REC Manual 3/1974

SAFETY MANUAL

Preface

The Fourth Conference on Standardisation of Specifications and Construction Practices in

Rural Electrification held during April, 1973, approved the proposal for the preparation of a
National Safety Manual by Rural Electrification Corporation. Accordingly, REC has prepared
the Safety Manual in two parts.

Part I of the Safety Manual lays emphasis on safety precautions to be followed by the public
in general and consumers in particular to avoid electrical accidents. This part also deals with
chapters on first-aid and artificial respiration methods, which could be administered by the
public to the victim in case of emergencies. Safety slogans and some important do’s and
don’ts have also been included. It would be necessary for the different State Electricity
Boards and other Electrical utilities operating in rural areas to print this Manual in the
vernacular and give wide publicity.

Part II of the Safety Manual covers the safety procedures and precautions to be observed by
the employees of the electrical undertakings in the prevention of accidents caused by
working on sub transmission and distribution systems at 33 KV & below, which constitute a
major portion of the electrical network in the country. This part includes chapters on the
General provisions, Protective equipment and tools, clearance procedures, safety
precautions to be observed by the employees while working on sub-transmission and
distribution lines and several electrical equipments fire fighting equipment etc. By following
the instructions outlined in this Manual, it is expected that most of the accidents can be
avoided. Separate chapters have been devoted on safety precautions to be adopted for
construction work as well as for the maintenance works.

Posters and pamphlets containing the above safety precautions may also be printed in the
regional and local language by the concerned electricity undertakings and distributed
amongst their employees and in the rural areas for wide publicity and to create awareness
among the rural population about the hazards of electricity.

It is very essential that each electrical undertaking employs a safety engineer and make him
responsible to enforce safety procedures and impart training to the employees in the matter
of safety. Experience, in the past, indicated that without such an officer, it was not possible
to enforce safety rules and regulations and ensure safe working.
 SAFETY MANUAL

PART I

GENERAL

This part of the safety manual covers the precautions to be taken by the public in general
and the consumers in particular, to avoid electrical accidents. This part also deals with the
first aid and the several methods of artificial respiration, which could be administered by the
public to the victim in case of emergencies. Brief description of the different classes of fires
and the different types of fire extinguishers most suitable for these are also given. A few
safety slogans are also included. Posters and pamphlets containing the following safety
precautions may be printed in the regional and local languages by the concerned electricity
undertaking and distributed in the villages for wide publicity. It is extremely desirable that
the consumers are made aware and know the terms and conditions of supply.

Chapter I
SAFETY SLOGANS
1. Be safety minded
2. No. of holiday for safety
3. If it seems risky, don’t do it
4. Always be alert. Avoid accidents.
5. For us safety is must.
6. Safety requires careful working
7. Time is important, but safety is far more important
8. “Always be careful” is the ABC of safety
9. Follow the rhyme of safety
10. Little care makes mishaps rare.
11. Do not think it is safe, make sure
12. Safety first, safety always
13. Accidents begin where safety ends
14. Ensure safety in thought, word and deed always
15. No effort is too great to ensure safety and every step taken to promote safety is a
step in the right direction.
16. Even at work, play for safety
17. A danger foreseen, is an accident prevented.
18. Guard against risks and work for safety
19. Eliminate all short-cuts, while on duty
20. Constant vigil is the price for safety
21. Where vigilance ends, accidents begin
22. Don’t trust luck, trust to safety
23. If a job is too big for your, get help. Don’t get hurt
24. Never feel sure that you are safe
25. Jokes begun in fun can end in tragedy
26. Life is short and precious. Don’t it shorter by carelessness.
27. Look before your leap
28. Do not take chances with your life. Follow safety rules meticulously
29. Dare-devilness leads you to catastrophe.
 CHAPTER II

Safety Poster for Vigilance Against Electrical Accidents

(For public and consumers)

Important: Electric shocks are easily received and are easily avoided. The risk is not
always APPARENT. Be CAREFUL. Observe scrupulously the following Do’s
and Don’ts.

Do
2.1. Mains and Appliances
Before replacing a lamp or handling fan,
make sure that the supply is switched off
Use correct size and quality of fuse wire
when renewing blown fuse
When removing fuse, switch off the supply
first and when replacing, the supply should
be switched on last
Before working on any appliance, make sure
that the controlling switches are opened and
locked or the fuse holders withdrawn
Cultivate the habit of turning your face away
whenever an arc or flash may occur.
2.2. Portable Lamps and Appliances
Ensure that all portable appliances are
provided with 3-pin plug and socket
connections and the metal work of the
apparatus is effectively earthed.
2.3. Fire
Disconnect the supply immediately in case of
fire on or near electrical apparatus
Make sure, when using water hose; that the
jet of water does not come into contact with
live electric appliances.
Keep inflammable material only in special
containers.
2.4. Electric Shock
Remove the casualty from the cause, render
first aid and send for doctor or take the
casualty to a hospital or dispensary.
Report all accidents, whether minor or major,
non-fatal or fatal, immediately to the person-
in-charge.
Don’t
Do not touch an appliance when the switch
is on.
Do not touch or tamper with any conductor
unless you have made sure that it is dead.
Do not close or open a switch or fuse slowly
or hesitantly; do it quickly and positively
Do not turn your face and then grope for
switch or fuse.
Do not use wires with poor insulation
Do not use a lamp in a metal holder fixed to
the end of a loose flexible wire as a portable
hand lamp
Do not disconnect a plug by pulling the
flexible cable when the switch is ON.
Do not use kinked or perished flexible
cables for portable lamps and appliances
Do not plug in any portable lamp or
appliance before making sure that the switch
is OFF and that the wall plug is properly
inserted in the socket.
Do not throw water on live electrical
equipment in case of fire. It is dangerous to
you
Do not take unnecessary risk with electricity.
Low voltage, under certain circumstances,
can be more dangerous than high voltage.
Do not leave the casualty in contact with live
apparatus. Switch off current immediately.
Whenever possible, use on hand only when
working about an electrical circuit, even
though it is supposed to be dead
2.5. General Safety Precautions
Preach and practice safety at all times.
Always report immediately to the person-in-
charge or to any other proper authority any
dangerous condition or a dangerous practice,
which you may observe. Warn others when
they seem to be in a danger near live
conductor or apparatus.
Always be careful and take no chance
against any possible accident. Attend at
once to all injuries however slight they may
be. Always obey the safety instructions given
by the person-in-charge
Do not attempt to disengage a person in
contact with a live apparatus, which cannot
be switched off immediately. Insulate
yourself from earth by standing on rubber
mat, or dry board before attempting to get
him clear. Do not touch his body. Pull him
by clothes if they are dry or push him clear
with a piece of dry wood.
Do not remove danger notice, plates or
other signs or interfere with safety barriers
or go beyond them.
Do not touch a circuit with bare fingers or
hand or other make shift devices to
determine whether or not it is alive.
 CHAPTER III

3.1 Domestic Installations:

3.1.1 The interior wiring of the residences should be done through a licensed electrical
contractor and wireman. This is obligatory on the part of an individual as required
under I.E. Rules.
3.1.2 The test report of the interior wiring should be prepared and submitted to the
concerned officer of the electricity undertaking in the prescribed form and got
tested by the supplier before servicing.
3.1.3 The consumer’s earthing provided shall not be connected to the water mains or
pipes. The earthing shall be carried out as per standard practice and there shall
not be any loose connection.
3.1.4 The insulation resistance of the interior wiring should be got tested periodically, at
least once in two years.
3.1.5 No temporary wiring to fans, light points, heaters etc. should be done by the
consumer with plastic or any such wires.

3.2 Safety measures in domestic installations:

3.2.1 Do not tamper with the meter boards and cutouts, which are sealed by the
supplier. Interference with these is an offence under the Law.
3.2.2 Do not touch an electric switch or appliance when your hands are wet or bleeding
from a
3.2.3 cut or an abrasion.
3.2.4 Do not be absent-minded while replacing fuse or inserting plugs for fans, heaters
etc.
3.2.5 Do not use copper wire as substitute for fuse wire.
3.2.6 Do not renew a blown out fuse until you are satisfied as to the cause and have it
rectified for any irregularity.
3.2.7 Do not use wires with poor insulation.
3.2.8 Do not wear loose clothing, metal watchstraps, bangles or finger-rings while
working on electrical appliances.
3.2.9 Do not hang clothes and such other things on electrical fittings.
3.2.10 Do not hang wet clothes for drying on the service lines or the conduit pipes.
3.2.11 All the electrical appliances such as electric iron, toasters, grinders, hot plates
etc. should be connected to the three pin plugs and sockets which have one of its
terminal connected to the earth.
3.2.12 Temporary extension of wires should be avoided.
3.2.13 Use of crude and improvised heating elements for boiling water should be
avoided.
3.2.14 It is safe to use rubber slippers while handling for switches etc. during
replacement of fuses or minor repairs.

3.3 Temporary installations and wiring:

3.3.1 All the temporary installations and wiring should be carried out by licensed
electrical contractor and wireman.

3.4 Defects in the wiring etc.:

3.4.1 Any deterioration in the service line, i.e. observation of the deteriorated bare
service wire touching the messenger wire or the conduit pipe, should be reported
immediately to the nearest officer of the electricity undertaking for replacement or
rectification.
 3.4.2 Defects in the interior wiring observed should be got rectified through a licensed
electrical contractor or wireman.

3.4.3In the event of fuse blowing out, main switch should be put off, before the electrical
installations are touched or handled for inspection or replacement of fuses.

3.5 Bulbs

3.5.1 No appliance or bulb should be replaced while the switch is in the ‘on’ position. As
far as practicable, while replacing the bulbs etc. attempts should be made to stand on a
wooden chair or stool.

3.6 Use of heater, table lamps, table fans, electric iron etc.

3.6.1 All portable appliances such as heaters, table lamps, table fans, electric iron etc.
should be switched off before they are moved to different positions. It is safer to remove
the connection before touching the appliances.

3.6.2 The flexible wires connected to such portable equipments should be periodically
tested by a person conversant with the work for wear and damages to insulation and
should be promptly replaced.

3.6.3 For removal of the insulation of the wire, knife or insulated pliers may be used.
Teeth should not be used for tearing the insulation.

3.7 Test for leakage:

3.7.1 The leakage of current in the electrical appliance etc. can be easily detected by the
use of neon-testers available in the market.

3.8 Testing of consumers’ earth:

3.8.1 The earthing lead should be checked up for physical damage every six months.

3.9 Accidental Charging of water mains:

The water mains may get accidentally charged due to the following reasons:

3.9.1 Deterioration of the interior wiring and leakage through wet walls.

3.9.2 Deterioration of the heating element inside a storage type water boiler.

3.9.3 Leakage through the neutral and proximity of the water main to the consumer earth

As soon as the leakage through the water mains is noticed, the main supply to the premises
should be cut off by opening the main switch or cut-out, provided at the meter board. The
cause for the leakage should be got investigated through a licensed electrical contractor or
wireman and defects rectified before supply is commenced, as sometimes the leakage may
give sufficient electric shock to prove fatal.

3.10 Replacement of fuses:

3.10.1 Replacement of fuses in the sealed cutout of the supplier should not be carried
out by consumers. It has to be done by the authorised person of the electricity
undertaking.
 3.10.2 The replacement of the fuses in the cutouts belonging to the consumer should be
done with the correct size of fuse wire.

Use of heavier size of fuse wire will result in the blowing of fuses in the sealed cut-out or
aerial fuses at the pole, during faults.

The following are the different types and sizes of fuses normally available in the market:

Fusing Tinned copper Alloy tin Lead

curren
t
Dia SWG Dia SWG Dia SWG
(Approx.) (approx.)
5 .0062” 38 0.0243” 23 0.0234” 23
Amps
10 .0098” 33 0.0386” 19 0.0375” 20
Amps
15 .0129” 30 0.0506” 18 0.0491” 18
Amps
20 .0156” 28 0.0613” 16 0.0595” 17
Amps

3.11. Medium voltage installation:

3.11.1 The interior wiring of the medium voltage installation shall be carried out through
an electrical contractor and wireman through PVC or conduit pipes or covered cable
trenches.

3.11.2 The earthing of the meter and other electrical accessories such as starters, iron
clad switch etc. should be carried out in accordance with the I.E. Rules No. 61.

3.11.3 The installation should be got checked at least once in a year for any deterioration
of the insulation in the wiring and earthing etc.

3.11.4 Motors shall always be connected through a starter of proper capacity with
overload and under-voltage release protection.

3.11.5 Proper oiling and cleaning should be done at regular intervals.

3.11.6 Pumps and other machinery should not be allowed to run un-attended.

3.11.7 Fuse wires of the correct rating should be used. The capacities of the 3 phase
motors normally used with their load current etc. are furnished below for guidance:

Size of Approx full load Size of fuse wire

motor current in Amps.
Tinned copper Alloy tin SWG Lead SWG
SWG
3 HP 5.06 38 23 23
5 HP 8.44 35 20 20
7.5 HP 12.00 31 19 19
10 HP 14.92 29 18 18
12.5 HP 19.00 28 16 17
15.0 HP 22.00 27 15 15
 3.11.8 Proper guard should be provided for the rotating and moving parts such as belt
drives, pulleys etc.

3.11.9 Persons with loose dress should not go near the rotating and moving parts such
as belt drives, flywheel, pulleys etc.

3.11.10 Electrical equipments shall be installed on a properly constructed platform and

shall be kept clean.

3.12 Overhead lines:

3.12.1 Poles carrying HT lines should not be climbed, as this will result in serious
accident.

3.12.2 Cattle or animals should not be tied to the poles or stay wires.

3.12.3 No metallic strip, ropes, wires and green twigs should be thrown on the lines.

3.12.4 In case of any conductor found on the ground or dangling from the pole due to
snapping, the area should be cordoned off and nobody should be allowed to touch the
conductor and action taken simultaneously to intimate the nearest office of the electricity
undertaking about the occurrence.

3.12.5 Any sparkling or glowing observed at the poles due to loose contacts etc. should
be reported to the nearest office/staff of the electricity undertaking.

3.12.6 In case of any electrical accident, the matter should be reported immediately to
the nearest office/staff of the electricity undertaking. First aid, if available, shall be given
to the victim without any loss of time and efforts for obtaining immediate medical help
should be done.

