot be earthed at its point of supply,

or at any other part of the circuit between the winding and its point of
supply, work on this circuit is permitted, provided that it has been
isolated in accordance with these regulations, and that the other
windings have been earthed at their points of supply. An auxiliary or
tertiary low voltage supply from a transformer must be isolated at all
points of supply and the breakers and isolators locked in the open
position.
Totally enclosed metal clad switchgear shall be earthed only by means

of the approved earthing gear provided as part of the switchgear.
5.3.5.2 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Persons in charge of work may also, at their discretion, arrange for
additional earths that are to be affixed to the apparatus.
5.3.5.3 APPLICATION
When portable earthing gear is being used, it must first be connected
to an earthed metal structure, or to an approved electrode driven into
the ground. The earthing gear shall then be connected to the
apparatus to be earthed by means of an operating stick.
Where this is not possible due to space limitations (e.g. indoor
substations) application of earths shall be covered by area operating
regulations.
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5.3.5.3.1 EARTHING SWITCHES

When apparatus equipped with earthing switches needs to be
earthed at more than one place, the earthing switches shall always
be closed first, and thereafter any necessary earthing gear may be
affixed to the apparatus.
Whenever earth switches on open conductor systems are closed, a
portable earth shall be applied in parallel to provide additional
protection. This portable earth shall be applied and removed at the
instruction of the control officer.
This excludes non-ganged earthing switches in indoor substations
and medium voltage networks.
Should an earth switch on open conductor systems be suspect, a full
rated portable earth is to be applied in parallel.
In the process of removing the earths in preparation for making the
apparatus alive, all earthing gear shall first be removed, and
earthing switches shall be opened last.
5.3.5.3.2 SELECTIVE EARTHING

When it is necessary to work on less than all the phases of a line with
a nominal voltage of 44 kV or higher, working earths may be
selectively applied to the phase or phases that are to be worked on,
provided safe working clearances to the other phases can be
maintained at all times.
No person shall work on a line whose phases are selectively earthed
unless supervised by an appointed operator who knows which
phases do not have working earths applied, and who will ensure that
safe working clearances to the unearthed phases are maintained at all
times.
The conductors that do not have working earths applied must be
treated as alive at working voltage.
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During work on vertical or delta configurations, any phase or phases

below the phase being worked on shall be earthed by means of
working earths.
5.3.6 WORKING ON LINES OR APPARATUS

5.3.6.1 HANDING OVER A LINE, SECTION OF LINE OR
APPARATUS FOR WORK
When a line, section of line or apparatus has been prepared for work
in accordance with these regulations, the line, section of line or
apparatus shall be handed over to the appointed operator by the
control officer. The control officer shall allow the application of
working earths and on completion of the work the removal of all such
earths. Immediately after a line, section of line or apparatus has been
handed over to an appointed operator the control officer shall
record the name of the appointed operator to the line, section of line
or apparatus on the operating diagram.
5.3.6.2 WORKING ON A LINE OR SECTION OF LINE AT MORE

THAN ONE PLACE
When a line, section of line or apparatus has been prepared for work
in accordance with these regulations, the line, section of line or
apparatus shall be handed over to the appointed operator by the
control officer. The control officer shall allow the application of
working earths and on completion of the work the removal of all such
earths. Immediately after a line, section of line or apparatus has been
handed over to an appointed operator the control officer shall
record the name of the appointed operator to the line, section of line
or apparatus on the operating diagram.
NOTE: The isolation point (isolators and DCB’s) can never be a
part of the hand over.
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For work on a line at several places remote from one another,

provided the line has been prepared as detailed in these regulations,
the line or section of line may be handed over to more than one
appointed operator. The control officer shall record on the
operating diagram the names of each person to whom the line or
section of line has been handed.
5.3.6.3 CLOSE PROXIMITY TO LIVE CONDUCTORS OR

APPARATUS
If work is of such a nature that a person, machine or object could
inadvertently encroach on the minimum safe working clearance
according to regulation 5.3.6.4, then this is interpreted as close
proximity.
The following precautions shall be taken prior to the commencement
of work that could inadvertently encroach on the minimum safe
working clearance to a live line or apparatus according to regulation
5.3.6.4.
a) The auto-reclose features on all breakers controlling the supply to
the live line shall be made inoperative.
b) The relevant prohibitory signs shall be displayed on the control
panels. Where the auto-reclose function of a line is made
inoperative via supervisory, it will not be necessary to apply a
prohibitory sign to the control panel. If the auto-reclose is
rendered inoperative manually, the prohibitory sign shall be
applied. Tags shall be displayed on all Supervisory Control and
Data Acquisition systems irrespective of the method used to
render the auto-reclose inoperative.
c) The live line or apparatus shall be handed over to the appointed
operator responsible for supervising the work.
d) The control officer shall attach the names of the appointed
operators to the apparatus on the operating diagram.
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e) No breaker controlling the supply to the apparatus shall be

reclosed after a breaker trip until the control officer has confirmed
with the appointed operators, to whom the live line has been
handed over, that it is safe to do so.
f) All work shall be supervised by an appointed operator who shall
ensure that minimum safe working clearances are maintained at all
times.
When the minimum safe working clearance between persons,
machinery or objects and live apparatus or lines cannot be
maintained such live apparatus or lines shall be isolated and earthed
as a safety panel.
5.3.6.4 MINIMUM SAFE WORKING CLEARANCES

A.C. Voltages D.C. Voltages
765kV – 6.0 m
400kV – 4.0 m 600kV – 5.0 m
275kV – 3.0 m 450kV – 4.0 m
220kV – 2.5 m 300kV – 3.0 m
132kV – 2.0 m 150kV – 2.0 m
88kV – 1.5 m
66kV – 1.3 m
1 – 44kV – 1.0 m
NOTE: Any STAR point bushing will be treated in accordance with the
nominal system voltage of the associated apparatus.
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5.4 RETURNING APPARATUS OR LINES TO SERVICE

5.4.1 UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS
Before returning any apparatus or line, on which work has been
carried out, to service the appointed operator shall first personally
satisfy himself that all persons have been withdrawn from the
apparatus or line and from all chambers and enclosures containing
such apparatus or line and that any permanent barriers have been
replaced.
The appointed operator shall then advise the control officer that the
work has been completed and that he is handing back the apparatus
or line in the state as handed out.
The control officer shall then remove the name of the appointed
operator from the apparatus or line on the operating diagram and
shall then issue instructions for the removal of all other earths. Where
a line has been handed to more than one appointed operator no
control earths shall be removed from the line until all appointed
operators involved have reported the completion of their work and the
removal of all working earths from their portion of the line.
When work is done at more than one place on a circuit, each work
permit shall be cancelled by the issue of a clearance on the
completion of each separate item of the work. No earths shall be
removed from any portion of the apparatus or line until clearances
have been received for all work permits, which were issued to work
on the circuit.
Before finally returning the apparatus or line to service the appointed

operator must ensure that all prohibitory signs and earthing labels
which were affixed in accordance with regulation. 5.3.4 have been
removed.
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5.4.2 WHEN THE APPOINTED OPERATOR IS NOT AVAILABLE

