Western Power Safe Work Method Statement

Task details
Description

Substation Maintenance

DM
10721527
Approved by
Manager, Work Practices
Review team
SWMS Development
Approval date
October 2015
Qualifications/Licences required
Valid Western Power Authorisations for the Task/ Network Authority Card (Correct level of authorisation)
Permits required
Electrical Access Permit (EAP)
Which Safety LifeSavers are required for this task?

Potential hazards associated with the task

Category

Hazard

1. Working at heights

Ladders
Lifting equipment, scissors / EWP
Scaffolding
Stairs / platforms
Working at height
Working above others
Multiple work requiring EWPs

2. Working with electricity

Static electricity / induction

Substations / switch rooms
Underground cables
Contact with electrical equipment
Electrical cables
High voltage equipment
Overhead cables
Non-ompliant earths (tagged/tested)

3. Radiation

Infra-red
Microwaves
Ultraviolet light, i.e. sun
X-ray
Laser

4. Mechanical

Abrasive blasting / grinding

Auto-start equipment
Conveyors
Equipment failure
Hand and power tool
Impact and crushing areas
Pinch / cutting points
Residual / stored energy
Uncontrolled movement
Unguarded moving parts
Welding or cutting
Crimping / connecting

Western Power Safe Work Method Statement Substation Maintenance

Category

5. Pressure

6. Human factors

7. Using mobile plant

8. Manual handling
(ergonomic)

9. Environment

Hazard

Category

Hazard

10. Workplace

Asbestos
Confined space / void space
Falling objects
General access
Housekeeping
Illumination / lighting
Noise, i.e. exposure / nuisance
Poor ventilation
Protrusions
Restricted visibility
Restricted work area
Slip and trip hazards
Unauthorised personnel
Unlabelled controls
Vibration
Wet / slippery
Wind / storm activity
Fog / mist / smoke
Working in isolation
Dust / particulates

11. Chemical

Chemicals / reagents
Fumes / vapour / mist (e.g. SF6)
Flammable gases
Handling flammable materials
Hazardous chemical exposure
Solid chemical
Splashes / burns
Spills to ground or work area

12. Thermal

Cold ambient temperature

Heat ambient temperature
Hot materials/fluids
Hot surfaces
UV exposure

Competitive pressures
Compressed gases / air
Fluid
High pressure steam
Hydraulic
Water
Rushing
Complacency
Fatigue
Unclear work direction
Stress / Anxiety / Frustration
Lack of knowledge
Poor communications
Negative attitudes
Traffic / pedestrian interaction / collision
Uneven terrain
Unlicensed / untrained operators
Vehicle instability
Vehicle access
Awkward / unbalanced load
High / low reach
High force / heavy loads
Lighting
Over exertion / fatigue
Poor design / layout / surface
Repetitive movements
Air contamination
Soil contamination
Storm water contamination
Waste (effluent/hazardous
Solid waste

page 1 of 5

Steps
required to perform the task, in the
correct sequence

Hazards
for each task step

Initial
Risk
Rating

Controls
required to eliminate or minimise the risk of injury

Controlled
Risk
Rating

References

Plan and prepare

Pre-plan
Plan route
Plan according to weather
Plan an emergency procedure for
each site to be visited
Notify formal leader / office of
daily plan
Lodge a DNAR with Network
Operations Control Centre
(NOCC) and request an Electrical
Access Permit (EAP)
Communicate with site
administration or security (if
consumer substation)
Pre-start checks on vehicles
Checks to tools and equipment
Competencies / substation / site
induction up to date
PPE and other equipment
Advise Main Roads and local
council (if traffic management is
required)
Engage GPA accredited traffic
management company (if
required)

Control pedestrian and vehicle

interface
Keep pedestrians and vehicles
apart, Control vehicle movements
on site and when vehicles enter
and exit the workplace
Minimise vehicle movements

Failure to wear correct PPE: shock, burns, injury

Lack of skills, knowledge, competency: shock,
burns, injury
Travelling from site to site: fatigue, injury
Vehicles, pedestrians, animals: injury
Adverse weather conditions: injury
Vehicle accident / breakdown or stranded at a
remote location: heat stress, injury, harm
Tools or equipment failure: shock, burns, injury
Inadequately secured tools and equipment
Site hazards slip, trip, fall, dusts, fumes: injury
Insects, vermin, reptiles, animals: injury, harm