3.12.7 Temporary or permanent bunds or embankments should not be put up under the
lowest part of the line as this will reduce ground clearance.

3.12.8 Carrying of long poles, bamboos, pipes etc. below the conductor shall be avoided.

3.12.9 Growing of sugarcane or other plants below the conductor, which exceeds 5
meters in height, should be avoided.

3.12.10 Bullock carts or tractor-trailers with haystacks measuring 5 meters from the
ground should not cross the lines.

3.12.11 No building or temporary structures should be erected below the line or very
close to the line.

3.12.12 During the rainy season, the metallic supports should not be touched.

3.12.13 During storm and cyclone, public should keep at a safe distance from the poles
and the lines so that they may not come in contact with any conductor or pole which may
accidentally fall.

3.13 Distribution transformer center:

3.13.1 The double pole structures, stay wires etc. should not be climbed.
3.13.2 Throwing of ropes, metallic pieces, wires, green twigs etc. on the transformer
centers or lines should be avoided.

3.13.3 Distribution boxes and the fuses inside should not be meddled with.

3.13.4 If any fire or arcing is noticed near the transformer or distribution box or near the
lines, the nearest staff of the undertaking to be informed.

3.13.5 During rains and lightning, none should go near the distribution transformer
center.

3.13.6 Animals should not be tied to the D.P. Structures and the stays.
 CHAPTER IV

FIRST AID

4. GENERAL

First Aid means what one should do to reduce the suffering of the patient after an accident
until the doctor arrives. It may give life to a dying person.

4.1 First aid instructions:

4.1.1 Remove the patient from the source of accident or remove the cause of injury.

4.1.2 Keep the injured person lying down in a comfortable position, his head in level with his
body. This is prevention against fainting. Never pick him up by head and heel.

4.1.3 Severe hemorrhage must receive immediate attention, no matter what other injuries
are present.

4.1.4 If the breathing has ceased, immediate measures must be taken to restore it. The
patient should be in a position to breath freely.

4.15 Poisons swallowed should be got rid off or neutralized.

4.1.6 If the patient has received burns attend to them.

4.1.7 When the patient has fractured a bone, no attempt must be made to move the patient
until the bone has been rendered as much immovable as practicable unless life is in danger
from some other cause.

4.1.8 Treat the patient for shock.

4.1.9 Send for medical help or ambulance where possible.

4.1.10 Never give water or liquid to an unconscious patient.

4.1.11 Keep by-standers away from the patient

4.1.12 Don’t let the patient see his own injury.

4.1.13 Keep the patient warm. Avoid overzealous application of external heat, but maintain
normal body temperature.

4.1.14 The first aider must on no account taken upon himself the duties and responsibilities
of a doctor.

4.1.15 Air should not be blocked in a place where the patient has been kept.

4.2 External Hemorrhage (Bleeding):

Bleeding wounds should be treated as follows:

4.2.1 Elevate the bleeding part, except in the case of a fractured limb.
4.2.2 Immediately apply pressure with the thumb or fingers directly on the bleeding spot and
if wound is large or a foreign body or a fracture is suspected, apply pressure on a “pressure
Point” as near possible to the wound on the heart side where the artery can be pressed
against the underlying bone.

4.2.3 Clean the wound and apply antiseptic all over the wound and the surrounding skin and
cover with a dry dressing. Cover the dressing with cotton wool, lint, etc. and apply a
bandage over the dressing.

4.3 Pressure Points:

Six principal pressure points where hand or finger pressure against a bone may stop arterial
bleeding are located as follows (vide fig.1).

4.3.1 In the neck at the side of the wind pipe against the backbone. Pressure in this area
may produce unconsciousness or even more serious effect. Hence it should be employed
only as a last resort.

4.3.2 Just in front of the ear against the skull.

4.3.3 About an inch forward from the angle of the jaw where a large branch crosses the
jawbone.

4.3.4 Behind the inner end of the collar bone, down against the first rib.

4.3.5 On body side of the upper arm, half way between the shoulder and elbow.

These two pressure points control arteries to shoulders and arms.

4.3.6 In the mid groin, as it passes over the pelvic bone. This pressure point controls
arteries to lower limbs.

4.4 Internal Hemorrhage:

4.4.1 Bleeding from lungs: Symptoms

(a) If the bleeding is from the lungs, the blood will be bright red and frothy and will be
coughed out. If the bleeding is from the stomach, the blood will be brownish and is
vomited.
(b) Send for the doctor at once, if not possible to move the patient to the dispensary or
hospital immediately.
(c) Keep the patient lying on his back as flat as possible. Turn the head to one side for
vomiting and coughing.
(d) If the seat of the hemorrhage is known, apply an ice bag or a cold compress over the
region.
(e) Give nothing by mouth, except in hemorrhage from the lungs when ice may be given.
(f) Use encouraging words to the patient.

4.5 Nose Bleeding:

(a) Have the patient sit up with the head thrown slightly back and breathing through the
mouth. Loosen his collar and anything light around his neck.
(b) Apply cold water over the nose and also the spine at the level of the collar.
(c) Warn the patient not to blow his nose.
 (d) If these measures do not stop the bleeding in a few minutes, a doctor is needed at
once. Meanwhile gently pack a narrow strip of sterilised gauze back into the nostril,
leaving the end outside so that it can be easily removed.

4.6 Physical Shock:

4.6.1 Condition: Shock is a condition of sudden depression of the nervous system resulting
from and occurring after every case of accident or sudden illness. It may vary from the slight
feeling of faintness to a condition of collapse in which the vital forces of body are so
exhausted that death may result.

4.6.2 Symptoms: Symptoms of shock are pallow of face and lips, cold moist skin, rapid and
weak pulse, shallow and irregular breathing, fall of the body temperature, dilated pupils,
nausea and vomiting may often occur.

4.63 Treatment:

Immediate

a) Arrest severe hemorrhage if present.

b) Keep the patient lying on back with head low and turned to one side.
c) Loosen clothing about the neck, chest and waist and ensure free circulation of
air.
d) Cover with rugs or coats.
e) Raise well the lower limbs.
f) Apply smelling salts to the nose except in the case of head injury.
g) Use encouraging words to the patient.
h) Ensure freedom from excitement and worry and avoid unnecessary
questioning of patient.
i) Remove the patient to shelter in an airy place.

On arrival at shelter

j) Wrap the patient in blankets and apply hot water bottles to the sides of the
body between the legs and to the feet. Too much heat can be dangerous.
Always test temperature of heated objects against your own face or wrist
before you wrap them in a cloth or a paper.
k) If the patient is able to swallow, give freely hot strong tea or coffee with plenty
of sugar, except when injury to an internal organ is present or suspected. Do
not pour fluids down the throat of unconscious persons. Avoid alcoholic
stimulants.

4.7 Fainting:

4.7.1 Lower patient’s head between knees, loosen tight clothing around neck. If
impossible to lower victim’s head, elevate his lower limbs and keep him lying down
until recovery seems assured. If un-consciousness persists cover patient, call for a
doctor.

4.7.2 Sprinkle the face with hot and cold water alternately, and apply warmth to the
pit of the stomach and over heart. Vigorous rubbing of the limbs upwards has a
stimulating effect. Smelling salts maybe held to the nose.
4.8 Sun stroke and heat stroke:

4.8.1 Sun stroke and heat stroke have the same symptoms but the cause may be
slightly different. Sun stroke results from excessive direct exposure to the sun’s rays,
while heat stroke results from excessive indoor heat such as in boiler rooms.

4.8.2 Symptoms: Red and flushed face, hot and dry skin, no sweating, rapid and
strong pulse, very high temperature, headache and usually unconsciousness.

4.8.3 Treatment: Send for a doctor immediately, lay victim with head elevated.
Sponge body with cold water continuously and apply ice bags to head and spine until
symptoms subside. When consciousness returns, patient may be given Epson or
Glauber salt with water. Give cold water abundantly.

4.9 Heat exhaustion:

4.9.1 Cause: Heat exhaustion is caused by direct exposure to sun’s rays or by

excessive indoor heat.

4.9.2 Symptoms: Pale face, cool skin, profuse sweating, week pulse, low
temperature and fainting.

4.9.3 Treatment: Keep patient’s head low, give salt water. Coffee or tea may be
given. External head is required in severe cases.

4.10 Fractures:

Do not move the patient unless absolutely necessary. Call a doctor to the scene of
accident. If necessary to move the patient, always apply splints before moving him.
Handle him carefully to prevent sharp ends of bones cutting through flesh.

4.10.1 Transportation of patient: Do not hurry in moving an injured person.

Always be careful in handling and transporting an injured person. Improper or
careless methods frequently increase severity of injury and may even cause death.
Acquaint yourself with the various methods of carrying & transportation.

4.11 Burns:

4.11.1 Burns are caused by heat of any kind, friction and chemicals such as acids
and alkalis. Burns are classified according to degree as follows:

(a) First Degree Skin reddened

(b) Second degree Skin blistered

( c) Third degree Deeper destruction of tissues, such as charring.

4.11.2 Electrical burns: Two kinds of electrical burns occur:

(a) When current passes through the body burning or destroying of tissues as it
goes, it makes a deep third degree burn which may be smaller on surface than
below, and slow to heal.
(b) Flash burns of the skin are not usually deep and are first or second degree.
Flash burns of the eye may not show up until some time later. In first aid to flash
burns of the eye, light should be excluded by using a moist compress held lightly
in place with a bandage.
 (c) Eye burns should have a doctor’s attention as soon as possible.
(d) First-aider’s duties are to relieve pain, prevent infection and treat for shock.
Death in a day or two after a burn, is usually the result of shock. Death later is
chiefly the result of infection.
(e) For burns of limited extent, apply Vaseline or burn ointment over the burnt area.
Cover ointment with a layer or two, of fine mesh gauze and secure with a roller
bandage. Take the patient to a doctor for further treatment.
(f) Extensive burns may be much more serious. Shock is always present. Keep
victim lying down with his head low and avoid exposure or cold. Leave his
clothing on, cover him with blankets and get him to a hospital as quickly as you
can.

If hospital is not nearby, remove all loose clothing from the burnt area unless it sticks to skin.
Cut the adhering cloth around the burn and leave the remainder for the doctor to remove.

Do not break blisters. Dip stripes of clean freshly laundered sheeting into a solution of
baking soda or Epsom slat in warm water, and apply to burnt area.

4.11.3 Chemical burns: Burns caused by an acid or an alkali should be washed

immediately with large quantities of water until chemical is thoroughly washed away. Then
apply an ointment dressing and send for medical help.

4.12 Eye injuries:

4.12.1 Loose particles may be removed with the corner of clean bandage or handkerchief. If
the particle cannot be removed easily, relieve irritation with a few drops of olive/caster oil
and consult a doctor immediately.

4.12.2 If a foreign particle is embedded in the eye ball, don’t try to remove it. Drop
caster/medical paraffin oil over the eye ball, close the two eye-lids, apply a soft paid of
cotton wool and secure it by a bandage till the medical aid is made available.

4.12.3 When quick lime or acid or alkali falls into the eye, wash the eye freely with fresh
water and consult a doctor immediately.

4.13 Sprains and strains:

4..13.1 Sprains: These are very common injuries caused by abnormal twisting of a joint or
movement of a joint beyond its normal range. It causes tearing or stretching of tissues
around the joint. It causes pain, swelling and discolouration of the joint.

4.13.2 Treatment:

(a) Place the limb in the most comfortable position and prevent any movement.
(b) Apply a firm and approved bandage for the limb.
(c) Wet the bandage with cold water and consult a doctor.

4.13.3 Strain: These are the injuries to muscles or tendons caused by over-stretching or
over-exertion.

4.13.4. Treatment:

(a) Advise the patient to complete rest in a comfortable position.

(b) Apply heat and massage gently.
4.14 Bruises:

A bruise is caused by a blow, which breaks the small block vessel in the tissue under the
skin. Ice or cloth wrung out of very cold water should be applied immediately. It helps to
prevent discolouration, keeps down swelling and relieves pain.
 CHAPTER V

5. Treatment of electric shocks:

5.1 It must be remembered:

a) Act at once- delay is fatal.

b) Death from electric shock is rarely instantaneous.
c) Heart fibrillations (heart muscle tremors) persist as long as 30 minutes after an
electric shock. Therefore life can be saved by immediately artificial respiration.
d) Send for, but never wait for a doctor.
e) Continue artificial respiration for four hours after apparent death.

5.2 Release from contact:

Switch off current immediately or send someone to do so. Do not attempt to remove a
person from contact with high voltage unless suitable articles insulated for the system
voltage are used for this purpose. When attempting to force a person from contact with low
or medium voltage, use rubber, gloves, boots, mat or insulated stick, but if these are not
available, use a loop of rope, cap or coat to drag the person free. Whatever is used should
be dry and non-conducting.

5.3 After Release:

As soon as the victim is clear of the conductor, rapidly feel with your finger in his mouth and
throat and remove any foreign matter (tobacco, false teeth etc.). Then bring artificial
respiration. Do not stop to loosen the victim’s clothing, as every moment of delay is serious.

KEEP THE PATIENT WARM

5.4 Artificial Respiration:

5.4.1 General:

Out of the 7 methods of artificial respiration indicated in Part II, only 3 methods namely,
Schafer’s method. Nielson’s method and mouth-to-mouth method have been described in
this Chapter. These three methods have been recommended in the Book titled “First Aid to
the injured” of St. John Ambulance Association. These methods are suitable and can be
easily adopted by the public.

5.4.2 Schafer’s method is the most common method used for artificial respiration and has
been described in clause 5.5 below. In recent years, many countries have changed over to
more efficient ones, though Schafer’s method has the merit of being the least exhausting to
perform and not require the use of any apparatus or appliances.

5.4.3 The first action the rescuer should take as he reaches near the victim is to disengage
him from the live circuit. The instructions given in different methods of artificial respiration
should be followed, even if the patient appears dead.

If the mouth is tight shut, pay no more attention to it until later. Do not stop to loosen the
patient’s clothing, but immediately begin actual resuscitation. Every moment of delay is
serious.