Should the time have come to return apparatus to service, but the
appointed operator to whom the apparatus has been handed over
for work is for any reason not available, the control officer shall
consult with the relevant head of department, who shall then decide
what other appointed operator shall be instructed to return the
apparatus to service.
The relevant head of department shall take all reasonable steps to
ensure that no dangerous condition arises from such transfer of
responsibility.
5.5 EXCEPTION TO GENERAL PROCEDURE

5.5.1 WORK ON A LINE CONTROLLED FROM A SINGLE SOURCE
OF SUPPLY
When work has to be done by an appointed operator on a line on
the distribution system which is controlled from a single source of
supply, the appointed operator may make complete arrangements
with the control officer to open, isolate and earth the line and
subsequently return it to service in accordance with regulations 5.4,
with the exception that it will not be necessary to advise the control
officer that work has been completed before the line is made alive.
5.5.2 REPLACING OF DROP-OUT FUSE ISOLATORS WITHOUT

REFERENCE TO THE CONTROL OFFICER
An appointed operator may replace and close dropout fuse isolators
without reference to the control officer once only. This shall not
include replacing any dropout fuses should all fuses have blown, or
when all fused isolators are found open.
The control officer shall be notified as soon as possible after the fuse
has been replaced and closed.
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5.5.3 PIGGYBACK SYSTEM

When work has to be done on the piggyback system, all lines on the said
structure shall be open, isolated and earthed and handed over in
accordance with these regulations before work may commence on any one
of these lines.
5.5.4 TOTAL SUBSTATION ISOLATION

Where total substation isolation is requested, the substation shall be isolated
and earthed at all points of isolation.
The substation shall be handed over to one appointed operator, with
permission to apply and remove working earths as required. The number
of working earths that were applied and removed shall be declared at hand
back.
5.6 SUPERVISION
5.6.1 ON THE GENERATION SYSTEM
Responsible persons will be held responsible for the safe execution of all
work and activities as far as compliance with these regulations are
concerned. The workers register shall be completed as per regulations
8.1.9.
5.6.2 ON THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Appointed operators or responsible persons will be held responsible for
the safe execution of all work and activities as far as compliance with these
regulations are concerned. The workers register shall be completed as per
regulations 8.2.9.
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5.7 ABSENCE OF AUTHORISED PERSONS IN CHARGE OF

SUPERVISION
When it is impossible for the appointed operator or the responsible
person responsible for supervision to be present for the duration of the
work in progress, this person shall, before departing, delegate the task of
supervision, to another appointed operator or responsible person. The
name of this appointed operator or responsible person must be recorded
in the work permit and/or workers register. Should another appointed
operator or responsible person not be available then all workers shall be
withdrawn from the work during the absence of the authorised person in
charge.
5.8 NO SWITCHING WHILE WORK IS IN PROGRESS IN A LIVE

CHAMBER
Should any switching, other than emergency switching, be
necessary at any station on apparatus in a live chamber in which
inspection or maintenance work is in progress, all persons shall be
withdrawn from the chamber until such switching has been
completed. The relevant control officer shall be notified before
persons enter live chambers at substations with supervisory control.
5.9 TESTING OF APPARATUS

5.9.1 ON THE GENERATION SYSTEM
5.9.1.1 TESTING APPARATUS – BEING ENERGISED FROM THE
SYSTEM
Where it becomes necessary for the purpose of carrying out tests, to
energise the apparatus from the system while such apparatus is in
an abnormal condition.
The department concerned must make special arrangements with the
official in charge so that the operating procedure can be agreed to
beforehand.
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The existing work permit/s, on which work was performed, must be

cleared.
A new work permit with the title “Test as per procedure under
Regulation 5.9.1.1” must then be issued affecting the tests to be
carried out, indicating and the state of isolations and earths required
to carry out the tests.
It shall be the responsibility of the responsible person for each test
to warn workers and temporarily withdraw the workers involved from
the apparatus for the duration of the test.
The operating shall then be carried out in accordance with the agreed
procedure and in accordance with the regulations in so far for as they
apply.
The operating as per the agreed test procedure shall be done by the
appointed operator in conjunction with the responsible person.
For the purpose of this regulation, an abnormal condition is one in
which the apparatus is not in a condition to take normal load owing to
jumpers being broken or to temporary connections having been made,
protection settings not verified, any protection out of commission,
temporary earths applied, or some similar reason.
5.9.1.2 TESTING APPARATUS – NOT BEING ENERGISED FROM

THE SYSTEM
Testing of apparatus as per this regulation may be done on the
original work permit provided that the testing has been indicated on
the scope of work and the risk assessment determines that it is safe.
If the risk assessment indicates the need for a new work permit, this
new work permit must be taken out under regulation 5.9.1.2.
If it is necessary, for the purpose of carrying out testing to energise the

apparatus, from a source other than from the system, the department
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concerned must make special arrangements with the official in charge
so that the test procedure can be agreed to beforehand. The test
procedure must be attached to the work permit.
It shall be the responsibility of the responsible person for each test
to warn workers and temporarily withdraw the workers involved from
the apparatus for the duration of the test.
The operating shall then be carried out in accordance with the agreed
procedure and in accordance with the regulations in so far as they
apply.
The operating as per the agreed test procedure shall be done by the
appointed operator in conjunction with the responsible person.
5.9.2 ON THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Where it is necessary for tests to be carried out on apparatus, the
control officer shall issue instructions for the apparatus to be
isolated and earthed in accordance with regulation 5.3, after which
he shall permit the appointed operator to remove the earths, if
necessary, for the specific tests. Where a work permit has been
issued the appointed operator may then only remove such earths
under the supervision of the responsible person.
It shall be the responsibility of the responsible person or appointed
operator carrying out the tests to warn workers and where necessary,
temporarily withdraw workers from the apparatus for the duration of
the tests.
On completion of the tests the earths shall be replaced by the
appointed operator under the supervision of the responsible
person and the control officer shall be informed that the apparatus
has been restored to the original condition as stipulated on the work
permit.
If it is necessary, for the purpose of carrying out testing, to energise
the apparatus from the system while such apparatus is in an
abnormal condition, the department concerned must make special
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arrangements with the official in charge so that the operating

procedure can be agreed to beforehand.
This agreed operating shall then be carried out in accordance with
these regulations in so far as they apply.
For the purpose of this regulation, an abnormal condition is one in
which the apparatus is not in a condition to take normal load owing to
jumpers being broken or to temporary connections having been made
or protection settings not verified, any protection out of commission,
temporary earths applied, or some similar reason.
5.10 SECTIONALISING FOR FAULT FINDING ON MV NETWORKS