Vehicle and equipment movement: impact, injury

, property damage
Unauthorised access: injury

Manage the risks of reversing

vehicles

Western Power Safe Work Method Statement Substation Maintenance

Ensure correct PPE is available at the workplace

Confirm all staff have undergone substation / site induction
or arrange authorised personnel to accompany if required
Ensure that drivers have a valid licence for the vehicle they
are driving
Check the staff authorisations and knowledge and to do the
task
Complete a pre-start check on the vehicles
Plan the trip to avoid long periods of driving without a break,
where possible, share the driving
Plan travel to suit weather conditions and terrain
Notify formal leader / office of daily plan
Carry emergency beacon or sat phone if travelling out of
mobile phone / radio range
Plan to access substations in congested areas when vehicle
or pedestrian traffic is at a minimum
Avoid working in exposed substations during extremes of
weather to minimise rushing, fatigue, frustration
Ensure there is an emergency plan and all staff know it
Discuss the safe entry requirements with the consumer e.g.
site induction or escort
Use approved and tested tools and equipment
Secure all tools, equipment and materials for transport
Confirm that an accredited traffic management company has
been engaged (if required)
Ensure suitable traffic and pedestrian management
arrangements are in place. This will involve the development
and implementation of a traffic and pedestrian management
plan by a competent authorised Western Power
representative.
Provide separate clearly marked pedestrian walkways that
take a direct route where possible. If the walkway crosses a
roadway, provide a clearly signed and crossing point where
drivers and pedestrians can see each other clearly.
Before exiting the work zone ensure both vehicle and
pedestrian traffic can be clearly seen in both directions.
Keep walkways clear to avoid pedestrians having to step
onto the vehicle route.

Electrical System
Safety Procedures
(ESSP) sections:
1.6; 3.2; 3.10; 4.7;
12;

Work Practice
Manual (WPM)
sections: 2.1; 2.8;
2.13; 3; 5.10; 9

page 2 of 5

Steps
required to perform the task, in the
correct sequence

Hazards
for each task step

Initial
Risk
Rating

Controls
required to eliminate or minimise the risk of injury

Controlled
Risk
Rating

References

Designate parking areas for workers and visitors vehicles

outside the work zone.
Appoint a vehicle spotter when:
a. vehicles or plant are operating in close proximity to each
other
b. reversing vehicles
c. persons are on the ground and in proximity to moving
vehicles and
d. in other situations as indicated by a risk assessment.
Ensure visual (flashing lights) warning devices, reversing
alarms and high-visibility markings for powered mobile plant
are operational prior to commencing work.
Workplace set up
Access substation
Notify Operating Authority when
entering and leaving a substation
Communicate with site
administration or security (if
consumer substation)
Conduct a Workplace Risk
Assessment Plan (WRAP)
include all staff
Emergency procedures in place
Check EDD (if EWP used)
Set up vehicles and equipment (if
required)
Daily checks and log books
Staff fit for duty
Accreditation, training and
competency
Check and clean equipment

Isolation and permits

Electrical Access Permit (EAP)
Communicate with NOCC and
issuing officer
Communicate with site
administration or security (if
consumer substation)

Failure to wear PPE: shock, burns, injury

Unfit for work: shock, burns, injury
Lack of skills or knowledge: shock, burns, injury
Slip, trip, fall, obstacles: injury
Live electrical apparatus: shock, burns, injury
Damaged or faulty plant and equipment: injury
Failure of load bearing surfaces trench covers /
ground: injury
Plant, tools, equipment failure: shock, injury
Fires: burns, injury

Ensure correct PPE is worn at the workplace

Comply with the fatigue management policy
Comply with the drug and alcohol policy
Apply body fit principles
Confirm that land owners / consumers have been notified
before carrying out work (if required)
Conduct workplace inspection for condition and hazards
include all structures and apparatus in the workplace
Conduct a team brief and complete the WRAP
Staff understand their task and the limitations of the task
Appoint a safety observer with correct authority level
Ensure an emergency plan is in place and is understood
Inspect / check tools and equipment to be used
Plant and vehicle operators have know the equipment ratings
and load limits (if required)
Apply correct manual handling techniques, use mechanical
aids where possible
Continually review potential hazards and control methods
Ensure fire fighting equipment, and people competent to use
it are at the workplace while work is carried out
Inspect PPE. Replace if damaged or out of test date
Inspect vehicles, plant, tools and equipment

Ensure correct PPE is worn at the workplace

Ensure safety observer is active and knows the role
Maintain contact with Control Centre / issuing officer
Confirm switching program with Control Centre
Avoid distractions while switching, testing and earthing

Failure to wear correct PPE: shock, burns, injury

Failure of the work party to understand the
conditions of the EAP and the work boundaries
Failure to observe the MAD: shock, burns, injury
Failure to identify and test: shock, burns

Western Power Safe Work Method Statement Substation Maintenance

ESSP sections:
1.6; 3.2; 3.10; 4.7;
5

WPM sections: 2;
3; 5.10; 9; 11

ESSP sections: 3;
4; 5; 6; 12;

WPM sections:
2.2; 2.8; 2.9; 2.10;
2.15; 3
page 3 of 5

Steps
required to perform the task, in the
correct sequence

Check correct location and

equipment
Apparatus isolated, tested,
earthed and tagged
EAP issued and staff sign on

Hazards
for each task step

Testing on or near live electrical apparatus;

shock, burns, injury
Operating / switching the wrong apparatus:
shock, burns, injury
Incorrect / ineffective earthing: shock, burns
Contact with live apparatus: shock, burns
Induced / capacitive voltages: shock, burns
Uneven/slippery surfaces: strain, sprain, injury
Damaged or faulty plant and equipment: injury
Failure of load bearing surfaces trench covers /
ground: injury