5.5 Schafer’s prone pressure method:

5.5.1 This method is illustrated in Fig.11 of Part II.

Lay the patient on his belly, one arm extended directly overhead, the other arm bent at
elbow and with the face turned outward and resting on the second hand or forearm, so that
the nose and mouth are free for breathing (see position 1, Fig.II).

5.5.2 Kneel, straddling the patient’s thighs, with your knees placed at such a distance
from the top bones as will allow you to assume position 1 shown in Fig.II. Place the
palms of the hands on the small of the back with fingers resting on the ribs, the little
finger must touching the lowest rib, with the thumb and fingers in a natural position,
and the tips of fingers just out of sight.

5.5.3 With arms held straight, swing forward so that the weight of your body is gradually
brought to bear upon the patient. The shoulder should be directly over the heel of
the hand at the end of the forward swing (see position 2, Fig.II). Do not bend your
elbows. This operation should take about two seconds.

Note: Pressure should not be excessive and should be suited to the size and body structure
of the patient. Pressure should be applied gradually and not suddenly. Now immediately
swing backward so as to completely remove the pressure.

After 2 seconds, swing forward again, thus repeat deliberately twelve to fifteen times a
minute the double movement of compression and relaxation, a complete respiration in 4 to 5
seconds.

5.5.4 As soon as this artificial respiration has been started and while it is being continued, an
assistant should loosen any tight clothing about the patient’s neck, chest or waist. Keep the
patient warm. Do not give any liquids whatever by mouth until the patient is fully conscious.

5.5.5 To avoid strain on the heart when the patient revives, he should be kept lying down
and not allowed to stand or sit up. If the doctor has not arrived by the time the patient has
revived, he should be given some stimulant, such as one teaspoonful of aromatic spirit of
ammonia in a small glass of water, or a hot drink of coffee or tea, etc.

5.5.6 A brief return of natural respiration is not certain indication for stopping the
resuscitation. Not infrequently, the patient, after a temporary recovery of respiration, stops
breathing again. The patient should be watched and, if natural breathing stops, artificial
breathing should be resumed at once.

5.5.7 In carrying out resuscitation, it may be necessary to change the operator. This change
should be made without losing the rhythm of respiration. By this procedure no confusion
results at the time of change of operator and a regular rhythm is kept up.

5.6 Arm-lift Back Pressure method:

5.6.1 This is called Nielson’s Method in Denmark and has been modified by Professor
Drinker of USA. The modified method is illustrated in Fig. V. of Part II. The Victim lies prone
with both arms folded and hands resting, one on the other, under his head. The arms are
grasped above the elbow and lifted until firm resistance is met. This induces active
inspiration. Then they are let down and pressure applied on the back to cause active
expiration.

5.6.2 The movement in this method follows the sequence given below:

a) Position 1 –Place victim prone (that is, face down) with his arms folded with one palm
on the other and cheek resting on them. Kneel on one or both knees at victim’s
 head. Place your hands on the victim’s back beyond the line of armpits, with your
fingers spread outwards and down wards, the thumbs just touching each other.
b) Position 2- Then gently rock forward keeping arms straight until they are nearly
vertical, thus steadily pressing the victim’s back. This completes expiration.
c) Position 3 – Synchronizing the above movement, rock backwards, releasing pressure
and slide your hands down wards along the victim’s arms and grasp his upper arms
just above the elbows. Continue to rock backwards.
d) Position 4- As you rock back, gently raise and pull the victim’s arms towards you,
until you feel tension in his shoulders. This expands his chest and results in
respiration. To complete the cycle, lower the victim’s arms and move your hands up
for initial position.

5.6.3 This method is considered to be the best, being most effective, easy to teach and fairly
easy to perform.

5.6 Mouth-to-mouth method:

5.7.1 This method is illustrated in Fig. VII of Part II. Place victim on his back. Place his head
slightly downhill, if possible. A folded coat or similar object under victim’s shoulders will help
maintain proper position. Tilt head back, so that the chin points straight upwards.

5.7.2 Grasp victim’s jaw as illustrated in Fig. VII (see position 1) and raise it upward until
lower teeth are higher than upper teeth; or place fingers on both sides of jaw near ear lobes
and pull upward. Maintain jaw position throughout resuscitation period to prevent tongue
from blocking air passage.

5.7.3 Take a deep breathe and place your mouth over victim’s mouth (see position 2 Fig.
VII) making airtight contact. Pinch the victim’s nose, shut with thumb and forefinger or close
nostrils by pressing your cheek against them. If you hesitate at direct contact, place a porous
clothe between you and victim. If an infant, place your mouth over its mouth and nose.

5.7.4 Blow into victim’s mouth (gently, if an infant) until his chest rises. Remove your mouth
to let him exhale, turning your head to hear out rush of air. The first 8 to 10 breaths should
be rapid as victim will respond, thereafter, rate should be slowed to about 12 times a minute
(20 times if an infant).

5.7.5 Things to remember:

a) If air can not be blown in, check position of victim’s head and jaw and recheck mouth
for obstructions, then try again more forcefully. If chest still does not rise, turn
victim’s face down and strike his back sharply to dislodge obstructions.
b) Sometimes air enters victim’s stomach evidenced by swelling of stomach. Expel air
by gently pressing down on stomach during exhalation period.

5.8 Duration of movements:

5.8.1 In all the methods, the rate of a complete respiratory cycle is 12 to 15 per minutes.
When the victim begins to breathe of his own accord, the operation should be
synchronized with the natural breathing and continued until he breathes strongly.
 CHAPTER VI

6. Fire prevention and fire fighting

6.1 Precautions for prevention of fires:

Fires are classified as under:-

a) Class A – Ordinary material, i.e. wood, paper, textile and rubbish.

b) Class B- Inflammable liquids, i.e. oils and greases.
c) Class C- Live electrical equipment

6.2 Causes and precautions for prevention of fires:

6.2.1 Class A fires involving ordinary combustible material:

i) Glowing cigarette butts and matches shall not be thrown into wastebaskets, oil
rag cans or other places of fire hazard.
ii) Smoking and use of open flames shall be prohibited in places where combustible
materials are kept.
iii) Waste materials or oil rags shall be removed from the premises daily and suitably
disposed off.
iv) Grease and greasy vegetation shall not be allowed to grow in the vicinity of
substation, stores, yards etc.
v) Open fires shall not be left unattended.
vi) Ashes shall be deposited in non-combustible containers with lids.

6.2.2 Precautions relating to class B fires are as follows:

i) Cable trenches inside substations containing cables shall be filled with sand and
covered with non-inflammable slabs.
ii) Oil-filled equipments in sub stations shall be so located that fire and smoke from
oil is not likely to do any damage.

6.3 Fire fighting appliances:

Broadly, types of extinguishers suited for the three classes of fires are as follows:

Type of Class A Class B Class C

Extinguisher
Carbon Suitable for small surface Suitable. Does not Suitable. Non-
Dioxide fires only leave residue or conductor and does
affect equipment or not damage
food stuff. equipment
Dry Chemical Suitable for small Suitable. Dry Suitable. Dry
surfaces fires only chemical releases chemical is a non
smothering gas and conductor; Fog or
fog which shields dry chemical
operator from heat. shields operator
from heat.

Foam Suitable. Has both Suitable. Unsuitable. Foam

smothering and wetting Smothering blanket being a conductor
action does not dissipate, should not be used
 floats on top of on live equipment.
spilled liquid.
Water Suitable. Water saturates Unsuitable. Water Unsuitable. Water
material and prevent will spread not put it
being conductor
rekindling. out should not be used
on live electrical
equipment.
Vaporizing Suitable for small surface Suitable. Releases Suitable. Non-
liquid fires only. heavy smothering conductor and will
gas on fires not damage
equipment.

Sand can prevent non-electrical fires from spreading. Buckets filled with sand should be
kept at suitable places so that they become handy, in case of non-electrical fires.
 SAFETY MANUAL

PART II

General

This part of the manual covers the safety procedures and precautions to be observed by the
employees of the electrical undertakings in the prevention of accidents, which may be
caused while working on sub-transmission and distribution systems. By following the
procedures and instructions outlined in this manual, many of the accidents could be avoided.

CHAPTER VII

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR TRANSPORATION, HANDLING, STORAGE OF

MATERIALS, DURING CONSTRUCTION

7. Transportation of materials:

7.1.1 When poles are being loaded, workmen must not stand between the poles and the
conveyance. Nobody shall stand or pass under a suspended load.

7.1.2 If poles are to be transported on a flat type of trailer, they shall be stacked neatly and
fastened together tightly.

7.1.3 Workmen shall not travel on trailers loaded with poles.

7.1.4 Danger flags (red colour) shall be fixed at either end of the poles.

7.1.5 Workmen shall not stand on unloading side while unloading of poles.

7.1.6 During the course of transport of any heavy equipment like transformers, OCB’s etc.,
they shall be rigidly secured to the transport vehicle and packing material placed on either
side of the base of the equipment to prevent skidding. The loading and unloading shall be
supervised by a competent authority.

7.1.7 No employees shall stand between the equipment and the sides of the transport
vehicles.

7.1.8 While making turnings or going up or down inclines with loaded vehicles, very great
care should be exercised in driving and over speeding should never be resorted to. The
brakes of the vehicles should be specially checked.

7.1.9 While transporting tall equipments, care should be taken for keeping the balance of the
vehicle, particularly at turnings.

7.1.10 When transporting particularly tall equipments, it should be ensured that there is
sufficient clearance between over hanging branches of tress on roads and any telegraph or
other line and the top of the equipment (highest part of the equipment).

7.2 Storage of material and equipment:

7.2.1 The storage of material and equipment should be on a planned basis.

7.2.2 Wood poles, rails and R.S. joists shall be piled on supports above ground, the end of
which shall not project into walkways.
7.2.3 The transformer and lubricating oils shall be stored at a safe distance from switch
yards and other valuable property.

Proper drainage should be provided for the oil in case of tank ruptures to restrict damage.
Barrels, drums and kegs should be stored on end or securely blocked to prevent from rolling.

7.3 Manual handling, carrying, piling etc. of material and equipment:

7.3.1 Where practicable, the undertaking shall provide mechanical appliances such as
ropes, jacks, rollers, wheel barrows and carts etc.

7.3.2. The workmen shall be trained in safe methods of handling. They shall avoid:

a) Lifting with back,

b) Lifting too quickly and with a jerk,
c) Lifting while in an awkward position or with a poor footing,
d) Handling loads which are unwieldy or too heavy or loads which obstruct
vision,
e) Handling loads with sharp edges or corrosive materials without the use of
suitable protective clothing and equipment,
f) Raising or lowering of heavy objects by two or more workmen shall be
governed by a well-understood code signals to ensure unity of action, and
g) Only light loads should be lifted with various sizes of Manila and Sisal ropes.
These ropes should not be used over sharp metal edges.

7.4 Mechanical handling of material and equipments:

7.4.1 The undertakings shall provide suitable hoisting apparatus for hauling and carriage of
loads above 500 kgs.

7.4.2 Slings for hoisting and other purposes may be made of chains, wire ropes or fibre
ropes of sufficient strength to carry the loads.

7.4.3 All slings should be provided with rings, shackles, links, hooks or eyes of a proper size
so that they could be safely suspended.

7.5 Handling and storage of poles:

7.5.1. General precautions: The following general precautions shall be observed:

a) Only approved methods, tools and equipment should be used in pole handling
operations.
b) When handling treated poles, precautions should be taken to avoid skin contact,
particular care being taken not to rub the eyes, nor wipe perspiration with the hands
or with shirt sleeves which have been exposed to wood preservatives.

The employees engaged on such type of work shall use protective clothing, protective
ointment, leather gloves etc.

c) when poles are handled mechanically:

i) Hoisting equipment operator shall only accept signals from employees

specifically detailed for the purpose;
ii) Employees shall not stand nor pass under a suspended load;
 d) Poles should be stored in elevated way with sleeper between each layer. Each layer
may be securely tied.

7.5.2 Loading and transporting poles on trucks, trailers etc.:

a) Trailer wheels shall be securely braked or blocked before loading.

b) While loading a pole, employee shall not stand between the pole pile and the loading
or transporting equipment.
c) When a pole is being rolled from the pile or from the ground, to trailer, it shall be
done with a rope or a crowbar.
d) Trailers shall be loaded in such a manner that there are no dangerous projections
and the poles are firmly secured for safe transportation.

7.5.3 Unloading of poles from trucks and trailers:

The following precautions shall be observed for unloading poles from trucks and trailers:

a) Poles shall be unloaded from trucks and trailers by the following methods as
circumstances and traffic conditions may permit:

i) By means of a boom, mobile type crane or skids:

ii) By shaking poles from the end of a load; and
iii) By lowering the poles with rope only where conditions require this
method.

b) When unloading poles which have been secured with the tie wires or straps, only the
binding for the layer being unloaded, shall be removed.
c) When rolling a pole from a load, a supporting rope shall be used to control its
descent. Dropping of poles over the side of a truck or a trailer shall be prohibited.
d) Dumping the entire load from a trailer shall be prohibited.

7.6 Handling and storage of oils, greases and paints:

7.6.1 All sources of ignition shall be prohibited in areas where inflammable liquids are stored
and handled. NO SMOKING warnings shall be exhibited specifically.

7.6.2 Empty oil drums, boxes or other combustible materials shall never be piled near
storage oil tanks and barrel, etc.

7.6.3 Places where paints, varnishes, lacquers, thinners etc. are stored or used shall be
scrupulously clean and well ventilated.

7.6.4 The released transformer oil should be stored separately in drums and kept far away
from the sub station in an area specifically earmarked for this purpose.

7.6.5 Under no circumstances should the released transformer oil will be disposed of by
dumping or pouring in sewers or conductor pipes leading into sewers.

7.6. Dumping of released transformer oil in the yards surrounding the sub station should be
prohibited.

7.7 Handling of insulators, cable drums etc.

7.7.1 The insulators should be packed in wooden crates and transported to the work site.

7.7.2 Heavy objects and equipments should not be placed on the insulator crates.
7.7.3 The insulator crate should be manually unloaded from the truck and carried to the
work- site.

7.7.4 The conductor as well as cable drums should be loaded and unloaded with the help of
chain pulley block or mobile cranes.

7.7.5 The conductor and the cable drums should be stored over wooden sleepers.

7.8 Erection works:

7.8.1 Pole pits in sandy and collapsible soils should be shuttered and should not be dug
much in advance of pole erection.