Sectionalising of the network may be performed by the opening and closing
of breakers, switches and isolators in order to locate a faulty section of
the network following a Permission to sectionalise instruction from the
control officer at the appropriate control centre.
SECTION 6 ABNORMAL CONDITIONS

ABNORMAL CONDITIONS TO BE REPORTED TO THE
CONTROL OFFICER
In the event of any failure or interruption of supply to any part of the power
system owing to whatever cause, or should any abnormal conditions arise,
including signs of approaching inclement weather, the control officer must
be advised as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY SWITCHING
Any person is permitted to carry out emergency switching.
In the event of any emergency switching having been carried out, the
control officer must be informed as soon as possible.
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COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Messages to and from control officers shall take precedence at all times in
accordance with regulation 2.6.
During periods of abnormal system conditions, the control officer may
interrupt calls or messages not relating to the control of the power system.
6.4 RESTORATION OF SUPPLY IN THE EVENT OF FAILURE OR

ABSENCE OF COMMUNICATION.
In cases where communication with the control officer cannot be
established, appointed operators may, at their discretion, close
breakers once only in order to resume supply. Where two or more
feeders enter a substation, only the breakers of feeders originating
from one point may be closed without the permission of the control
officer.
The closing of a breaker to resume supply shall be reported to the
control officer as soon as possible thereafter.
6.5 ESTABLISHMENT OF A TEMPORARY CONTROL CENTRE

If necessary, a temporary local control centre may be established by
an authorised person who will assume the duties of the control
officer over the areas affected.
A temporary local control centre shall only be established after:
a) the control officer has given permission or after all efforts to
contact the control officer have failed.
b) all appointed operators operating in the area affected have
been advised that a temporary local control centre is to be
established.
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During this period all operating must be logged. When

communications or normal conditions have been restored, the control
officer must be given full details of operating as well as the positions
and status of all breakers, isolators, and earthing gear.
The person acting as local control officer shall be responsible for the
operation of such local section of the power system, in accordance
with these regulations, but shall not personally carry out any
operating.
SECTION 7 LIVE WORK

7.1 AUTHORISED PERSONS TO BE IN CHARGE OF AND TO
PERFORM LIVE WORK
7.1.1 PERSONS IN CHARGE OF LIVE WORK
Only those persons who have been specifically authorised to be in
charge of live work shall take over live apparatus for live working
and issue a live work declaration form.
7.1.2 PERSONS WHO MAY PERFORM LIVE WORK

Only those persons who have been specifically authorised may be
permitted to perform live work.
An exception to the above requirement is that unauthorised persons
may be permitted to perform live work whilst undergoing training,
provided that such persons are under the supervision of an instructor
authorised in terms of regulation 7.1.1.
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7.2 LIVE WORK ON THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

7.2.1 PREPARATION AND HANDING OVER OF APPARATUS FOR
LIVE WORK
When live work is to be carried out on any high-voltage apparatus,
the authorised person in charge of the live work shall notify the
control officer of the following:
a) the apparatus to be worked on
b) the nature of the work to be carried out.
c) the time that the work is to commence and the estimated
duration of the work.
The authorised person in charge of the live work shall arrange with the
control officer for live work warning notices to be affixed to all control
panels of breakers controlling the supply to the apparatus concerned and
for all auto-reclosing features on these breakers to be switched off or
otherwise made inoperative
7.2.1.1 WORK ON LINES

Where the auto-reclose function of a line is made inoperative via
supervisory, it will not be necessary to apply a live work warning
notice to the control panel. If the auto-reclose is rendered inoperative
manually, the live work warning notice shall be applied. Live work
warning notices shall be tagged on all Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition systems irrespective of the method used to render the
auto- reclose inoperative.
When live work warning notices have been affixed to all control panels
of breakers controlling the supply to the apparatus concerned and all
auto- reclosing features on these breakers have been switched off or
made inoperative, the control officer will inform the authorised
person in charge of the live work that this has been done and shall
then hand over the apparatus.
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For live work on lines of 33kV and below, it may not be necessary for
auto-reclose features to be switched off or otherwise made inoperative.
The controller must then record this, and a live work warning notice
must be displayed on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. It
will not be necessary to apply a live work warning notice to the control
panel, provided all work is done in strict accordance with the
applicable standards for live work.
7.2.1.2 WORK IN SUBSTATIONS

All feeders controlling the supply to the apparatus to be worked on
(up to 132 kV) will have both the local and remote auto-reclose
features switched off or made inoperative either via supervisory or
manually.

supervisory, it will not be necessary to apply a live work warning
notice to the control panel. If the auto-reclose is rendered inoperative
manually, the live work warning notice shall be applied. Live work
warning notices shall be tagged on all Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition systems irrespective of the method used to render the
auto- reclose inoperative.
When live work warning notices have been affixed to all control panels
of breakers controlling the supply to the apparatus concerned and all
auto-reclosing features on these breakers have been switched off or
made inoperative, the control officer will inform the authorised
person in charge of the live work that this has been done and shall
then hand over the apparatus.
7.2.2 RESTRICTIONS ON RECLOSING BREAKERS

When the control officer has handed over apparatus for live work,
the name of the authorised person in charge of the live work shall
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be affixed to the operating diagram in the control centre. No

operating other than the opening of breakers shall be performed on
the breakers controlling supply to the apparatus.
During the time that the apparatus is handed over, no breaker which
controls the supply to the apparatus and which has tripped or been
opened for any reason, shall be reclosed until such time as the
authorised person in charge and the control officer has mutually
agreed that it is safe for the breaker to be reclosed.
7.2.3 LIVE WORK DECLARATION FORM

7.2.3.1 CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING A LIVE WORK
DECLARATION FORM
A live work declaration form is required for all live work on live,
high-voltage apparatus at any place on the distribution system.
7.2.3.2 ISSUE OF A LIVE WORK DECLARATION FORM
The authorised person in charge of live work, to whom the control
officer has handed over apparatus for live work, shall explain to all
the persons who will be engaged in the live work the arrangements
made with the control officer. The authorised person in charge of
the live work shall:
a) identify the apparatus to be worked on,
b) the operational voltage of the apparatus to be worked on and
c) the corresponding safe working clearances to be maintained.
The authorised persons to be engaged in the live work shall
acknowledge their understanding of these details and restrictions by
signing the live work declaration form. They may then proceed with
the work.
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7.2.3.3 CLEARANCE OF THE LIVE WORK DECLARATION FORM

When live work has been completed, or is suspended for any reason,
and the apparatus is to be returned to normal service, the authorised
person in charge of the live work shall:
a) withdraw all personnel from the live apparatus. He shall remove
all tools and equipment to a safe position in relation to the live
apparatus.
b) advise the authorised persons who were engaged in the live
work that the apparatus is to be handed back to the control
officer and that no further work may be performed.
c) notify the control officer that live work is complete or otherwise
the exact state of the apparatus and whether tools or equipment
have been left on the apparatus.
d) complete and sign the clearance section of the live work
declaration form.
7.2.3.4 DURATION OF A LIVE WORK DECLARATION