Initial
Risk
Rating

Controls
required to eliminate or minimise the risk of injury

Use approved and tested tools and equipment

Confirm correct equipment has been isolated
Test that conductors are de-energised before earthing
Apply correct tags at isolation points and as required
Ensure all staff understand the conditions of the EAP and are
aware of the boundaries of the working area
Ensure all staff are competent and understand what they are
to do and how to do it.
Ensure that all staff have signed on to the EAP
Ensure the work team is aware of the risk from induced
voltages use working earths (if required)

Controlled
Risk
Rating

References

Carry out the task

Perform maintenance
Confirm correct apparatus
Confirm all staff are aware of the
EAP conditions and limitations
Confirm all staff know what to do
and how to do it
Test before touching
Inspect and maintain apparatus
as per maintenance instructions
Conduct measurements / tests (if
required)
Log any faults identified for repair
Complete documentation

Failure to wear correct PPE on site: shock, burns,

injury
Lack of skills, knowledge, competency: shock,
burns, injury
Unfit for work: shock, burns, injury
Accessing wrong apparatus: shock, burns, injury
Live electrical apparatus: shock, burns, injury
Testing on or near live electrical apparatus
Obstacles: trip hazards
Apparatus or equipment failure: injury
Induction / capacitance: shock, burns
Failure of load bearing surfaces trench covers
Moving machinery / mechanical parts: injury
Manual handling: strain, sprain, fatigue, injury
Objects / equipment falling: injury
Uneven / slippery surfaces: strain, sprain, injury
Insects, vermin, reptiles, animals: injury, harm

Ensure correct PPE is worn by all at the workplace

Confirm all staff have signed onto the EAP and are aware of
conditions and any limitations
Ensure the safety observer is aware of safe working
clearances and emergency procedures
Ensure safe crane / lifting techniques are used (if applicable)
Trained and competent staff operate tools and equipment
Use approved and maintained tools and equipment
Use approved methods for testing (if required)
Maintain safe working clearances
Use working earths to avoid induced voltages
Use up-to-date maintenance manuals and drawings
Use correct manual handling techniques, or mechanical
means where possible
Keep area below workplace clear (if required)
Maintain visual and audible contact between personnel
Inspect for hazards before entering enclosures
Notify personnel on site before operating equipment
Apply Caution tags and report any hazards to alert other
personnel. Document for follow up
Enact a plan to ensure reported hazards are acted upon in a
reasonable time
Ensure fire fighting equipment, and people competent to use
it are at the workplace while work is carried out
Continually review potential hazards and control methods

ESSP sections:
3.2; 3.10; 3.11;
4.7; 5; 6; 12;

WPM sections: 2;
3; 9; 11

Complete the task

Completion of the task
Western Power Safe Work Method Statement Substation Maintenance

page 4 of 5

Steps
required to perform the task, in the
correct sequence

Inspect work for compliance

All staff, tools and equipment
removed from apparatus
Clean, inspect and stow tools and
equipment
Remove waste material and
reinstate site (if required)
Communicate with NOCC /
issuing officer
Sign off EAP
Remove all working and program
earths
Re-energise the network (if
required)
Conduct tests and complete /
update documentation
Remove tags

Hazards
for each task step

Failure to wear correct PPE: shock, burns, injury

Uneven / slippery surfaces / obstacles: slip, trip,
injury
Failure of load bearing surfaces trench covers /
ground: injury
Incorrect manual handling techniques: sprain,
injury
Plant / equipment failure: injury
Unsecured loads: injury
Failure to ensure all staff sign off the permit and
understand the changed conditions
Restoring / working on incorrect apparatus:
shock, burns, injury
Incorrect switching technique: injury
Missed hazards and improvements

Initial
Risk
Rating

Communicate with site

administration or security (if
required)
Close off WRAP
Conduct team debrief

Relinquish traffic management

(if used)

Controls
required to eliminate or minimise the risk of injury

Vehicle movement: injury

Unauthorised workplace access: injury

Western Power Safe Work Method Statement Substation Maintenance

Ensure correct PPE is worn

Inspect work for completion and compliance
Carry out and document required tests to prove compliance
Ensure all staff, tools and equipment are removed from the
electrical apparatus
Inspect workplace. Remove all material / waste
Apply correct manual handling techniques, use mechanical
means where practicable
Use correct load restraining devices (if applicable)
Ensure that the work team sign off the EAP and understand
it is to be cancelled
Sign off the WRAP and discuss any issues with the team
All staff involved in debrief. Document suggestions
Communicate with NOCC / issuing officer
Have a safe approach to removal of earths and switching
Confirm correct apparatus / switch number before restoration
commences
Inspect test equipment and apparatus before operation / use
Maintain safe working clearances
Use competent safety observer
Avoid distractions during switching
Ensure correct tags and locks are applied / removed
Confirm network status at workplace
Continually review potential hazards and control methods

Maintain traffic management until all personnel and

equipment have left site
Remove all signs and barriers to restore traffic flow

Controlled
Risk
Rating

References

ESSP sections: 3;
4.7; 5; 6; 8; 12:
WPM sections: 2;
3; 11

WPM section: 2.21

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