7.8.2 Warning danger boards should be exhibited on either side of pits in inhabited areas.

7.8.3 Pits excavated on road sides in advance of pole erection should be covered or suitably
fenced before closing the work for the day.

7.8.4 During the erection of poles, the guy ropes should be securely tied to temporary
anchors like crowbars etc. driven at appropriate distances and the ropes are to be tightened
to anchors as the pole is being lifted into position.

7.8.5 When poles are to be erected on thoroughfares, adequate precautions by way of

danger boards etc. shall be taken to prevent public inadvertently passing underneath the
poles as they are being lifted into position.

7.8.6 The strings, tackle etc. to be used in hoisting and erection of transformers and other
equipments should be inspected and the authorized person should be thoroughly satisfied
as to their mechanical strength in handling the weight.

7.8.7 While hoisting transformers on to the DP structures, safety precautions by way of fixing
additional clamps and bolts should be taken and it shall be the duty and responsibility of the
person who is in charge of that work to ensure the same.

7.8.8 While stringing conductors in any particular span which crosses another power line
already in service, the following precautions shall be taken:

a) Line clear has to be obtained for the power line in service and then only the work
should be commenced.
b) If the line that is being strung goes under a power line already in service, adequate
precautions should be taken for anchoring the conductor that is being strung by
passing a loaded rope over the conductor, so that the conductor may not fly up and
reach the vicinity of the live conductors.

7.9 Cross arms:

7.9.1 Hand lines should always be used to raise cross arms, the former should be lashed
well to the latter and tested thoroughly by hand before the cross arms are raised from the
ground.

7.9.2 All men not engaged in actual raising of cross arms should stand clear. Only one
cross arm should be raised at a time.

7.9.3 Safety belt should not be put around the cross arm for support unless a person is
positive that the cross arm will support him.
7.10 Insulators:

7.10.1 The insulators should be packed carefully in separate box and carried to the work
spot.

7.10.2 Before the insulators are raised aloft, they should be inspected for any possible
cracks or chippings. Only sound insulators should be installed.

7.11 Conductors:

(a) Stringing of conductors:

7.11.1 Paying-out of conductors and cable:

The conductor or cable drum should be supported on the drum supports and the conductor
cable should be paid by rotating the reels in the direction indicated by the suppliers.

7.11.2 The conductor should be paid-out carefully avoiding any kink formation, rubbing
against stones and other hard surfaces.

7.11.3 While handling and stringing the weather proof wire, care must be taken to see
weather proof covering is not injured.

7.11.4 Additional wires should not be added to the existing strain points unless the officer-in-
charge of work satisfies himself that the pole will safely stand the altered strains.

7.11.5 In stringing conductors across railways lines, the train schedules should be
ascertained and the temporary structures erected on either side of the railway line to see
that the conductors are not allowed to lay on the track at any time of the work. If necessary,
the help of the concerned permanent way inspector may be sought and all other precautions
taken to avoid any serious accident.

7.11.6 While stringing wires or conductors across roadways, these should be strung clear off
the roadways and gang men shall be stationed to guard the traffic.

7.11.7 Every reasonable effort shall be made not to interfere with P&T lines and public
property.

(b) Binding of conductors:

7.11.8 Conductors should be tied at all the insulators securely so as to prevent the possibility
of conductors becoming loose at points of support and possible falling to the ground. While
tieing in the parallel circuits, it should be ensured that the phase lines of one circuit are
connected to the corresponding phase lines of other circuits.

(c) Cutting conductors:

7.11.9 Line supports should be properly guyed before cutting any conductors.

7.11.10 Conductors should be lowered by hand line. Care should be taken to avoid contact
with other lines.

7.11.11 Precautions should be taken to see that the conductors, which have to be cut, would
not fall over roadways and all streets and highway traffic should be guarded.
7.11.12 All workmen on the ground should be alerted before broken lines are allowed to fall.

7.12 Ground or earth wires:

7.12.1 Ground wires should be installed clear of line fixtures on the poles, which would
ordinarily be considered as insulated from ground such as cross arms, brace, through bolts,
pole steps, street light fixtures etc.

7.13 Guy wires

7.13.1 When insulators are used they should be connected in to the guy wire line before the
guy wire is set in place. In new works guy should generally be installed before conductors
are strung.

7.13.2 Guy should be so installed as not to interfere any more than necessary with the
climbing space.

7.13.3 Guy strain insulators should be provided to secure the required amount of insulation.
Guys should be carefully installed on poles to prevent them from becoming loose.

7.13.4 Guy wires should not interfere with street, highway, traffic, and otherwise aerial guys
may be installed.

7.13.5 Guy wires should be so installed as not to rub against power cables.

7.13.6 Guy wires should not be attached to the trees.

 CHAPTER VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

8.1 Synopsis:

8.1.1 This chapter covers the statutory regulations, definitions of various terms used in the
Safety Manual, responsibility of the supervisory staff and workmen, and personal conduct
etc. Omission of any safety practice in this manual does not reduce the individual’s
responsibility for alertness and good judgment in the performance of work.

8.2 Statutory Regulations:

8.2.1 It is the duty of all persons who may be concerned with the installation, operation and
maintenance of the electrical lines and apparatus, to make themselves thoroughly
conversant with the regulations and safety rules governing the work they may have to
undertake on these lines and apparatus.

8.2.2 Generation, transmission, distribution and utilization of electrical energy in Indian is

governed by Indian Electricity Supply Act, 1948, Indian Electricity Act, 1910, the Indian
Electricity Rules, 1956 and subsequent amendments made thereunder.

8.2.3 The electricity supply undertakings are required to comply with the following statutory
Acts besides those given in 8.2.2 above;

(a) Factories Act, 1948; and

(b) Workmen Compensation Act, 1923.

In addition to the statutory regulations mentioned in 8.2.2 and 8.2.3 the safety instruction
given in this Manual for the guidance of the staff employed in connection with the execution
of work on or near the electric lines and apparatus or for their operation and maintenance,
should be strictly complied with, at all times.

8.2.4 It shall be the responsibility of the person in-charge to interpret and explain correctly
the rules and regulations to all the staff concerned and to ensure that the staff thoroughly
understands the same.

8.3 Definitions:

a) ‘APPROVED’ means a type sanctioned for use by the undertaking.

b) ‘AUTHORISED PERSON’ means a competent person appointed in writing by a
competent authority to carry out specific duties incidental to the transmission,
conversion, transformation, distribution or utilization of electrical energy as per the
provisions of Rules 3 of I.E Rules, 1956.

Note: No person shall be authorized unless he is competent to perform the duties for which
he is authorized and no person shall be deemed to be authorized unless his name has been
entered in a list maintained in the office or premises of the person authorizing him and the
purpose for which the person has been authorized is stated side by side therein and attested
by the authorized person and the person authorizing him.

( c) ‘COMPETENT PERSON’ means a person who has sufficient technical knowledge and/or
experience of a particular branch of engineering or science and is normally of the rank of not
lower than Executive Engineer.
(d) ‘EARTH’ means the conducting mass of earth or a conductor connected to it through
very small impedance.

(e) ‘ELECTRICAL APPARATUS’ means all electrical apparatus pertaining to the

transmission, distribution and utilization of electrical energy.

(f) ‘EMPLOYEE’ means a person who is in receipt of pay, salary, wages or honorarium in
return for services rendered by him to the undertaking and shall include paid apprentice.

(g) ‘ISOLATED’ means physically disconnected from all sources of electrical energy and in
manner that disconnected contacts of the isolating switch are normally visible.

(h)’LIVE’ in respect of any apparatus, equipment and conductor means electrical by

charged.

(i) ‘MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT’ means all mechanical equipment pertaining to the

transmission, distribution and utilization of electrical energy.

(j) ‘PERMIT TO WORK’ means a form of declaration issued by an authorized person to

another Authorised Person-in-charge of the work to be carried out on or adjacent to any
electrical apparatus or chemical equipment for the purpose of making known to such latter
person exactly what apparatus or equipment have been made dead, isolated and
discharged are safe to be worked on, and gives the description of the work required to be
carried out under the Permit.

(k)’SENIOR AUTHORISED PERSON’ means an Authorised Person appointed in writing by

an undertaking to receive “requests for clearance” and to “issue Permit to Work”, “Sanction
for test:, “Station Guarantee” and such other form of clearance as may be necessary, and to
cancel the same.

(l) ‘SWITCHING’ means the operation of switchgear, isolators, fuses or other methods of
breaking or making a circuit.

(m) ‘TEMPOORARY EARTH’ means an earth defined under para 8.3 (d) above, but applied
temporarily at the point of work on any electrical apparatus during actual working thereon
after the issue of Permit to Work.

(n) ‘UNDERTAKING’ means an Electricity Supply Undertaking belonging to any person or

body, whether corporate or not, formed for the purpose of engaging in the business of
electricity supply to the public and shall also include any other undertaking purchasing
electricity for its own use.

(o) ‘VISITOR’ means a person other than an employee permitted to enter a work point under
a permit by the undertaking.

(p) ‘WORKING PARTY’ means the persons under the immediate supervision of a competent
person or an Authorised Person and includes the competent person or the Authorised
Person when working by himself.

8.4 General responsibilities of supervisory staff:

8.4.1 Engineers in charge of the various Departments/Sections/Works shall have a working

knowledge of the technique, provisions of the law and all instructions relating to the working
of their departments/sections/works and shall be responsible for organization, division and
supervision of the work under their charge, and for ensuring that:
 a) the man working under them possesses the requisite ability and experience and no
man who is either not authorized or not competent is allowed to work on a job.
b) Sufficient number of men have been assigned to each job at the time of the allotment
of work and that they have properly understood the;

h) Work to be done;
i) Procedure for doing the work properly and safely;
j) Hazards that may encountered.

c) danger signs or barriers as may be necessary to warn the public and others of the
danger zones and to prevent them from entering the same, are put up before taking
the work in hand;
d) defective tools, materials and working methods are not employed.
e) There is co-operation and co-ordination between the operation and maintenance
staff;
f) Person in immediate charge of the workmen remain on work site till the work is over
and normal conditions are restored.
g) All regular employees of the undertakings other than daily paid in the working party
should be trained in first aid and use of fire fighting equipment.

8.4.2 Supervisory staff shall periodically subject the persons working under them to tests to
ensure that they maintain adequate knowledge of standard practices relating to their work
and ensure that they are kept informed of the instructions issued by the
undertaking/department/section concerned from time to time.

8.4.3 Supervisory staff shall arrange that the various safety devices, first aid kits, fire
extinguishing equipment are maintained in serviceable conditions and the workmen are
made aware of the location of the same.

8.4.4 Supervisory staff shall encourage suggestions for improvement of working procedures,
safety practices etc., from the employees under their charge and arrange consideration of
the same.

8.4.5 Supervisory staff shall encourage co-operation of the employees under their charge
with the working of the safety organisaiton.

8.4.6 Supervisory staff shall arrange that accident reports are properly made and co-
operate in investigation relating to accident causes and in evolving procedure for preventing
similar accidents in future.

8.4.7 Supervisory staff may arrange to hold safety drills along with their staff at least once a
month.

8.5 General responsibilities of workmen:

8.5.1 All workmen shall act in a manner as to provide for:

a) Safety to themselves,
b) Safety to fellow workmen,
c) Protection to the public
d) Protection of property
e) Continuity of power supply to the maximum extent possible, and
f) Safety to installation
8.5.2 Workmen shall familiarize themselves with the tools, materials, methods of work and in
case of doubt regarding any point they shall consult their supervisors.

8.5.3 Workmen shall understand the instructions (verbal or written) given by their
supervisors before commencement of the work.

8.5.4 Prior to the use of any tools or equipment the workmen shall check up that the same
are in safe working conditions.

8.6 Personal Conduct:

8.6.1 Use of intoxicants (alcoholic beverages or narcotics) shall not be permitted on duty.
Employees under the influence of any intoxicants shall not be permitted to remain on
the job or around the premises.

8.6.2 Employees shall be courteous and considerate to the public and towards one
another. They shall not engage in fights, practical jokes, scuffling or horseplay while on duty
or while in the sub stations.

8.6.3 Employees shall report to their superior officers any dangerous conditions of the
undertaking’s properties, equipment or personnel immediately after it comes to their
notice.

8.6.4 Employees should always remain alert while on duty, should not try to indulge in
sleeping while on duty. They should refrain from smoking while working in a place where
smoking is objectionable, and all supervisors shall familiarize themselves with these
provisions.

8.7 Sanitation and Housekeeping:

8.7.1 General precautions for observance by employees are as follows:

a) Tools and materials shall not be placed, where they may cause tripping or stumbling
hazards or where they may fall and strike any one below.
b) Spilt oil and chemicals shall be cleaned up immediately.
c) Dirty and oily waste and rags shall be deposited in approved metal containers and
disposed of as soon as practicable.
d) Broken bulbs and glass, metal scrap and other kinds of sharp objects shall be
removed immediately and dumped in metal containers.

8.7.2 Adequate safety appliances should be used for the sake of safety, depending upon the
nature of work involved.
 CHAPTER IX

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

9.1 Synopsis:

This chapter covers the general safety precautions to be observed by the employees of the
Electrical undertaking to avoid accidents to themselves, to their fellow workmen and public.

9.2 Fundamentals of Safety:

9.2.1. Prevention of accidents requires whole-hearted cooperation of all employees engaged

for the execution of work. It is, therefore, necessary that the employees should be familiar
with the safety rules and regulations and to apply them to their work.

9.2.2 Prevention of accidents calls for extreme discipline while executing the work.
Employees should not be allowed to take up the work wearing loose dress.

9.2.3 The place of working should be kept neat, clean and adequately illuminated to avoid
darkness.

9.3 General Safety Precautions:

9.3.1 All voltages shall be considered DANGEROUS even though the voltage may not be
high enough to produce shock.

9.3.2 All electrical circuits are to be treated alive and no work (maintenance, repairs,
cleaning) is to be carried out on any part of the electrical apparatus or circuits unless such
parts are:

a) Dead;
b) Isolated and all practicable steps taken to lock off from the live conductors;
c) Efficiently connected to earth at all points of disconnections to supply to such
apparatus or between such and such points of work’
d) Released for work by issue of a permit;
e) Checked for de-energisation.