It is the responsibility of the authorised person in charge of the live
work to decide when conditions are such that live work can no longer
proceed safely and the live work declaration shall be cleared as
provided for in regulation 7.2.3.3.
7.2.3.5 RETENTION OF FORMS

Live work declaration forms related to complete or suspended live
work shall be retained at the headquarters of the persons authorised
for live work for a period of three months before being destroyed.
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7.2.4 WHEN THE AUTHORISED PERSON IN CHARGE OF LIVE

WORK IS NOT AVAILABLE
If the authorised person in charge to whom apparatus has been
handed over is for any reason not available, another person authorised
in terms of regulations 7.1.1 shall take over the responsibilities of the
authorised person in charge of the live work.
This person shall countersign the live work declaration form to
indicate that he is fully aware of what must be done on the apparatus
and take over the apparatus from the control officer. The control
officer shall remove the name of the original authorised person in
charge from the operating diagram in the control centre and shall
record the name of the new authorised person in charge of the live
work.
7.3 SUPERVISION OF LIVE WORK

The authorised person in charge of live work will be held responsible
for the safe execution of live work in so far as these regulations and
the standards for live work are concerned.
The authorised person in charge of live work shall at all times
observe the work in progress to ensure that it is carried out in a safe
manner. When the authorised person in charge of live work needs
to withdraw from the work site, he shall hand back the apparatus to
the control officer and regulation 7.2.4 shall apply.
Where the authorised person in charge of live work cannot observe
part of the work, observation of that area of activity shall be delegated
to another person authorised in terms of regulation 7.1.1.
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SECTION 8: WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

8.1 WORK AT POWER STATIONS CARRIED OUT UNDER A WORK
PERMIT
8.1.1 CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING A WORK PERMIT
Risk Assessments and pre-work checklists must be completed for
all work under any work permit.
The responsible person must complete the pre-work checklist in
conjunction with the workers register. The risk assessment shall be
initiated and conducted by the responsible person in concurrence
with the appointed operator.
A work permit is required for all work on apparatus in restricted or
prohibited areas by any person.
If the original scope of work changes, the original work permit must
be cleared, and a new work permit shall be issued.
No work shall be allowed on apparatus in a live chamber. Refer to
5.2.1.
8.1.2 FORMS IN DUPLICATE

Work permit forms shall be made out in duplicate. The original shall
be retained by the responsible person and the copy by the
appointed operator
8.1.3 USE OF WORK PERMIT FORMS

8.1.3.1 APPLICATION AND WORK PERMIT
When work under the work permit procedure is to be carried out, the
responsible person shall fill in and sign the application stating:
a) the apparatus required to be made dead.
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b) the nature of the work to be carried out in detail.

c) the points of isolation.
d) the number and position of earthing gear required.
e) the time and date on which the work is to be commenced.
f) any special requirements including identified continuous
assessment risks and hazards.
g) the risk assessment number must be entered on the work permit
application.
h) the workers register number must be entered in the work
permit application.
The appointed operator on duty shall verify that plant specific
dangers and hazards have been identified on the risk assessment
form. Where applicable, the appointed operator will sign acceptance
of the work permit application and will make arrangements with the
control officer to have the apparatus isolated and earthed.
The “test before touch” principle must be adhered to.
After the isolating and earthing has been done in accordance with
these regulations both the appointed operator and the responsible
person must satisfy themselves that the apparatus has been made
safe to work on.
After signing and recording the time on the work permit, the
appointed operator shall issue the work permit to the responsible
person together with the key safe key and any keys necessary to give
access to the apparatus concerned.
The appointed operator must now allow the responsible person to
accept the work permit after reviewing of the risk assessment form.
The responsible person shall thereafter sign the work permit and
shall then be deemed to have taken over the apparatus to be worked
on.
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No alteration shall be allowed on an issued work permit.

8.1.3.2 CLEARANCE
On completion of any work for which a work permit has been issued,
the responsible person shall ensure that:
a) all workers who have been engaged in the work have been
withdrawn from the apparatus or from any prohibited or
restricted area concerned. This must be confirmed by the
responsible person signing the appropriate section of the
workers register.
b) the apparatus can be returned to service safely and that all tools,
debris, and loose material have been withdrawn from the area.
c) all doors or gates giving access to the apparatus have been
locked.
He shall then fill in and sign both copies of the clearance portion of the
work permit form and shall then return any keys issued for access
and the key safe key, together with the original of the work permit
form, the workers register and all relevant documents to the
appointed operator.
8.1.3.3 RETURN TO SERVICE

On receipt of the clearance, the workers register and all relevant
documents, the appointed operator shall immediately complete the
clearance by signing both copies and shall notify the control officer,
where applicable, that he has received a clearance for the apparatus,
which may then be returned to service in accordance with regulation
5.4.
8.1.3.4 NON – AVAILABILITY OF ORIGINAL FORM

If the original of the work permit form is not available when the
clearance of such work permit is required, the appropriate head of
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department or, in the case of a non-employee, the site representative

of that company, must confirm that all workers have been withdrawn
from the workplace and the appropriate section of the workers
register has been signed.
The responsible person should sign clearance of the work permit
and the head of department must then countersign the copy of the
work permit. This signature authorises the appointed operator to
clear the work permit clearance in question.
8.1.3.5 NON – AVAILABILITY OF THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON

In the event of the responsible person to whom a work permit has been
issued not being available to clear the work permit, the official in
charge (the appropriate head of department or, in the case of a non-
employee, the site representative of that company) shall decide which
other responsible person shall clear the work permit.
Such responsible person shall first complete the “change of
responsibility” portion on the computerised work permit form, a new
workers' register must be completed, and review the risk assessment
and counter sign the pre-work checklist, to indicate that he is fully
aware of what was to be done on the apparatus.
He shall supervise the completion of the work, fill in and sign the
clearance on the work permit form and return the work permit form and
all relevant documents to the appointed operator concerned.
The appropriate head of department or, in the case of a non-employee,
the site representative of that company shall take all reasonable steps
to ensure that no dangerous condition arises from such transfer of
responsibility.
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8.1.3.6 TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY

In the event of another responsible person becoming responsible for
the work, both the original and the copy of the work permit change of
responsibility must be completed, as well as the workers' register, risk
assessment and pre-work checklist, these must be endorsed with the
date and time when the new responsible person assumes the
responsibilities as the responsible person or new forms completed as
required.
The change of responsibility section on the work permit form must be
signed by both the outgoing and incoming responsible person.
8.1.4 ORIGINAL FORMS

All original work permit forms and all relevant documents shall be
kept on completion of the work for which they were issued. Each
completed work permit book containing the copies of work permit
forms shall be returned to the office of the official in charge when a
new book is taken into use. The completed book may be destroyed at
the instructions of the official in charge after a lapse of one year,
provided that no query has arisen regarding any entry contained in it.
8.1.5 DURATION OF WORK PERMITS

