Safety Precatuions to be observed when working in Electrical Drives and Switch gears

• While testing small motors on no load, see that they are mechanically stable. Particularly small high speed motors will shift slowly due to vibration.
• If one contact is spoiled in an ICTP, do not give through connection; change the switch.
• Avoid looping the power supply from one machine to another machine. The looping may become fateful to someone someday.
• While undertaking any work in a substation or receiving station, cardon off the area and allow skilled workers only, with proper instruction and under close personal supervision till the work is completed.
• Sparks should be detected by keen observation (sound). An ammeter, if at all there is one in the circuit, will show the presence of sparking inside. Loose connections will lead to loss of precious human lives.
• Even if electrical supply is temporary just for a few days, the power supply installation has to be done in a proper order complying with safety rules. Even a slight negligence becomes a cause for major accidents.
• While removing or inserting fuses in power circuits, check that the isolator is off. Use gloves while working in HT circuits. Use fuse pullers. They will save your life.
• In modern equipments there are lot of interlocks and safety devices. While repairing these things, check supply to the power circuit and control circuit.
• Top most priority is to be given for good housekeeping in all electrical installations and more so in a HT installation.
• There are feeders fed at both ends. This information has to be made known to everybody responsible for electrical works in the supply system.
• I.E Rules are not just for reading and keeping in mind. They are to be practiced in every step. Particularly with HT systems, connect the earth rods before attempting to do any work.
• Do not do electrical works with over confidence. Before shorting the two terminals in a control circuit, ensure twice that you are shorting the correct terminals. Manufacturers have a fancy to change the models and location of terminals.
• The direction of rotation of a motor in a drive is very important. In many drives, the wrong direction of rotation may cause serious accidents.
• Even after switching off the supply, check whether there is supply. If you want to undertake work in the power lines do not forget to short them and earth them. You may get feedback supply from a foolish consumer operating a gen-set.
• Clear writings/Markings and communication are very essential in electrical systems.
• Be smart, but don’t be over-smart in electrical repair works.
• Indications, indicating instruments and identification of names and numbers of panels are quite important. One must be doubly sure that there is no supply before proceeding with the tests and repairs in panels, to avoid accidents.
• Acids not only eat away the clothes, not only cause injury to the skin, but also eat away the wood etc. Provide protect covers.