9.3.3 No person shall touch the insulation, which covers or supports any conductor subject
to high voltage unless the conductor is dead and earthed.

9.3.4 Danger notices, barriers, screens shall be fixed or moved only under the supervision of
an Authorised Person.

9.3.5 Working space adjacent to exposed live parts shall not be used as passageways.

9.3.6 New electrical apparatus shall not be placed in service without the approval of the
Senior Authorised Person and until the same has been thoroughly examined and if
necessary tested by him.

9.3.7 In places where there is an occasional danger of explosion from inflammable gas or
vapour mixture, all electrical apparatus shall be so constructed as to prevent danger and
excluded from the area of risk.

9.3.8 Electrical conductors and cables shall be so arranged that the course of any conductor
can be duly traced.
9.3.9 Electrical circuits and other electrical equipment shall be identified by labels or other
suitable means to reduce the risk of accidents by mistakes.

9.3.10 In the event of near approach of a lightening storm, all outside work on electrical
system should cease.

9.3.11 Use of overalls, dungarees, jumpers and coats having metal buttons, metal straps
and similar metal fittings should be avoided. Loose clothing should not be worn.

9.3.12 Shoes with nailed soles should not be worn. Shoes should have sewn soles or
preferably rubber soles.

9.3.13 Do not wear suspenders and arm bands with metal buckles or other metal parts.

9.3.14 Metal key chains or metal keepers for key rings or watch rings should not be worn on
the outside of clothing.

9.3.15 Extra precautions should be taken when working in an abnormally damp area.

9.3.16 Workmen shall satisfy themselves regarding safe working conditions and place
themselves in a safe position while working to avoid failing, stumbling, slipping or moving
backwards against live parts.

9.3.17 When working under hazardous conditions, the workmen shall, under no
circumstances, hurry to take necessary changes and also shall not continue to work under
such conditions when tired or exhausted.

9.3.18 Workmen shall not toss tools and/ or materials from one person to another, but
transfer them from hand to hand or by a hand line and a tool bag.

9.3.19 Workmen shall not place tools near the edge of scaffold, roofs or on structure from
where they are liable to fall off or be kicked off.

9.3.20 Workmen shall not do anything that may startle a person working in hazardous
location.

9.4 Safety of Public and Visitors:

9.4.1 Any site of hazardous operations should be protected by suitable fencing, guards and
signs to prevent unauthorised entries. While working on road crossing or crowded places,
adequate steps should be taken to protect people from accidental encounter with the objects
associated with a particular work.

9.4.2 Authorised visitor and official guests shall be conducted in the Receiving Stations and
Sub stations and shall not be left to find their own way. No unauthorised person should be
allowed into protected places.

9.4.3 When any man-hole cover is removed, the hole shall be guarded by properly
constructed ratings and warning signs (i.e. flags by day and red lights by night) placed at
points visible from a safe distance.

9.4.4 When work is conducted along public street or highways, pedestrian and vehicular
traffic shall be warned by signs and flags by day and red lights by night. Wherever
necessary, a signalman shall be posted.
9.5 Protective Clothing and Footwear:

9.5.1 All employees shall wear clothes and footwear suitable to the occasion.

9.5.2 Employees should not wear loose dhotis, pajamas, neckties, key chains or watch
chains near moving parts of machines.

9.5.3 While working the employees shall not use shoes with projecting nails or other types of
metal parts liable to slip.

9.5.4 Employees exposed to dangers of falling materials shall wear safety hats and shoes.
 CHAPTER X

CLEARANCE PROCEDURE

10.1 General Provisions:

10.1.1 The clearance procedure is intended to meet the following principal requirements in
relation to potentially dangerous jobs:

a) Protection of men at work,

b) Protection of equipment, and
c) Designation of abnormal conditions.

10.1.2 The above requirements are to be achieved by providing safe working conditions,
essential information and guidance to the men at work, checking arrangements to ensure
reliability of the highest order, etc.- through use of the following:

(a) Permit to work;

Any ‘clearance’ or ‘permit to work’ principally contain,

h) Requisition
i) Issue
j) Return
k) Review

(b) Sanction for test

10.2 Permit-to-work

10.2.1 Permit-to-work is a means to make known to a person undertaking construction,

repair or maintenance job exactly what electrical apparatus or mechanical equipment have
been made safe to work on, description of the special precautions, if any, for safety of
workmen on the job etc. It ensures safe working conditions until it is surrendered. Forms
showing permit-to-work on electrical apparatus or mechanical equipment are enclosed.
(Annexure II)

10.3 Sanction-for-test:

10.3.1 Sanction-for-test is a means to make known to a person undertaking test on electrical

apparatus or mechanical equipment, exactly what apparatus is to be tested and the
conditions under which the testing is to be carried out. It guarantees safe working conditions
until it is surrendered and cancelled. Form showing sanction-for-test is enclosed (Annexure
IV).

10.4 Clearance procedure is equally applicable to electrical and mechanical works:

10.4.1 The undertaking shall issue instructions:

a. For the appointment of Senior Authorised Person/Persons for

controlling the issue and the cancellation of clearance under various
conditions and safe and expeditious execution of works thereunder;
b. For appointment of authorized persons for work on various types of
jobs.
10.4.2 Senior Authorised Persons may authorize their Assistant/Assistants for issuing and
canceling clearance subject to such conditions as may be necessary to ensure reliability and
security of the highest order.

10.4.3 When work is to be done on any electrical apparatus which could be made live from
more than one station or section thereof, clearance shall be obtained from the Senior
Authorised Persons of each of the Stations, receiving stations and sub stations involved
before commencing work. Before issuing clearances, each of the operators concerned shall
check up with his counterparts in other stations, receiving stations and sub stations
concerned that all precautions detailed in paragraph 10.5.1 below have been taken.

10.4.4 When more than one clearances are to be issued to one particular person/agency or
more than one clearances covering any electrical apparatus or mechanical equipment are to
be issued, the Senior Authorised Person shall ensure that:

a) The work to be carried out under subsequent clearance/clearances does not in any
way endanger the holder of the clearance/clearances already issued.
b) Two sanctions-for-tests or a permit-to-work and a sanction-for-test are not issued for
the same electrical apparatus or mechanical equipment at the same time.
c) These clearances are given suitable identification marks and include special
instructions, if any, in the interest of safety.

10.5.1 Procedure for issuing clearances should be in proforma as per Annexure-II

Persons issuing clearances shall ensure that:

a) Clearance is issued only for the actual work on electrical apparatus or mechanical
equipment.
b) Clearance is issued in the name of the person under whose supervision work is
intended to be carried out. In case the nature of the work requires personal
supervision of the Senior Authorised Person, he shall issue the clearance to himself.
c) Before issuing a clearance, the electrical apparatus or mechanical equipment as the
case may be, is made entirely safe for working and danger notices attached at
conspicuous places and in an appropriate manner.
d) The persons taking clearance understands the particulars of the work to be done,
particulars of the operation carried out (including those of earthing arrangements) to
make the working safe, and the extent of the area safe for working.
e) The electrical apparatus or the mechanical equipment covered by the clearance
remains safe for working until the clearance has been duly surrendered and
cancelled.
f) Particulars of clearance (e.g. type, serial No., time of issue and cancellation, etc.) are
recorded in the sub station logbook or a register maintained for this purpose.

10.5.2 Procedures for taking clearances should be on proforma as per Annexure 1:

Persons taking clearance shall ensure that:

a) All electrical apparatus are treated as alive by the persons under their charge until a
specific clearance has been issued.
b) The area covered by the clearance is made safe for working and proper danger
notices have been placed on switches and/or the controlling points concerned.
c) Where a possibility of hazard exists in the vicinity of the work site, the boundaries of
the area safe for working are clearly marked and persons other than members of the
working party or those specifically authorized by the Senior Authorised Person are
not allowed to enter the hazardous portion of the work site.
 d) All persons under their control who are to work on the electrical apparatus or
mechanical equipment covered by the clearance understand the extent of the area
safe for working.
e) In cases where the work involves hazards in the vicinity of the work site, one of the
members of his party is appointed as a safety man/observer and it shall be his duty
to maintain a continuous watch over the workmen under his care and to issue
warning of any unsafe conditions, which he observes.
f) Before starting work, the person in-charge of the working party shall check, in the
presence of another person, by means of approved devices or visual inspection,
whether the line or equipment concerned is de-energised and effectively earthed.
g) The safety measures, as above, continue to be in force until the work is completed.

10.5.3 Procedure for returning line clear and all clearances should be on proforma as
per Annexure III:

a) On completion of the work, the materials, tools, etc., of the persons under their
control are immediately removed and made clear of the equipment under clearance.
b) The clearance is surrendered for cancellation to the issuing officer immediately after
the action referred to under (a) above is completed and necessary entries made in
the log book or the register maintained for this purpose.
c) Where any change which may affect the operation of the equipment or the line have
been made, this shall be clearly brought to the notice of the officer issuing the
clearance while surrendering the clearance and written in the log book or the register
maintained.

10.5.4 Procedure for taking and returning clearance by telephone should be, on the
proforma as per Annexure V.

Whenever it is necessary to request issue or return of the clearance by telephone, the

following procedure shall be adopted by the parties concerned.

a) All authorized Persons shall be given a telephone message and before requesting
clearance they shall fill the particulars of the request as per provisions of the
prescribed form (Appendix I) in the telephone message book. In case of surrender of
a clearance, they shall make relevant entries in their copies of the permit-to-work,
sanction-for-test, as the case may be.
b) The person requesting action shall then get into telephone communication with the
person concerned on the other side. Before giving or taking any message, each
person shall identify himself by sub-station, his name and designation and code
number and shall ensure that his identity is clearly known to the other party.
c) The person requesting action shall read out the entries made by him in the message
book or the clearance form concerned, as the case may be, and the Senior
Authroised Person shall enter the same in the relevant form, station log or the
register maintained and read back the same to confirm the accuracy of the entries.
d) The Senior Authorised Person shall then record his orders at the appropriate place
and read the same over telephone to the person requesting action, who in turn, shall
make a word-to-word entry in his telephone message book and read the same back
to confirm the accuracy of his entries.

10.6 Procedure for issuing clearance to other Department or Agencies:

10.7 The clearance shall be issued not only to the staff of the supply undertakings but also
to the staff of other departments, contractors, engineers etc., who may be required to work
adjacent to live electrical mains and apparatus.
10.8 The register books wherein the clearances are recorded, should be treated as
important records. These shall be kept by the person-in-charge of operation in his safe
custody.
 CHAPTER XI

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

11.1 This chapter deals with the major protective equipment and tools used generally in the
operation and maintenance of electrical equipment and lines.

11.2 General Requirements:

11.2.1 The undertaking shall provide adequate and approved types of tools and protective
equipment for each job and it shall be the duty of the Supervisor/Officer-in-charge to explain
the proper use of such tools and equipment to the workmen.

11.2.2 Employees shall use standard tools and protective equipment intended for each job.
Each piece of equipment shall be examined by the employee before and after its use. If any
equipment is found defective, the employees shall notify the Supervisor of all defects and
such equipment shall not be used.

11.2.3 Inspection, testing and maintenance of tools shall be done as specified in Appendix I.

11.3 Rubber Gloves, Gauntlets, Clothes etc.

11.3.1 Rubber goods/boots shall never be used as protection on circuits having a voltage in
excess of 3000 V to ground of 5000 V phase to phase.

11.3.2 Rubber gauntlets shall be used when:

a) working on or near live voltage not exceeding 5000 V phase to phase,

b) Using operation rods,
c) Opening and closing isolators,
d) Attaching or detaching leads when using a portable telephone set,
e) Working on street light circuits,
f) Removing the temporary earthing rods from the lines; and
g) When the Supervisor/Officer-in-charge may consider it necessary.

11.4 Linemen’s Belts:

11.4.1 Employees working on poles or structures over 3 metres from ground, except when
working on platforms shall use linemen’s belts. The belts may be equipped with leather
straps or pockets for carrying tools. Chains and wire hooks shall not be used for this
purpose.

11.4.2 Safety straps, when in use, shall be passed around the pole and not around the cross
arms, pins or braces.

11.4.3 Employees using the lineman’s belts shall be fully conversant with the following:

i)Proper and correct method of fixing the belt.

ii)Proper and correct method of removing the belt
iii)The correct slackness to be provided to give perfect safety combined with the
maximum freedom of movement while moving up and down the pole and shifting
position.
11.5 Ladders:

11.5.1 Procedure for use of ladders:

a) A ladder shall not be placed on slanting oily, slippery or on vibrating footing unless
the ladder is held by another person or securely fastened to prevent it from slipping
or twisting.
b) Base of the ladder should not be placed less than quarter of the length of the ladder
from the supporting surface and not more than half the length of the ladder.
c) The overlapping of section for extension ladders should be sufficient to prevent
collapse of extension.
d) Ladders placed near doors or in passage ways should be protected against being
struck by doors or traffic.
e) While going up or down a ladder, always face the ladder and use both hands for
climbing.
f) Several workmen should not climb the ladder at the same time.
g) Ladders must not be used on walk ways or roadways exposed to the traffic unless
there is a guard stationed on either side to prevent the traffic approaching the ladder.
h) A ladder should be held by one person preferably at all occasions at the ground level,
when another is climbing or descending.
i) Ladders should be securely positioned before using.

11.6 Hand Tools:

11.6.1 Many accidents result from improper use of tools and use of defective tools and
equipment. Employees should only those tools and equipment, which are in good condition
and only for the purpose for which they are designed.

11.6.2 Tools, which develop defects while in use, should be removed from services.

11.6.3 Impact tools such as chisels, drills, hammer and wedges with mushroomed heads,
should not be used until they have been reconditioned.

11.6.4 Hammers, axes, shovels, and similar tools should not be used if handles are loose,
cracked or splintered.

11.6.5 Defective wrenches, such as open and adjustable wrenches with spread jaws or pipe
wrenches with dull teeth shall not be used.

11.6.6 Pipe or other extensions should not be used on wrench handle to increase the
leverage unless the wrench is specifically designed for such an extension.