A work permit shall remain in force until it is cancelled by the issue of
a clearance.
8.1.6 APPLICATION FORMS MADE OUT IN ADVANCE
Work permit applications may be filled in and signed by a
responsible person at any time in advance of the time work will be
started. The appointed operator, who will prepare the apparatus and
issue the necessary work permit for the work, shall sign such
application when the necessary operating is to be done.
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8.1.7 MULTIPLE WORK PERMITS

A responsible person may be issued with more than one work
permit at a time, provided that an adequate level of supervision is
provided at each place of work as determined by the risk assessment.
Each individual work permit must be issued with separate workers
registers, risk assessments and pre-work checklists.
No worker may work under more than one work permit at a time.
8.1.8 WORK PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH PORTION OF

WORK
When it is necessary for work to be done on apparatus at a power
station in more than one chamber on the same circuit, a separate
work permit shall be issued for the work in each separate chamber.
8.1.9 WORKERS REGISTER

The responsible person shall explain the nature of the work covered
by the work permit, isolation points and the dangers as per the pre-
work checklist, attached thereto to all the workers who will be
engaged in this work, and shall then complete the workers register.
The workers register shall be current at all times.
If work extends over a period of time especially more than one day or
shift, on completion of work or at the end of shift, the workers register
must be signed off. When the work resumes on the next day or the
next shift, a new worker register must be signed. This is also
applicable when a person is delegated from one Job / Work to another.
This regulation shall be read in conjunction with regulation 5.6.1
The “test before touch” principle must be adhered to.
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8.1.10 COMPUTERISED WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

In the case of a computerised work permit system, the responsible
person in charge of the work must log onto the computerised work
permit system using an authorised password only.
The responsible person or appointed operator must fill in the permit
application section stating:
a) the apparatus required to be made dead,
b) the nature of the work to be carried out in detail,
c) the points of isolation,
d) the number and position of earths required,
e) any special requirements including identified dangers and
hazards,
f) the time and date on which the work must commence and
g) the risk assessment number must be entered on to the work
permit prior to printing.
the workers register number must be entered on to the work permit prior
to printing.
After isolation by the appointed operator, the responsible person
must first sign the application section of the work permit, ensuring the
correctness of the apparatus detail, the job detail and the dangers
stipulated.
After signing the application, the responsible person shall then
ensure that the isolations and earths as specified on the work permit
have been correctly applied and that it is safe to carry out the work as
detailed.
The remainder of regulation 8.1.3 shall then apply.
All original work permit forms and all relevant documents shall be
kept on completion of the work for which they were issued. The copies
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of work permit forms shall be returned to the office of the official in

charge and destroyed at the instructions of the official in charge after
a lapse of one year, provided that no query has arisen regarding any
entry contained in it.
The work permit, original and copy shall be printed once.
8.1.11 FIRE ON ELECTRICAL APPARATUS

The appointed operator must isolate the apparatus from all points of
supply.
Inform the Fire Station Official that the apparatus is safely isolated
and that he may now extinguish the fire.
After the above has been completed the responsible person and the
appointed operator must complete the work permit forms as
required for normal isolation purposes.
8.2 WORK ON THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CARRIED OUT

UNDER A WORK PERMIT
8.2.1 CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING A WORK PERMIT
Except as provided for in regulation 8.2.7, a work permit is required
for all work on apparatus performed in live chambers, prohibited
areas or restricted areas or at any place on the distribution system,
and may only be issued to a responsible person.
If the original scope of work changes, the original work permit must be
cleared, and a new work permit shall be issued.
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8.2.2 FORMS IN DUPLICATE

Work permit forms shall be made out in duplicate. The responsible
person shall retain the original and the copy shall be left in the work
permit book, which shall be retained by the appointed operator.
8.2.3 USE OF WORK PERMIT FORMS

8.2.3.1 ISSUES OF WORK PERMITS
Where work on apparatus requires a work permit it shall only be
issued for apparatus that has been isolated, earthed and handed
over in accordance with these regulations.
The appointed operator, to whom the apparatus or line has been
handed over, shall fill in the work permit form stating the apparatus,
the nature of the work to be carried out and the date and time.
Both the appointed operator and the responsible person shall agree
at the place of work that the apparatus has been made safe to work
on. If they are both satisfied, they will both sign the permit section. The
appointed operator will issue the work permit to the responsible
person and give him access.
At this point, it is deemed that the responsible person has taken over
the apparatus to work on.
8.2.3.2 CLEARANCE
On completion of work and after all persons have been withdrawn, the
responsible person shall fill in and sign the clearance section of the work
permit form, after which he shall hand the form to the appointed operator.
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8.2.3.3 RETURN TO SERVICE

On receipt of the signed clearance, the appointed operator shall
complete the clearance by signing it and, where necessary, hand back
the apparatus to the control officer.
The apparatus may then be returned to service in accordance with
these regulations.
8.2.3.4 NON – AVAILABILITY OF ORIGINAL FORM

If the original of the work permit form is not available when the
clearance of such work permit is required, the copy of the permit shall
be endorsed and signed stating that the original form is lost.
8.2.3.5 NON – AVAILABILITY OF THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON

In the event of the responsible person to whom a work permit has
been issued not being available to clear the work permit, the official
in charge shall decide which other responsible person shall clear the
work permit.
Such responsible person shall first countersign the work permit to
indicate that he is full aware of what was to be done on the apparatus.
He shall supervise the completion of the work, fill in and sign the
clearance on the work permit form and return the work permit form
to the appointed operator concerned.
8.2.4 ORIGINAL FORMS

All original work permit forms and completed work permit books
shall be retained for a period of one year’s before being destroyed.
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8.2.5 DURATION OF WORK PERMITS

A work permit shall remain in force until it is cancelled by the issue of
a clearance.
8.2.6 MULTIPLE WORK PERMITS

A responsible person may be issued with more than one work
permit at a time, provided that an adequate level of supervision is
provided at each place of work.
No worker may work under more than one work permit at a time.
8.2.7 CASES WHERE A WORK PERMIT IS NOT REQUIRED

a) No work permit is required when work is carried out on
apparatus by appointed operators and by persons working
under their supervision.
b) No work permit is required when specific activities are being
carried out in a prohibited area by persons authorised for this
duty.
8.2.8 WORKING ON APPARATUS INVOLVING CUSTOMERS AND

CONTRACTORS
8.2.8.1 Where it is necessary for Eskom to isolate and make safe the
supply to apparatus for a customer or contractor to enable
them to work on such apparatus, a work permit form shall
be used.
The representative from the customer or contractor shall sign
the work permit form as the responsible person.
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8.2.8.2 Where apparatus is to be isolated by a customer, who has

no established control centre and there is a possible back
feed into the Eskom system, it will be the responsibility of the
appointed operator, to ensure that the isolation remains in
force for the period that the Eskom work is in progress.
8.2.8.3
If the customer has a recognised control centre, the work
permit procedure need not apply, and all required operating
shall be effected between the control centres concerned.
8.2.9 WORKERS REGISTER

