Third golden rule: Check absence of tension

Once the isolation points have been opened and blocked (effective cutting and blocking and signaling), the absence of voltage in all active conductors of the electrical installation in the work area will be verified. It is essential to do so with appropriate instruments, since electricity "cannot be seen, cannot be smelled, cannot be heard", it can only be detected with instruments.

This point is especially important since doing so guarantees that all the switching elements that supply the installation have been opened, and that there is no dangerous potential difference for the placement of the ground (for example, due to inductions with nearby circuits).

The operation of the voltage detectors must be checked before and after verifying the absence of voltage with a nearby source, or if the device has one, with the test button.

Fourth golden rule: Grounding and short circuit

The active conductors of the electrical installation in the work area must be connected in short circuit between them and to ground. This connection can be made through grounding switches incorporated into the switching devices themselves or through removable “portable earthing” devices.

The grounding and short-circuit devices will be capable of withstanding the short-circuit current of the point of the installation where they are going to be connected. Its placement will be firm, ensuring good electrical contact and avoiding any accidental removal.

Verification of the absence of voltage must be carried out immediately before placing portable grounding devices, or closing grounding switches.

The grounding device will be connected first to ground, and then to each of the active conductors. If this is not done, and if the previous steps fail, an electrical accident will occur with serious consequences.

In this way, the work area will be protected against accidental voltage surges due to the connection of generators, insulation failures or falling conductors of installations in service. Also inductions produced along the wiring.

Work must always be carried out between two short circuits and grounding, which will limit the work area.

The short circuit and ground connections will be installed as close as possible to the work area. To ensure worker safety, at least one of the grounds must be visible from the work area at all times.

Fifth golden rule: Signage of the work area

The work area will be delimited, in surface and height, by means of safety signage with high visibility elements (tapes, cones, fences, etc.).

Second golden rule: Prevent any possible feedback. Locking and signaling

All switching devices used to effectively cut off the power supply to the installation must be mechanically blocked to prevent their closure before the completion of the work.

If the maneuvering devices operate through any auxiliary energy source (batteries, compressed air, springs, etc.), these energy sources must also be disabled.

Likewise, the blockade will also be marked with information related to the work being carried out (work order, company contact telephone number, etc.).

If there is any remote-controlled maneuvering device, the remote orders will be cancelled. For example, placing the Local-Remote selector in the “Local” position.

Third golden rule: Check absence of tension

Once the isolation points have been opened and blocked (effective cutting and blocking and signaling), the absence of voltage in all active conductors of the electrical installation in the work area will be verified. It is essential to do so with appropriate instruments, since electricity "cannot be seen, cannot be smelled, cannot be heard", it can only be detected with instruments.

This point is especially important since doing so guarantees that all the switching elements that supply the installation have been opened, and that there is no dangerous potential difference for the placement of the ground (for example, due to inductions with nearby circuits).

The operation of the voltage detectors must be checked before and after verifying the absence of voltage with a nearby source, or if the device has one, with the test button.

Fourth golden rule: Grounding and short circuit

The active conductors of the electrical installation in the work area must be connected in short circuit between them and to ground. This connection can be made through grounding switches incorporated into the switching devices themselves or through removable “portable earthing” devices.

The grounding and short-circuit devices will be capable of withstanding the short-circuit current of the point of the installation where they are going to be connected. Its placement will be firm, ensuring good electrical contact and avoiding any accidental removal.

Verification of the absence of voltage must be carried out immediately before placing portable grounding devices, or closing grounding switches.

The grounding device will be connected first to ground, and then to each of the active conductors. If this is not done, and if the previous steps fail, an electrical accident will occur with serious consequences.

In this way, the work area will be protected against accidental voltage surges due to the connection of generators, insulation failures or falling conductors of installations in service. Also inductions produced along the wiring.

Work must always be carried out between two short circuits and grounding, which will limit the work area.

The short circuit and ground connections will be installed as close as possible to the work area. To ensure worker safety, at least one of the grounds must be visible from the work area at all times.

Fifth golden rule: Signage of the work area

The work area will be delimited, in surface and height, by means of safety signage with high visibility elements (tapes, cones, fences, etc.).