11.6.7 Metal foot rules or metal reinforced measuring tapes shall not be used near live
electric equipment.

11.6.8 Portable electric tools should be provided with a cable having earth wire permanently
connected to the tool frame and approved socket at the other end.

11.6.9 Only insulated cutting pliers and screw drivers shall be used for live work on low and
medium voltage equipment.

11.7 Goggles and Eye Shields:

11.7.1 Employees shall wear approved types of goggles or eye-shields wherever there is
danger from harmful radiation, fumes and flying particles.
11.7.2 Goggles or eye-shields may be used for performing the following operations:

i) Welding or cutting
ii) Chipping and grinding
iii) Handling hazardous chemicals
iv) Painting and scrapping
v) Cleaning with compressed air, sand blasting, etc.
vi) Operating cut-outs and fuses
vii) Handling molten metals
viii) Operating lathes, drilling at a height more than 2 m, from ground.

11.8 Operating Rods:

11.8.1 Employees shall use approved type of operating rods when required for the following
operations:

a) Applying or removing disconnecting switches, transformer cut-outs, replacing fuse-

holders etc.
b) Placing or removing caution notices and tags on leads of disconnecting switches

11.9 Hand lines:

11.9.1 All rods, protective equipment and light material shall be raised or lowered by means
of hand lines or canvas pockets. No tool should be tossed up or down.

11.9.2 Hand line shall be at least twice as long as the highest point of suspension of the
work in hand.

11.9.3 Hand line should be of fibre or nylon rope. It should not have wire reinforcement.

11.9.4 Hand line shall not be left lying on the street or road and shall not be used for
meshing or scaffolding or for handling heavy material or equipment.

11.9.5 Hand line shall be kept dry, free from oil, coiled and free from kinks and knots.

11.10. Head Shields:

Head Shields should be worn when working in an area, where structural and civil work is in
progress overhead.
 CHAPTER XII

TEMPORARY EARTHING

Synopsis:

12.1 This chapter covers the detailed procedure for providing temporary earths while
carrying out operation and maintenance works on the already existing lines or construction
of new lines for the protection of workmen and property.

12.2 Temporary earths:

12.2.1 Temporary earths are those applied at the actual location of the work during repair or
construction of installations for the protection of workmen and property.

12.2.2 Following features of temporary earthing equipment shall be kept in view by persons
using it.

a) Earthing devices shall be of approved types, comprising properly designed clamps

attached to insulated sticks of sufficient lengths to enable the clamps to be securely
clamped to the conductors being earthed without an employee’s hand approaching
closer than the minimum safe working distances stated in paragraph 13.1.5 (e).
Each such line clamp is to be connected by a flexible copper earthing lead or of
equivalent copper section of aluminum cable to an adequate earth clamp or other
device for attaching to a permanent connection or to a temporary earthing spike.
b) All earthing jumpers shall be of annealed bare and stranded copper equivalent
aluminum conductor. Earthing leads for use at sub-stations and lines shall have a
cross section of atleast 0.645 sq.cm. (o.1 sq. inch) copper equivalent.
c) Earthing connections shall be continuous.
d) Electrodes for installation of temporary earths shall be of iron or steel rods at least
1.905 cm (3/4”) in diameter and 1.524 meters (5 ft.) in length. These shall have clear
metal surfaces free from rust or any coating of point or any other poor conducting
material and be driven to a depth of at least 0.914 meters (3 ft.) in a spot considered
to give good earth.
e) Chain shall not be used for earthing, either temporarily or permanently.
f) All earthing equipment shall be examined by the employees every time before use.

12.3.3 General precautions to be taken in connection with the application of

temporary earths:

a) No electric apparatus or line shall be earthed until all reasonable precautions have
been taken to ensure that it has been disconnected from all sources of supply.
b) The connections for earthing of an apparatus or line shall be applied or removed only
by competent persons.
c) Earthing leads shall be connected to the earth system before being secured to the
conductors.
d) Earthing leads shall not be applied in any cell or compartment in which there is an
exposed live conductor.
e) When it is necessary to cut a line, busbar or loop or to repair a broken conductor or
damaged loop, earths shall be placed on both sides of the work.
f) Before working on underground cables, they shall be disconnected from the source
of energy, discharged and then earthed. To discharge them, use an earthed wire
and make contact with it to each terminal in turn repeatedly.
g) When removing earthing leads they shall be disconnected from the line conductors
first and the earth system last. The removal shall be carried out in a reverse order to
that adopted for the connection of various conductors to earth.
h) All works on dead circuits shall be done between two sets of temporary earths.
i) Earths shall never be attached or removed with bare hands. Rubber gloves,
gauntlets or approved protective equipment shall always be used.
j) In so far as practicable, the person applying the earths on poles and structures shall
maintain his position below the level of conductors to be earthed in order to keep the
body away from any arc that may occur when the earthing device is applied.
k) Employees shall keep off the earth wire.
l) No temporary earths shall be removed from the equipment while the work is in
progress.
m) Employees shall not touch any conductor from which protective earths have been
removed.
n) Earthing of one conductor does not render other conductor safe for work. All phases
shall be earthed even if work is to be carried out only on one phase.
 CHAPTER XIII

SUB-STATIONS AND SWITCHING STATIONS

13.1 General:

13.1.1 Guarding of live apparatus:

(a) Permanent enclosures or other suitable guards shall be provided for all
current carrying parts of electric circuits or equivalent operating at 50 V or
more to ground.
(b) Barriers cutting off access to enclosures within chambers, enclosures
containing the electrical equipments stated above shall normally be kept
locked.
(c) Entry of unauthorized persons to these enclosures should be prohibited.

13.1.2 Switching Operations:

For switching operations on electrical apparatus the following conditions shall be observed:

a) Switches used in isolating apparatus for giving clearance shall have contacts that are
visible or the positions of which can be positively determined by inspection. All
phases of such switches, irrespective of the type, shall be inspected to make sure
that they are all open.
b) If remote electrically operated or mechanically operated switches are used, they shall
be locked or blocked open or a portion of the mechanism shall be removed to
prevent accidental closure.
c) Switching operations in unattended stations and line sectionalizing points for purpose
of clearance shall be done by persons authorized for this purpose.
d) All switching and other operations requiring engineering knowledge or skill shall be
carried out by authorised persons or competent persons acting under the immediate
supervision of authorized persons.
e) Except for an agreed routine switching or switching required in cases of emergency,
no high voltage switching shall be carried out without the sanction of the Senior
Authorised Person.
f) No high voltage earthing switch shall be operated or circuit main earth connection
attached or removed except under the instructions of the Senior Authorised Person.
Where there are feed back possibilities in sub-station, care should be taken to see
that isolators have been kept open and earthed wherever necessary to avoid feed
back of power.

13.1.3 Safety Precautions to be observed during switching operations:

a) Persons performing switching operations on high voltage apparatus shall do so while

using rubber gloves or standing on insulated stools, platforms or rubber mats.
b) When low or medium voltage fuses, which are not in series with circuit breakers, are
to be operated, the attendants shall use rubber gloves, insulated platforms or rubber
mats. Where there is a possibility of arcing in the switching operations, the operator
shall use goggles or eye shields and keep his body as far as possible from the
switch.
c) When replacing a low voltage fuse, which is in series with the switch, the switch shall
first be opened.
 d) Where isolators are in use with circuit breakers, the breakers shall always be opened
before opening the isolators, and conversely when the circuit is being closed, the
circuit breakers shall be closed last.
e) Any abnormality in the condition or operation of any switch shall be reported to the
person in charge.
f) Where there is interlock system to guard against irregular sequence of operation in
switching, the failure of interlock shall not be taken as an excuse for incorrect
operation.

13.1.4 Following incidents and events shall be recorded promptly and accurately in the sub
station log book or the register maintained for this purpose:

a) All switching operations on high voltage switches and their timings with an
explanation or reasons thereof;
b) All clearance orders (i.e. permit-to-work, sanction-for-test) received and issued;
c) Particulars relating to telephonic messages in connection with the operations on high
voltage switches; and
d) Any other even that the undertakings may prescribe.

13.1.5 Working in area containing exposed live HV conductors:

a) A permit to work or sanction for test shall be obtained for all work in areas containing
exposed live high voltage conductors.
b) Adjustments, cleaning and painting of earthed metal enclosures and of structures
may be carried out from ground level by competent persons provided clearances
specified under paragraph 13.1.5 (e) are maintained. Permit to work shall be
obtained for such work when it is to be done from above the ground level.
c) Isolation of electrical apparatus shall include:

i)Isolation from all points from which it is possible for the apparatus to become alive
(e.g. voltage and auxiliary transformers, common neutral earthing equipment),

ii)Locking of circuit breakers, isolators, spout shutters, control handles and safety
devices, wherever such arrangements exist in guaranteed position, and

iii)Locking of all enclosures leading into live sections from the work area to avoid
wrong opening of doors.

d) The section made dead for working shall be only that required for the execution of
the work and it shall be defined by use of barriers, screens and danger boards, etc.,
so that the minimum clearance are maintained. The Section shall be bounded by red
flags as by day and red lights by night.
e) When working on or near exposed live parts, minimum clearances from the nearest
exposed live conductors, to the place of work (e.g. ground level, platform or access
way, which may be required to be used ) shall be:

Rated Voltage Clearance

1. 240/440 V 61.0 cms.

2. Not exceeding 6.6. KV 2.5 Mts.

3. Exceeding 6.6. kV but not 2.75 mts.

exceeding 33 kV
 f) No material or tools shall be carried on the shoulders and long materials and tools
shall be carried in a horizontal position and in a manner to maintain the clearance as
above.

13.2 Work on out-door structures and Bus-Bars:

13.2.1 In isolating the point of work from supply, care shall be taken to disconnect right
points in case of sectionalized, ring and mesh schemes of Bus Bars.

13.2.2 Isolators/switches closing on the section of Bus Bars on which work is to be carried
out shall be locked in open position and the closing mechanism rendered inoperative.

13.2.3 While working on the outdoor structure at a height more than 3 meters from the
ground level, safety equipment such as safety belts, hand line, etc. should be used.

13.2.4 While changing the parallel groove or Tee Clamps of the jumpers between the top
and the bottom Bus, a cradle formed out of (3/4”) 20 mm Manila or nylon rope should be
used and the safety belt connected to a tie rope passed over Pulley Block, the other end of
the rope being held by at least two persons at the ground level.

13.2.5 No person shall stand directly below the place of work when the work is in progress in
the outdoor structure to avoid any tools or bolts or nuts or clamps etc. falling on their heads.

13.2.6 PVC helmets should be invariably used while working on the outdoor structures, both
by the men stationed at the ground and those on the structures.

13.3 Work on Power Transformers:

13.3.1 A permit-to-work or sanction-for-test shall be obtained for all work on sub station
transformers, as detailed in Chapter X.

13.3.2 For isolation purposes, both the primary and secondary voltage switches and
isolators shall be opened. Similarly, when isolating transformers to which voltage
transformers are connected, the voltage transformers shall be isolated and the low voltage
fuses withdrawn to prevent the possibility of the transformer being made live through the
synchronizing or voltmeter plug.

13.3.3 Transformers shall be isolated from all common neutral earthing equipment from
which it may become alive. This does not require the disconnection of solidly earthed
neutrals or neutral equipment connected solely to the transformer on which work is to be
done.

13.3.4 Before commencing any work on transformers, the transformer winding should be
discharged to ground. In case the transformer is isolated from the supply by a single point of
disconnections, e.g. fuse disconnects, the transformer shall be safeguarded by shorting the
fuse terminals together and connecting them to ground before commencing any work. A
neutral ground of the transformer should never be accepted in place of grounding of fuse
terminals as required above.

13.3.5 Transformers without conservators shall be treated as if the space above the oil level
contains highly explosive gas and therefore the space shall be suitably ventilated before
entering the tank.

13.3.6 Open flames or inadequately protected portable lamps shall be kept away from the
manhole and smoking shall not be permitted when working on or in the transformers.
13.3.7 Persons working in the transformers shall not carry any loose articles like key
bunches in their pockets and persons working in or on the top transformers shall not keep
any loose tools with them.

13.4 Work on Circuit breakers:

13.4.1 For isolation purposes it shall be ensured that:

a) Disconnecting switches on both sides, control switches or control fuses, relay trip
blocking switches and compartment doors are open.
b) Mechanical blocking, when necessary to prevent unauthorized movement of the
mechanism is installed.
c) In cases where there are no disconnecting switches between the transformer winding
terminals and the circuit breakers, the transformer should be isolated.
d) In oil circuit breakers trip free feature should be blocked.

13.4.2 Following additional precautions shall be taken in relation to work on minimum oil type
circuit breakers:

a) With the exception of control cabinet, all parts of the circuit breaker shall be
considered as alive.
b) As the operating springs are under tension in both the open and close position of the
breaker, extreme care shall be taken when adjusting the operating mechanism to
avoid accidental operation.
c) Where possible, when working on contacts of these breakers, the spring tension
should be completely released and the control circuit opened at the breaker.
d) Where breakers are operated hydraulically, care should be taken to see that motor
circuit is kept open so that the hydraulic pressure does not build up by operation of
the hydraulic pump, coupled to the driving motor. The DC supply to the Marshalling
boxes shall be cut off so that closing circuit remains inoperative due to absence of
DC supply.

13.4.3 In case the circuit breaker is not closing electrically by remote operation due to some
fault in the wiring, manual closing maybe resorted to, after making sure that the fault has
been cleared.

13.5 Work on Instrument Transformers:

13.5.1 The body of all instrument transformers shall be earthed.

13.5.2 In handling instrument circuit the secondary of a current transformer shall not be
opened while it is alive.

13.5.3 Before any work is carried out on an instrument or other device in a current
transformer secondary circuit, the device shall be bridged with jumpers so that the circuit can
not be opened at the device. The circuit shall never be opened at meter connections until it
has been bridged elsewhere.

13.5.4 Potential transformers secondary shall never be short-circuited.

13.5.5 Low voltage windings of the potential transformers shall always have one side
permanently and effectively earthed.
13.6 Work on metal clad switchgear & control panel:

13.6.1 While working on manually operated panel mounted circuit breakers when the
operating handle is on the front and the circuit breaker is on the rear of switchgear or on the
another panel, a danger notice shall be placed on the handle.