The appointed operator or responsible person shall explain the
nature of the work and the dangers attached thereto to all the workers
who will be engaged in this work and shall then complete the workers
register.
The workers register shall always be current at all times.
This regulation shall be read in conjunction with regulation 5.6.2.
SECTION 9 NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES
9.1 AUTHORISED PERSONS TO BE IN CHARGE OF AND TO

PERFORM NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES
9.1.1 PERSONS IN CHARGE OF NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES

ON LIVE LINES
Only those persons who have been specifically authorised to be in charge
of non-electrical activities shall take over a live line for non-electrical
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activities and issue a Declaration Form for Non-Electrical Activities on

Live Lines.
9.1.2 PERSONS WHO MAY PERFORM NON-ELECTRICAL

ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES
Only those persons who have been specifically authorised may be
permitted to perform non-electrical activities.
An exception to the above requirement is that unauthorised persons may be

permitted to perform non-electrical activities whilst undergoing training,
provided that such persons are under the supervision of a person
authorised in terms of regulation 9.1.1.
9.2 NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES ON THE

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
9.2.1 PREPARATION AND HANDING OVER OF APARATUS FOR
NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES
When non-electrical activities are to be carried out on any line that is alive,
the authorised person in charge of the non-electrical activities shall notify
the control officer of the following:
a) the line on which the non-electrical activities will take place
b) the nature of the non-electrical activities to be carried out
c) the time that the non-electrical activities are to commence
and the estimated duration thereof.
The authorised person in charge of the non-electrical activities shall

arrange with the control officer for warning notices to be affixed to all
control panels of breakers controlling the supply to the line concerned and
for all auto-reclosing features on these breakers to be switched off or
otherwise made inoperative.
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supervisory, it will not be necessary to apply a warning notice to the control
panel. If the auto-reclose is rendered inoperative manually, the warning
notice shall be applied. Warning notices shall be tagged on all Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition systems irrespective of the method used to
render the auto-reclose inoperative.
When warning notices have been affixed to all control panels of breakers
controlling the supply to the line concerned and all auto-reclosing features
on these breakers have been switched off or made inoperative, the control
officer will inform the authorised person in charge of the non-electrical

activities that this has been done and shall then hand over the line to the
authorised person in charge of non-electrical activities.
9.2.2 RESTRICTIONS ON RECLOSING BREAKERS

When the control officer has handed over a line for non-electrical
activities, the name of the authorised person in charge of the non-
electrical activities shall be affixed to the operating diagram in the control
centre. No operating other than the opening of breakers shall be
performed on the breakers controlling supply to the line until the authorised
person has handed back the line to the control officer.
During the time that the line is handed over, no breaker which controls the
supply to the line and which has tripped for any reason, shall be reclosed
until such time as the authorised person in charge of the non-electrical
activities has contacted the control officer and has stated that it is safe for
the breaker to be reclosed.
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9.2.3 DECLARATION FORM FOR NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES

ON LIVE LINES
9.2.3.1 CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING A DECLARATION FORM
FOR NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES
A Declaration Form for Non-Electrical Activities on Live Lines is
required for all non-electrical activities on live lines at any place on the
distribution system.

The authorised person in charge of non-electrical activities, to whom the

control officer has handed over a line for non-electrical activities, shall
explain to all the authorised persons who may perform and will be engaged
in the non-electrical activities the arrangements made with the control
officer. The authorised person in charge of the non-electrical activities

shall:
a) identify the line for the execution of non-electrical activities,
b) the operational voltage of the line and
c) the corresponding safety clearance or minimum approach
distance to be maintained.
The authorised persons who may perform and will be engaged in the non-
electrical activities shall acknowledge their understanding of these details
and restrictions by signing the Declaration Form for Non-Electrical
Activities on Live Lines. They may then proceed with the non-electrical
activities.
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When non-electrical activities have been completed, or is suspended for

any reason, and the line is to be returned to normal service, the authorised
person in charge of the non-electrical activities shall:
a) withdraw all personnel from the live line. He shall remove all
tools and equipment to a safe position in relation to the live
line.
b) activities shall advise the authorised persons who were
engaged in the non-electrical activities that the line is to be
handed back to the control officer and that no further activity
may be performed.
c) shall notify the control officer that non-electrical activities
are complete or otherwise the exact state of the line and
whether tools or equipment have been left on the line.
d) shall complete and sign the clearance section of the
Declaration Form for Non-Electrical Activities on Live
Lines.
9.2.3.4 DURATION OF A DECLARATION FOR NON-ELECTRICAL

ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES
It is the responsibility of the authorised person in charge of the non-

electrical activities to decide when conditions are such that non-electrical
activities can no longer proceed safely and the Declaration for Non-
Electrical Activities on Lines shall be cleared as provided for in regulation
9.2.3.3.
9.2.3.5 RETENTION FORMS
Declaration Forms for Non-Electrical Activities on Live Lines related to

complete or suspended non-electrical activities shall be retained at the
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headquarters of the persons authorised for non-electrical activities for a

period of three months before being destroyed.
9.2.4 WHEN THE AUTHORISED PERSON IN CHARGE OF NON-

ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES IS NOT
AVAILABLE
If the authorised person in charge to whom a line has been handed over
is for any reason not available, another person authorised in terms of
regulations 9.1.1 shall take over the responsibilities of the authorised
person in charge of the non-electrical activities.
This person shall countersign the Declaration Form for Non-Electrical

Activities on Live Lines to indicate that he is fully aware of what must be
done on the line and take over the line from the control officer. The control
officer shall remove the name of the original authorised person in charge
from the operating diagram in the control centre and shall record the name
of the new authorised person in charge of the non-electrical activities.
9.3 SUPERVISION OF NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE

LINES
The authorised person in charge of non-electrical activities will be held

responsible for the safe execution of non-electrical activities in so far as
these regulations and the standards for non-electrical activities are
concerned.
The authorised person in charge of non-electrical activities shall at all

times observe the activity in progress to ensure that it is carried out in a safe
manner. When the authorised person in charge of non-electrical
activities needs to withdraw from the activity site, he shall hand back the
line to the control officer and regulation 9.2.4 shall apply.
Where the authorised person in charge of non-electrical activities cannot

observe part of the activity, observation of that area of activity shall be
delegated to another person authorised in terms of regulation 9.1.1.
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Development Team
This document has been developed and reviewed by the National
ORHVS Care Group in collaboration with the various Study Groups in
the Transmission, Distribution, Generation and Enterprises Divisions
and has been read and accepted by the following line group
representatives:
Names Group
Gerhard Van Rheede Generation
Derik Sadler Transmission
Sean Murphy Generation
David Strauss Distribution
Louis Du Plessis National Control
Timothy Zulu SOC Control
Raj Rajkumar NORHVS CG
Convenor
Note: This document is a revision of 240-114967625
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ANNEXURES
Annexures 1-14 are minimum requirements, which means that the

format may be changed and site-specific needs added to these
requirements, but the minimum is mandatory.
Annexures 15 and 16 are mandatory.
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SECTION 10 ANNEXURES
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A KEY SAFE
175 + 25
Minimum of 6 holes < 1 x hole
< 100 diameter
Min. 10
o o o o oo Max.20
for any
dimension
Securely attached to solid permanent
wall plate
Dimensions in millimeters
Material: Steel
Holes: Clearance size for Safety Lock
hasp
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ANNEXURE 2: LIVE WORK DECLARATION FORM
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89

