The electricity network is a wonderful creation, allowing the transfer of power to millions of homes and businesses across the country. It is so efficient that we take it for granted, yet those who work with electricity are fully aware how dangerous it can be if it is not treated with respect.
Our network is one of many thousands of miles of cables and other equipment, Among the most important parts of the grid, as it is known, is the substation. Substations are there to transform the electricity that has been sent across the cables from the generation point into voltage that can then be sent to homes and other businesses for safe use. In some cases, the transformers involved can be used to enhance the voltage.
Substations are usually owned and operated by the power company supplying that area. However, there can also be private substations in place in larger industrial and commercial premises. They vary in type, size, power and ultimate purpose, but one thing is always constant: they are home to massive amounts of electrical power and, as such, are very dangerous places to be if you are unauthorised or unprotected. This is why they should be subject to the lockout tagout – or LOTO – procedure.
What is LOTO, and why is it essential for substation safety? Let’s have a closer look.
LOTO Explained
Lockout tagout is not a complex procedure, so you don’t need to worry on that front. What it is, is a simple yet thorough and effective method of ensuring that only authorised personnel are able to work within the substation. LOTO – as it is commonly known – is also used to protect against the unauthorised use of other machinery and heavy plant, and to make sure equipment is not accidentally switched on during maintenance or other essential shut-sown periods.
How does it work? Basically, the LOTO process involves the power source or access point being effectively ‘locked out’, as well as being tagged with the details of whoever is responsible. The responsible person, using a special set of locks, performs a routine that involves them checking that all is clear – either the machinery is shut down or, in the case of the substation, no other personnel are present – then locks the entry point or power source, with a tag applied so that anyone who needs to can see who is responsible for reopening or restarting. Turn to Lockout Safety for all the right equipment.
It is important for many reasons: first, LOTO prevents unauthorised personnel from being within the perimeter of the substation. This is essential as the high-voltage equipment present can not only cause injury, but can easily be fatal. Also, the LOTO procedure ensures that only one designated person – he or she named on the tag – can open and enter the substation. This must be adhered to at all times, and that person must be present to open the station. In many cases, LOTO is a legal requirement, and it is part of the health and safety routines involved with substation safety. Turn to Substation Safety for more details.
LOTO Training
It is therefore essential that you pick qualified, experienced and authorised personnel to be the designated persons to implement the LOTO procedure in substations. In short, these people should be competent as they will always be the last person out, and first person in wen substation maintenance or operation is required.
You can find many training courses that will ensure that your chosen persons are well-versed in what LOTO is all about, how it works ad why it is vital, and they will be taught the correct routines as well as how to apply the locks and fill out the tags, so you have the best possible substation safety routine in place.