13.6.2 When the work is to be carried out on Bus Bar spouts, the following operations shall
be carried out:

a) The section of bus bars on which the work is to be carried out shall be made dead
and shall be isolated from all points of supply.
b) The isolating arrangements and the shutters of live spouts shall be locked so that
they cannot be operated.
c) Where duplicate switches in one tank or on load bus bar isolators are installed and it
is impossible to isolate them from all points of supply, then all switches and selectors
that could be closed on the bus bars on which work is to be carried out, shall have
their mechanism locked in the open position and the closing mechanisms shall be
made inoperative.
d) The bus bar shall be earthed with approved earthing equipment at a panel other than
at which work is to be done on the isolated section of the bus bar.

13.7 Work on Lightning Arresters:

13.7.1 No work shall be done on lightning arresters including its earth wire unless it is
disconnected from the live circuit and earthed at both the line and earth terminals.

13.7.2 The body or shields of oxide film on the lightning arresters must never be touched
while arresters are energised.

13.7.3 High voltage lightning arresters, which are accessible, shall be provided with suitable
screens or fences against possible contact while the arresters are alive. The gate of the
screens shall be kept locked and the keys under safe custody with the operator on duty.

13.8 Work on Storage Batteries:

13.8.1 While preparing electrolyte, always add acid to water and not water to acid.

13.8.2 Smoking, open flame or the use of tools or any other devices that are liable to cause
sparks, shall be avoided in storage battery rooms.

13.8.3 When handling acid or batteries workmen shall use proper tools and lifters. Workmen
shall always wear gloves and rubber aprons.

13.8.4 Electric storage battery jars and cells unless composed of glass, hard rubber or other
insulating material, shall be mounted on insulating supports.

13.9 Work on Underground Cables:

13.9.1 For isolation of cables open at least one set of disconnecting switches or fuses in
every source through which the cables can be made alive including leads to the cables of
potential transformers, then discharge the cable to earth.

13.9.2 Cable route indicators should be provided and cable route records maintained to
assess correctly the particulars of all underground cables in the vicinity of the faulty cable.
13.9.3 Use of sharp edged crow bars or pick axes to be avoided while excavating the earth
to locate the faulty cable.

13.9.4 All cables in the vicinity of the fault area shall be exposed and identified to establish
the identity of the faulty cable.

13.9.5 Before high voltage cable is cut, the Senior Authorised Person shall make definite
checks to identify the cable to ensure that the cable has been made dead and earthed. He
shall then spike the cable in an approved manner at a point where the cut is to be made.

13.9.6 Before any high voltage joint or chamber is to be opened in circumstances where it is
not desirable to spike the cables entering the joint or chamber, the Senior Authorised Person
shall satisfy from cable route records and if necessary by approved tests that the joint or
chamber is associated with the particular cable which has been made dead and on which it
is safe to work.

13.9.7 Employees shall not step on live cables even though they are insulated and enclosed
in a lead sheath. Tools and material shall not be rested against the sheath of the cable.

13.10 Work on Fuse- High/Medium/Low Voltages:

13.10.1 No work on high voltage fuses shall be taken up when the circuit is alive.

13.10.2 Replacement of high voltage fuses shall be done by authorized persons only.

13.10.3 Before starting work checks shall be made with approved apparatus to ensure that
the fuse contacts are dead and the isolators are in fully opened position on the three phases.

13.10.4 Work shall not be started unless:

a) All the three phases are shorted and earthed on either side of the fuse.
b) Proper barriers are erected against adjacent live equipment

13.10.5 Following precautions would be taken while working on low/medium voltage fuses:

a) Persons checking up the work on fuses shall wear approved gloves while handling
fuses. Eyes shall be protected against possible flash by wearing goggles, or by
turning head and shielding eyes and face.
b) In case where the fuse is in series with the disconnecting switch, the switch shall be
opened before replacement of the fuse.
c) Where necessary, the neutral line shall be withdrawn after all phase fuses have been
withdrawn and replaced first. Then all the phase fuses put in.

13.11 Work on Pole Mounted Sub-Station (Distribution Transformers)

13.11.1 The following precautions shall be observed in case of carrying out work on the pole
mounted sub stations (i.e. distribution transformers):

a) The work shall be carried out under a permit-to-work; as detailed in Chapter X.

b) Before changing or replenishing oil, or painting all exposed live parts of the
transformers shall be disconnected.
c) While working on poles, which have lightning arresters, installed on them, the
workmen shall avoid touching lightning arresters and the lightning arrester ground
wire.
d) Open flame shall not be brought near an open transformer.
 CHAPTER XIV

SUB-TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION LINES

14.1 Work on single or multiple circuit overhead lines with all conductors dead:

14.1.1 Before any person is allowed to carry out the work of repairs or modifications or
cleaning of any single or multiple circuit overhead lines with all conductors dead, the
following operations shall be carried out in strict sequences:

a) The line or lines shall be:

i) Switched out at all points of supply.

ii) Isolated from all points of supply, including voltage and auxiliary transformers and
common neutral earthing equipment from which the lines may become alive.

b) The conductor shall then be:

i) Discharged to earth.
ii) Efficiently connected to earth at all points of isolation from the supply, excluding low
and medium voltage connections but including points of isolation from common
neutral earthing equipment where applicable, or between such points and points of
work.

14.2 Work on overhead Lines:

14.2.1 Before any work is taken on overhead lines, the leader of the working party shall
ensure that each person who is to work on the poles, towers conductors or other
components is clearly informed and thoroughly understands on which components the work
is to be carried out.

14.2.2 All persons while at work on towers, poles and high structures shall make proper use
of their safety belts and no man work alone at any high structure. Before any pole is
climbed, it shall be sounded and no pole, the conditions of which is doubtful, shall be
climbed without the permission of the leader of the working party.

14.2.3 Safety straps shall not be placed above the top cross arm when it is at the top of the
pole.

14.2.4 Broken insulators or other sharp edged material shall not be left in vacant plots or in a
location where the hazard of cutting feet would be caused for men.

14.2.5 When stringing wires across streets and highways, avoid interfering with traffic or
causing injury to workmen or pedestrian. Danger signs shall be erected on both sides of the
work site and where conditions warrant, flagman shall be stationed.

14.2.6 Each working party shall be provided with a set of suitable earthing or discharging
rods and the leader of the working party shall satisfy himself that the line conductors are
discharged to earth by attaching the earthing rods near the point where he is to work.

14.2.7 No work shall be begun on any high voltage overhead line unless the temporary
earths have been attached at the point or points where work is to be carried out and short
circuited at a point on each side of the section of the line on which the work is to be carried
out.
14.2.8 No employee shall work on any electrical line which is live at more than 250 V to
earth unless he is authorized to carry out such work and unless he is accompanied by a
person competent to assist him.

14.2.9 In the event of the near approach of lightning storm, all work on overhead lines shall
cease immediately and the employees concerned shall descend from the towers and poles
and shall keep clear of the line until the danger has passed.

14.2.10 When two or more linemen are ascending a pole or structure, the second man
should not start climbing until the first man is in a safe position or when descending the
lower man should reach the ground first before the other man starts descending.

14.2.11 The staff stationed at ground for helping the man at the top of structure or pole
should not stay right below the place of work to avoid any tools, bolts, nuts etc. falling
accidentally on their head. As a protection it is preferable that all the work men use PVC
Helmets.

14.3Telephone lines run on the supports of power lines:

14.3.1 The following general precautions shall be observed:

a) Every telephone line supported on poles carrying high voltage lines shall for the
purpose of working thereon be deemed to be of high voltage electric line and every
person working on these telephone lines shall take precautions similar to those
provided under para 14.1.1.
b) When working on telephone lines supported on poles carrying medium and low
voltage lines, the employee shall avoid contact with the supply line and grounded
metal fixtures in the case of wood poles.
c) Temporary earths shall be installed on both sides of the point of work when repairing
a snapped telephone line.

14.3.2 The following precautions shall be observed in connection with the use of portable
telephone:

a) Portable telephone sets shall not be used on circuits known to carry excessive
voltage unless specially designed for this purpose.
b) While operating portable telephone set, an employee shall stand on an insulated
platform or rubber insulation mat to protect himself against leakage of induced
voltage on communication equipment.
c) While speaking, the employees shall not touch any metal frame of the telephone
equipment to avoid the risk of electric shock due to leakage or discharge of high
induced voltage.

Note: The telephone apparatus is especially hazardous when the transmission lines are
energized or de-energised and during electric storm and should not be connected on all the
telephone lines.
 CHAPTER XV

TREATMENT OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

15.1 General:
It must be remembered:

I) Act at once-delay is Fatal.

ii) Death from Electric Shock is rarely instantaneous.
iii) Heart Fibrillations (Heart Muscle Tremors) persist as long as 30 minutes after an
Electric Shock. Therefore life can be saved by immediate Artificial Respiration.
iv) Send for but never wait for a Doctor.
v) Continue Artificial Respiration for four hours after apparent death.

15.2 Release from Contact:

Switch off current immediately or send someone to do so. Do not attempt to remove a
person from contact with high voltage unless suitable articles insulated for the system
voltage are used for this purpose. When attempting to force a person from contact with low
or medium voltage, use rubber gloves, boots, mat or insulated stick, but if these are not
available, use a loop of rope, cap or coat to drag the person free. Whatever is used should
be dry and non-conducting.

15.3 After Release:

As soon as the victim is clear of the conductor, rapidly feel with your finger in his mouth and
throat, and remove any foreign matter (tobacco, false teeth etc.). Then bring artificial
respiration. Do not stop to loosen the victim’s clothing, as every moment of delay is
serious.

Keep the patient warn.

15.4 Artificial Respiration:

15.4.1 The various methods of artificial respiration usually adopted are described below for
general information only, and are not meant to replace the method actually followed in the
area concerned in accordance with Rule 44 of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956.

15.4.2 Schafer’s method is the most common method used for artificial respiration and has
been described in 15.5. There are some other methods of artificial respiration described
in15.6 to 15.11 also in use. In recent years, many countries have changed over to more
efficient ones, though Schafer’s method has the merit of being the least exhausting to
perform and not require the use of any apparatus or appliances.

15.4.3 The first action the rescuer should take as he reaches near the victim is to disengage
him from the live circuit. The instructions given in different methods of artificial respiration
should be followed, even if the patient appears dead.

If the mouth is tight shut, pay no more attention to it until later. Do not stop to loosen the
patient’s clothing, but immediately begin actual resuscitation. Every moment of delay is
serious.

15.4.4 All concerned should be advised to study and practice under proper guidance as
many methods of artificial respiration as possible.
15.5 Schafer’s Prone Pressure Method:

15.5.1 This method is illustrated in Fig.11.

Lay the patient on his belly, one arm extended directly overhead, the other arm bent at
elbow and with the face turned outward and resting on the second hand or forearm, so that
the nose and mouth are free for breathing (see position 1, Figure 11).

15.5.2 Kneel, straddling the patient’s thighs, with your knees placed at such a distance from
the hip bones as will allow you to assume position 1 shown in Fig.11. Place the palms of the
hands on the small of the back with fingers resting on the ribs, the little finger must touch the
lowest rib, with the thumb and fingers in a natural position, and the tips of fingers just out of
sight.

15.5.3 With arms held straight, swing forward so that the weight of your body is gradually
brought to bear upon the patient. The shoulder should be directly over the heel of the hand
at the end of the forward swing (see position 2 Fig.11). Do not bend your elbows. This
operation should take about two seconds.

Note: Pressure should not be excessive and should be suited to the size and body structure
of the patient. Pressure should be applied gradually and not suddenly. Now
immediate swing backward so as to completely remove the pressure.

After 2 seconds, swing forward again, thus repeat deliberately twelve to fifteen times a
minute the double movement of compression and relaxation, a complete respiration in 4 to 5
seconds.

15.5.4 As soon as this artificial respiration has been started and while it is being continued,
an assistant should loosen any tight clothing about the patient’s neck, chest or waist. Keep
the patient warm. Do not give any liquids whatever by mouth until the patient is fully
conscious.

15.5.5 To avoid strain on the heart when the patient revives, he should be kept lying down
and not allowed to stand or sit up. If the doctor has not arrived by the time the patient has
revived, he should be given some stimulant, such as one teaspoonful of aromatic spirit of
ammonia in a small glass of water, or a hot drink of coffee or tea, etc.

15.5.6 A brief return of natural respiration is not a certain indication for stopping the
resuscitation. Not infrequently, the patient after a temporary recovery of respiration, stops
breathing again. The patient should be watched and, if natural breathing stops; artificial
breathing should be resumed at once.

15.5.7 In carrying out resuscitation, it may be necessary to change the operator. This
change should be made without losing the rhythm of respiration. By this procedure no
confusion results at the time of change of operator and a regular rhythm is kept up.

15.6 Silverter’s Method (Arm-Lift Chest Pressure Method):

15.6.1 This method is illustrated in Fig.III. The patient is laid on his back. His arms are
grasped above the wrists and drawn first upward and then above the head until they touch
the floor. Then they are brought back to the chest and pressure is exerted in a downward
direction. The main defect of this method is that the tongue which is boneless mass of
muscle, having lost its tone due to lack of respiration, tends to fall back and block the wind
pipe in about 50% of the cases, causing a choke. So, a second operator has to pull out the
tongue and hold it so. But sometimes no second man may be available. If, however, a large
thick paid is placed behind the shoulders, so that the head lies dangling downwards, the
tongue does not seem to obstruct.
15.7 Eve’s Rocking Method:

15.7.1 This method is illustrated in Fig.IV. In this method the patient is placed prone on a
stretcher and his hand tied to its frame. He is rocked by tilting the stretcher 45 degree up
repeatedly. Such special rocking stretchers are unlikely to be available readily. It may,
however, be possible to use light two wheeled handcarts for the purpose and method is
worth trying. In the case of children, this method is very easy to apply. The operator (See
Fig. IV) stands holding the child in his hands and rocks in this manner. It has been claimed
that the rocking which is peculiar to this method induces greater circulation of blood in the
body and brain helping earlier recovery.

15.8 Hip-Lift Backpressure Method:

15.8.1 Though this method has the draw back that it is the most exhausting to the operator
and difficult to apply if the victim is heavy, it is useful when the victim has been injured in the
upper part of the body- chest, neck, shoulders or arms, or where due to lack of space, it is
difficult to use the arm-lift back-pressure method.