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ANNEXURE 5 : GENERATION PERMIT RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
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ANNEXURE 6: GENERATION ORHVS PRE-WORK CHECKLIST
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ANNEXURE 7: GENERATION HV AUTHORISATION
FORM
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ANNEXURE 8– WORK PERMIT FORM FOR USE ON THE

DISTRIBUTION / TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
OPERATING REGULATIONS FOR HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEMS
WORK PERMIT FORM

(DISTRIBUTION / TRANSMISSION)
SITE: ________________________________________________________
APPARATUS TO BE WORKED ON:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
________
WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT:

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
________
PERMIT
• I, the appointed operator, hereby declare that the apparatus detailed above has
been prepared in accordance with the Operating Regulations for High-voltage
Systems.
• We, the undersigned, mutually agree that the apparatus to be worked on has been
made dead and is safe to work on.
SPECIAL ENDORSEMENT (If any)

...........................................................................................................................................
.......
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...........................................................................................................................................
.......
Permit issued by Appointed Operator – Operating
Signature:.......................................Date:......................... Time:.................
Name (Print)………………………........................
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Annexure 9 - High Voltage Authorization for Distribution

and Transmission (Informative)
Template Identifier:
HIGH VOLTAGE AUTHORISATION FOR Document Identifier:

DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSMISSION
Effective Date:
Review Date:
Operating Unit: Area of responsibility:
Name: Department/Company:
Designation: Unique/ID No:
Contact no.:
In terms of definition 1.8 of the Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems you are hereby
authorised to perform the duties below:
1.70 Responsible person restricted to: (e.g. lines work only, cable work only, etc)_____________
2.3.4.1 Transmission of messages: ___________________________________________________
2.3.5.1 Accept pre-authorised instructions: _____________________________________________
2.3.5.3 Taking permission to operate and work: (if restricted state feeders)
2.7.1 Checking of phasing:(if applicable state restriction)
3.1.2 Access to live chambers, restricted- and prohibited areas: (If restricted state which areas /
chambers)_________________________________________________________________
3.2 Supervise work in Live Chambers:
3.4 Supervise work in Restricted areas:
4.2.4 Right to possess keys: (State category/type of key)
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5.1 Perform switching operations: (State voltage range and/or specific feeders)
5.1 Perform linking operations: (State voltage range and/or specific feeders)
5.1 Perform safety testing operations: (State voltage range and/or specific feeders)
5.1 Perform earthing operations: (State voltage range and/or specific feeders)
5.1 Supervise people to Perform Switching/Linking/Safety Testing/Earthing operations:(State
voltage range and/or specific feeders) ___________________________________________
5.3.6.1 Take handover: (If restricted state apparatus)
5.3.6.3 Supervise work in close proximity to live conductors or apparatus:
5.5.2 Replace Drop out fuse Isolator: (If restricted state feeders/substations/voltages)
5.6 Supervise persons working: (Conduct supervision in accordance with 240-86640998)
5.9.2 Testing of equipment: (If restricted state which tests and/or apparatus and/or voltage)
5.10 Permission to Sectionalise: (If restricted state which tests and/or apparatus and/or voltage)
6.4 Restoration of supply: (If restricted state feeders/substations/voltages)
6.5 Establish a temporary local control: (If restricted state feeders/substations/voltages)
8.2.3.1 Issue of work permits: (If restricted state voltages and/or nature of work)
8.2.7 Supervise work without a work permit: (If restricted state voltages and/or nature of work)
OTHER:
__________________________________________________________________________
Recommended by
Assessor: Signature: Date:
Supported by Line
Manager/ Senior
Supervisor: Signature: Date:
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Authorised by
Designated/Delegated
person: Signature: Date:
Expiry Date: ……/………. /…………
THE AUTHORISATION DETAILED ABOVE IS UNDERSTOOD BY ME AND I ACCEPT THE

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES SET OUT THEREIN. CONTRACTORS ACCEPT
RESPONSIBILITIES ON OWN RISK.
Authorised
Person: Signature: Date:
(Print Name)
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ANNEXURE 10– HIGH VOLTAGE AUTHORISATION FOR DISTRIBUTION /

TRANSMISSION LIVE WORK
AREA: ................................................................................ SECTION: ...................................................
NAME: ................................................................................ UNIQUE N°: ................................................
DESIGNATION: .................................................................
In terms of the operating regulations for high-voltage systems you are hereby authorised to perform the duties as
defined below:
1. You are hereby appointed in the .............................................. area as an: AUTHORISED PERSON for the following duties:
A TO BE IN CHARGE OF LIVE WORK IN TERMS OF REGULATION 7.1.1
1. * Gloving method limited to attached procedures
2. * Stick method limited to attached procedures
3. * Barehand method limited to attached procedures
4. * Aerial method limited to attached procedures
B TO PERFORM LIVE WORK IN TERMS OF REGULATION 7.1.2
1. * Gloving method limited to attached procedures
2. * Stick method limited to attached procedures
3. * Barehand method limited to attached procedures
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4. * Aerial method limited to attached procedures
2. You are issued with OPERATING REGULATION BOOK NO: ............................

3. In terms of Regulation 4.2.4 you are issued with the following keys to carry out the above duties:
NOTE: This authorisation supersedes all previous authorisations.

