ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area 4000 volt Switch Gear Safety

Posted for Dave:

hi my name is Dave and was wondering if anyone could help me with a safety repot in my class iam from ny which means lam in local three, my teacher is asking us to write a report on taping into a 4000 volt switch gear using a #7drill bit to but in a 1/20 screw.safely what are the precautions ?do you use a battery operated drill or do you use a electric drill that's phased in with the switch gear so you don't cross phases could anyone tell me hows this is done safely thank you from your brother electrician in local three

Hi dave,is it 4000 volt or 4000 amp switch gear.I don't know if this is the correct answer but if you are thinking of drilling around live bus bars your taking a serious risk. I have worked with a fews guys that have spent time in the burn ward because someone didn't want to shut down the power, and the scars on their face and hands aren't to pretty. Anyway I've done some drilling and tapping around live parts and used cardboard and duct tape to catch shavings but the power was much less than 4000 amps, still doesn't mean it's safe, personally I think it's a trick question and the answer is do it when the power is off.

the answer from the powers that be would be;

"70E Standard for electrical safety requirements for employee workplaces 2000 ed."

Dave;

NFPA 70E

chap 1
1-5 training requirements;
safety training----
type of training----class or O-T-J
emergency proceedures--- learn CPR and how to disengage a body from live contact

chap 2
LOTO
flash hazard analysis
flash protection boundry---- do formula
protective clothing (PPE) required
approach boundries
job briefing

chap 3
PPE ( pertinent to risk catagories)

chap4
specific safety related equip & work practices

chap 5
LOTO

a very brief overview, get yourself a copy...