Drawing the Line - Where Does Troubleshooting End and “Working on” Begin?

Abstract

Testing, troubleshooting and voltage measuring are exempted from the requirement for an Energized Electrical Work Permit. However, once the problem is determined, troubleshooting often segues right into repair and we find our craft performing repairs with equipment still in an energized state without an Energized Electrical Work Permit in place. Even more concerning than the lack of a properly executed Energized Electrical Work Permit is the fact that the repair work may not need to be performed in an energized state at all and an electrically safe work condition can be established before repairs begin. This paper discusses where to draw the line between troubleshooting and “working on” and provides suggestions for methodologies to better identify for the craftsman when the work has transitioned from troubleshooting to repair and de-energization of the equipment or implementation of the Energized Electrical Work Permit process is required.