* All items not applicable must be deleted.
* Authorisations are valid for three years.
RECOMMENDED: .................................………… AUTHORISED ....................................………………

SIGNATURE………PRINT…. SIGNATURE………PRINT…………..
DATE: ............./.........../......... DATE: ............./............./...........
EXPIRY DATE: .........../.........../...........
I UNDERSTAND THE AUTHORISATION DETAILED ABOVE AND I ACCEPT THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES SET
OUT THEREIN.
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SIGNATURE ...................................PRINT………………...... DATE: ............./............./...........
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ANNEXURE 17– STANDARD ABBREVIATIONS

Only the following abbreviations may be used as instructions written on the
controller/ operator’s instruction form:
Abbreviation Description
A/B Sw Air break switch
ARC Auto Re-close
Aux. Auxiliary
BEY→ Beyond and Excluding N/O link
BØ Blue Phase
B/B Busbar
B/Cpl Bus Coupler
Bkr Breaker
BJ Broken Jumpers
B/Sect Bus Section
CX Bank Capacitor Bank
C/O Chop over or Change over
Cl Close
CMS Control mode switch
CT Current Transformer
CTVT Current Transformer Voltage Transformer
DCB Disconnect Circuit Breaker
E/F Earth Fault
E/Sw Earth Switch
Fdr Feeder
H/B Hand back
H/O Hand over
Isol Isolator
Iso Isolating
I/C In commission
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I/Ctrl Intercontrol Handout
kV Kilovolt
L/W Live Work
Neut Neutral
NEC Neutral Earthing Compensator
NETW Network
No Number
NECR Neutral Earthing Compensator and Resistor
NECRT Neutral Earthing Compensator Resistor and Auxilary
Transformer
NECR Neutral Earthing Compensator and Resistor

NECRT Neutral Earthing Compensator Resistor and Auxilary
Transformer
OOC Out of commission
Op Open
OLTC On Load Tap Changer
PTO&W Permission to operate and work
PTS Permission to Sectionalise
RØ Red Phase
Reg Regulation (as a prefix to a regulation reference)
R/E Removal Of Earths
Rec Recloser
RX Reactor
S/T Safety Test
SF Section Fuse
SE/F Sensitive earth fault
Sup Supervisory
SVC Static Var Compensator
Sw Switch
SWER Single Wire Earth Return
Trfr Transformer
Tri Sw Tri Switch
VR Voltage Regulator
110
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WØ White Phase
111
112

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112
113

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113
114

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114
115

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115
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Revision: 4
Changes for revision 240- 114967625 (November 2021)
118
119

Revision: 4
1 1.2 Add definition for alteration and repairs

2 1.3 Add information to definition of apparatus for
generation
3 1.7 Corrected definition authorisation up to 5 years
4 1.14 Add definition to include (DCB)
5 1.23 Add new definition
6 1.24 Add definition for Designated Person
7 1.25 Add definition for Disconnect Circuit Breaker (DCB)
8 1.39 Changed definition for high voltage to include DC
9 1.41 Add definition for HMI
10 1.46 Add DCB technology
11 1.47 New requirement added for DCB
12 1.52 Add definition for medium voltage networks
13 1.53 Add definition for Mix Technology Gas Insulated
Switch Gear (MTGIS)
14 1.54 Add new definition for non-electrical activities
15 1.56 Definition new requirement added
16 1.57 Changed wording new requirement added
17 1.67 Changed authorised person to responsible person
18 1.74 Added new definition
19 1.89 Removed responsible person, added authorised
person
20 2.1.1 Add safety of apparatus to sentence
21 2.1.2 Add and issue instructions
22 2.1.3.3 Regulation removed
23 2.3.1 New section added for control officers
24 2.3.5.1 Regulation reworded.
25 2.8 Reworded and new additions for DCB
26 5.3.2 New requirement added change to wording
27 5.3.3 Reworded
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Revision: 4
28 5.3.5.1 Reworded
29 5.3.5.2 Part of Regulation removed
30 5.3.5.3 Renamed to 5.3.5.2, 5.3.5.2.1 and 5.3.5.2.2
31 5.3.5.2.2 Reworded
32 5.3.6.2 New requirement added
33 5.5.3 Removed by an authorised person
34 5.5.4 No change to regulation
35 5.7 Reworded
36 5.9.2 Reworded
37 6.4 Split the regulation into 6.4.1 and 6.4.2
38 7.2.1 Correct spelling of apparatus
39 7.2.1.1 New requirement added
40 7.2.1.2 Add new section Work in Substations
41 7.2.3.3 Reworded
42 8.1.3.1 Permit added to definition and rewording of regulation
43 8.1.3.4 Reworded
44 9 New section added
45 Annexure 14 Add warning notice label
Authorisation
120
121

Revision: 4
This document has been seen and accepted by:
Name Designation
Segomoco Scheppers Group Executive (Transmission Division)
Rhulani Mathebula Group Executive (Generation Division)
Monde Bala Group Executive (Distribution Division)
121

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Title: Operating Unique Identifier: 240-114967625

Compiled by Approved by Authorised by

…………………………. …………………………. ………………………….

Supported by Supported by Supported by

Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems

SECTION 1 DEFINITIONS ..................................................................... 12

SECTION 2 CONTROL OF THE POWER SYSTEM ............................ 22

2.2.1 OPERATING AUTHORISATIONS ........................................................... 23

2.3.1 ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS BETWEEN

Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems

SECTION 3 ACCESS .............................................................................. 32

SECTION 4 KEYS ................................................................................... 34

4.2.1 KEYS TO BE KEPT IN A CABINET ........................................................... 38

4.4.1 USE OF LOCKS AND KEYS FOR ISOLATORS .......................................... 39

SECTION 5 SAFE OPERATING AND WORK PRACTICES............... 40

5.2.1 On the Generation System ............................................................ 40

Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems

5.3.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE OPERATING ......................................... 41

5.4.1 UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS ............................................................ 51

5.5.1 WORK ON A LINE CONTROLLED FROM A SINGLE SOURCE OF SUPPLY 52

5.9.1 ON THE GENERATION SYSTEM ............................................................ 54

SECTION 6 ABNORMAL CONDITIONS............................................... 57

Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems

SECTION 7 LIVE WORK ........................................................................ 59

7.1.1 PERSONS IN CHARGE OF LIVE WORK .................................................. 59

7.2.1 PREPARATION AND HANDING OVER OF APPARATUS FOR LIVE WORK

SECTION 8: WORK PERMIT SYSTEM ...................................................... 65

8.1.1 CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING A WORK PERMIT ................................. 65

Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems

8.2.1 CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING A WORK PERMIT ................................. 72

SECTION 9 NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES ................ 76

9.1.1 PERSONS IN CHARGE OF NON-ELECTRICAL ACTIVITIES ON LIVE LINES

9.2.1 PREPARATION AND HANDING OVER OF APARATUS FOR NON-

SECTION 10 ANNEXURES .......................................................................... 84

Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems

It is a policy of Eskom that standardised specifications, standards and

1. This specification may be used by such applicants for their own

2. Applicants may not exploit this material for financial gain.

3. The use, application, or interpretation of the material is entirely at

4. Eskom is under no obligation to advise the applicant of and supply

5. Eskom retains the right to refuse the supply of further material

Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems

9. No rights of ownership in the material or licence to the applicant

10. Except as may be provided for in a separate agreement, Eskom

Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems

(These regulations issued in September 2022 replace all

This book is the property of Eskom and is issued to

who agrees to return it to the responsible official when called

Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE

These operating regulations are the minimum requirements.

1. These operating regulations shall apply to all operating,

2. Every employee issued with these regulations must make himself

3. A copy of this regulations shall be issued to all such employees

4. Circulars or instructions deriving from the DECISION REGISTER,

5. Employees who require information in connection with the power

Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems

6. These regulations are an extension of and must be read in

7. Whereas not all the functions contemplated in these regulations