15.8.2 Place the victim prone with his face on one side and resting on the back on one hand,
which is bent at the elbow. The other arm is extended so that the hand is above the head.
Straddle the victim at the level of his hips, kneel on one of your knees and put your other
foot on the ground near his hip opposite the kneeling knee.

15.8.3 Place your hands on the middle of his back just between the shoulder blades with
your fingers spread downwards and outwards and thumbs nearly touching. Now rock
forward and allow the weight of your body to exert slow, even pressure down wards till
resistance is met.

15.8.4 Release the pressure quickly, remove your hands from the victims back, rock
backwards and slip your fingers under-neath the hip bones (not waist). Lift his hip 10 to 15
cms. Keeping your arms straight and not bending your elbows to facilitate lifting. This lifting
causes air to be sucked into the lungs.

15.8.5 Lower the victim’s hips thus completing the full cycle. There should be about 12
cycles per minute. If a second man is available, he can relieve the first operator after one of
the lift phases.

15.9. Arm-Lift Back-Pressure Method:

15.9.1 This is called Nielson’s method in Denmark and has been modified by Professor
Drinker of USA. The modified method is illustrated in Fig. V. The victim lies prone with both
arms folded and hands resting, one on the other, under his head. The arms are grasped
above the elbow and lifted until firm resistance is met. This induces active inspiration. Then
they are let down and pressure applied on the back to cause active expiration.

15.9.2 The movement in this method follows the sequence given below:

a) Position 1- Place victim prone (that is, face down) with his arms folded with one palm
on the other and cheek resting on them. Kneel on one or both knees at victim’s head.
Place your hands on the victim’s back beyond the line of armpits, with your fingers
spread outwards and downwards, the thumbs just touching each other.
b) Position 2- Then gently rock forward keeping arms straight until they are nearly
vertical thus steadily pressing the victim’s back. This completes expiration.
c) Position 3- Synchronizing the above movement, rock backwards, releasing pressure
and slide your hands down wards along the victim’s arms and grasp his upper arms
just above the elbows. Continue to rock backwards.
 d) Position 4- As you rock back, gently raise and pull the victim’s arm towards you, until
you feel tension in his shoulders. This expands his chest and results in respiration.
To complete the cycle, lower the victim’s arms and move your hands up for initial
position.

15.9.3 This method is considered to be the best, being most effective, easy to teach and
fairly easy to perform.
15.10 Pole-top Method:

15.10.1 This illustrated in Fig. VI. When a person receives electric shock it is most important
that the artificial respiration is started without any loss of time whatsoever. Indeed, the non-
neglect of the first few minutes is so necessary that in the USA, where a good deal of live
line work is done, a method of artificial respiration, called the Pole-top method, has been
developed. The victim of the shock will be hanging by his safety belt and the rescuer
ascends the pole, supports the victim astride his own safety belt and rhythmically
compresses the victim’s abdomen with both hands while he is being lowered to the ground.
He is then changed on to one of the more effective methods. Several cases of successful
operation of this method have reported. The need for not wasting any time whatsoever in
starting artificial respiration cannot, therefore, be over emphasized.

15.11 Mouth-to Mouth Method:

15.11.1 This method is illustrated in Fig. VII. Place victim on his back. Place his head
slightly downhill, if possible. A folded coat or similar object under victim’s shoulders will help
maintain proper position. Tilt head back, so that the chin points straight upwards.

15.11.2 Grasp victim’s jaw as illustrated in Fig. VII (see position 1) and raise it upward until
lower teeth are higher than upper teeth; or place fingers on both sides of jaw near ear lobes
and pull upwards. Maintain jaw position throughout resuscitation period to prevent tongue
from blocking air passage.

15.11.3 Take a deep breathe and place your mouth over victim’s mouth (see position 2, Fig.
VII) making airtight contact. Pinch the victim’s nose, shut with thumb and forefinger or close
nostrils by pressing your cheek against them. If you hesitate at direct contact, place a
porous cloth between you and victim. If an infant, place your mouth over its mouth and
nose.

15.11.4 Blow into victim’s mouth (gently if an infant) until his chest rises. Remove your
mouth to let him exhale turning your head to hear out rush of air. First 8 to 10 breaths
should be rapid as victim will respond, thereafter, rate should be slowed to about 12 times a
minute (20 times if an infant).

15.11.5 Things to remember:

a) If air can not be blown in, check position of victims head and jaw and recheck mouth
for obstructions, then try again more forcefully. If chest still does not rise, turn
victim’s face down and strike his back sharply to dislodge obstructions.
b) Sometimes air enters victim’s stomach, evidenced by swelling of stomach. Expel air
by gently pressing down on stomach during exhalation period.

15.12 Duration of Movements:

15.12.1 In all the methods, the rate of a complete respiratory cycle is 12 to 15 per minute.
When the victim begins to breathe of his own accord, the operation should be synchronized
with the natural breathing and continued until he breaths strongly.

15.13 Advisability of Learning Alternative Methods:

15.13.1 It is advisable that all concerned know, how to apply more than one good method,
since, when there are injuries due to fall or burn, certain methods may not become capable
of application. Next to the Arm-Back-Pressure Method, the Hip-Lift Back Pressure Method is
the best and may adopted. The Rocking Method may also be learnt and used in special
cases.
 ANNEXURE I

………………………………………………State Electricity Board

REQUEST FOR CLEARANCE

……………………………………………………………………………………………
(Name of the Authority)

From………………………………………………………………………………………..
(Particulars of the person making request)

To…………………………………………………………………………………………..
(Particulars of Senior Authorised Person)

1. Exact Description of work

2. Exact description/designation (i.e. Sl. No. or name allotted to feeder, etc.) of the
apparatus to be worked upon

Name of person I/C of work……………………………………………………………

Date and time of working:

From………………………………………………………………….a.m./p.m.

To…………………………………………….a.m./p.m. on dt. ………………..

From………………………………………………………………….a.m./p.m.

To…………………………………………….a.m./p.m. on dt. ………………..

Nature of clearance requested………………………………………………………….

Precautions requested ………………………………………………………………………………

…...
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Note: Precautions shall include particulars of neighboring live apparatus required to be

covered for working space, suggestions for provision of safeguards etc.

Signature of applicant
Dated……………
Time…………….
 ANNEXURE II

……………………………………STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD

PERMIT-TO-WORK OR ISSUE OF LINE CLEAR

(Transmission/Distribution-Electrical)

………………………………………………………………………………………………
Name of the Receiving Station/Sub-Station Permit No.

………………………………………………………………………………………………
1. Particulars of the work to be carried out. ………………………….

2. Particulars of the points at which the equipment is ………………………….

Isolated from all live parts (where feasible give key nos.)

3. Particulars of the points at which the equipment is …………………………..

earthed.

4. Particulars of the points where danger notices have been …………………………..

affixed.

5. Special instruction, if any, (i.e. particulars of station …………………………….

Guarantee, any other clearance of the equipment,
Change in time of working, etc.)

6. Particulars of Senior Authorised Person ordering ………………………………

issue of the permit

7. Particulars of the Authorised Person to whom permit …………………………….

is issued.

Certified that we have fully understood the implications of entries, as above, and are aware
of our responsibilities under the Code.

Signature of the Person receiving the permit Signature of the person issuing the permit

Date……………………… Date…………………

Time……………………… Time………………..
 ANNEXURE III

RETURN OF LINE CLEAR OR PERMIT

I certify that the work for which this permit was issued is now* suspended/completed and all
men, material and temporary earths are clear and all men under my charge have been
warned that it is no longer safe to work on the equipment specified in this permit

Signature of the permit-holder

Date…………………

Time…………………

This permit/line clear is hereby cancelled. The line/equipment on which the work was done is
found okay after charging.

Signature of the Permit

Issuing Officer

Date………………

Time……………..

* Delete the word not applicable.

 ANNEXURE IV
……………………………
(NAME OF THE UNDEDRTAKING)

SANCTION-FOR-TEST

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Name of the Receiving Station/Sub-Station Permit No.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. Particulars of the Tests to be carried out. ………………………….

2. Particulars of the points at which the equipment ………………………….

Isolated from all live parts (where feasible give key nos.)

3. Particulars of the points at which the equipment is …………………………..

earthed (these earths may be removed temporarily
without reference to the Senior Authorised Person).

4. Particulars of the points where danger notices have been …………………………..

affixed.

5. Special instructions, if any, (i.e. change in the ……………………………

particulars given in the request for clearance
testing procedure. )

6. Particulars of Senior Authorised Person ordering ……………………………

issue of sanction

7. Particulars of the Authorised Person to whom sanction …………………………….

is issued.

Certified that we have fully understood the implications of entries, as above, and are aware
of our responsibilities under the Code.

Signature of the Person receiving the Signature of the person issuing the
Sanction sanction

Date……………………… Date…………………

Time……………………… Time………………..
 ANNEXURE V

REQUEST FOR CLEARANCE

(BY TELEPHONE)

……………………………………………………………………
(Name of the Undertaking)

From……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(Particulars of the person making request)

Place…………………………………………Telephone No. ………………………………………

..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Code No………………………………………………….

To ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
….
(Particulars of the Senior Authorised Person )

Place ……………………………………………………………………………………………………
…

1. Exact Description of work

2. Exact description/designation (i.e. Sl. No., or name allotted to feeder etc.) of the
apparatus to
be worked upon

3. Name of person I/C of work……………………………………………………………

4. Date and time of working:

From ………….a.m./p.m. To ………….a.m./p.m.

5. Nature of clearance requested ……………………………………………………………………

6. Precautions requested……………………………………………………………………………

7. Message confirmed by……………………………………………………………………………

8. Date and time of giving message ………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Signature of
applicant
(with full designation etc.)
 APPENDIX 1

INSPECTION TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF PROTECTIVE EQIOPMENT AND

TOOLS

1.1 Inspection and Testing of Rubber Equipment:

1.1.1 The following procedures shall be observed for inspection and testing of rubber
equipment:

a) Rubber equipment shall be examined for scratches and abrasions before and after
use. The equipment shall not be used if found defective.
b) Rubber protective shall be tested as below:

i) Rubber gloves shall be tested as per IS: 4770, extracts of which have been furnished
as Appendix II.

ii) Gloves issued for frequent use should be got tested at intervals not exceeding six
months. Date of last test may be preferably stamped on the equipment. A register
may be maintained wherein all these tests are recorded, equipment wise, properly
indexed.

1.2 Preservation of Rubber Equipments:

(a) Rubber equipment shall not be folded or distorted or allowed to come in

contact with sharp objects.
(b) Rubber equipment shall not be exposed to oil or grease.
(c) Rubber equipment shall be kept clean using approved clean methods.
French Chalk shall be used as preservative for storage of the gloves.
(d) Rubber deteriorates rapidly under high temperature. As such, it is preferable
to store rubber equipment in cooler places and when wet, shall be dried
before storage.
(e) Rubber equipment shall not be stored near live apparatus where ionization or
corona may be present as ozone causes rapid deterioration of rubber.
(f) Rubber equipment shall not be stored in bins with blasting explosives or
where blasting explosives have been stored. Nitric acid fumes from the
blasting explosives will cause the rubber to deteriorate.
(g) Rubber equipment should not be stored near batteries or acid stores.

1.3 Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Belts:

1.3.1 The following procedures shall be observed for inspection and maintenance in case of
leather belts and straps:

a) The condition of the leather near the holes, rivets, stitches, buckles, D-links and
snaps, should be inspected periodically.
b) Belts and straps shall not be dropped or thrown from the elevation.
c) Belts and straps shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as blow- torches,
furnaces and other sources of heat.
d) Belts and straps shall be so stored that these do not come in contact with hardware
and sharp objects.
e) Belts and straps shall be given a treatment of oil suitable for the purpose periodically.
f) Belts and straps shall be so stored that they do not come in contact with batteries
and acid stores.
1.4 Inspection and Maintenance of Ladders:

a) All wooden ladders shall be inspected at regular intervals and maintained properly.
b) Portable metal ladders shall not be used unless specifically authorized.
c) Wooden ladders for outdoor use should be given a suitable coating such as colour
varnish or linseed oil. Metallic paint shall not be used on the ladders.
d) When a ladder has fallen or is being struck, it should be carefully inspected for
possible damage, before use.
e) Defective ladders should be destroyed immediately.

1.5 Maintenance of Operating Rods:

The following procedure shall be adopted for the maintenance of operating rods:

a) Operating rods shall be kept as dry as possible and under cover when not in use.
These shall not be dropped or left lying on the ground.
b) Operating rods shall not be dropped from aloft but shall be raised or lowered on a
hand line.
c) Charred operating rods with metal heads reconditioned after flash over shall not be
used.

1.6 Testing of gloves:

The method of testing is described below:

1.6.1 Testing kit:- The oil testing may be used for testing rubber gloves. The capacity of the
kit used should not be less than1/2KVA. It is desirable to use a kit of capacity 2 KVA.

1.6.2 Method of Testing: A suitable metal tank may be filled with water and placed on the
platform of the testing kit where the oil-testing cell is placed. The glove maybe suspended
above the tank from an insulated rod or cross arm insulated for 11 KV (working voltage).
The glove should be filled with water to approximately 2 inches below the edge of the cuff
and a brass chain having a brass ball about 1 inch in diameter at its end should be lowered
into the glove. The rod supporting the glove should then be lowered into the tank containing
water so that the level of water outside and inside the glove is approximately equal. A
milliammeter should be included in the test circuit as shown in the schematic diagram.
Where a milliammeter is not available or where suspected gloves are tested, a current
transformer may be used to set up the leakage current and 0-5 amp. Ammeter used as
shown in Sketch II. Where the latter method is used, the current transformer and 5 amp.
Ammeter should have been previously calibrated with a reliable milliammeter and necessary
corrections applied to the 0-5 amp. ammeter readings to get at the true milliamps.

The voltage should be gradually increased at the rate of 1 kV every 2 seconds until a
maximum of 10 kV is reached which should be maintained for a period of 1 minute. The
leakage current should be noted. All gloves, which have a leakage current in excess of 10
milliamps at 10 kV, should be rejected.

The glove after testing should be dried in the shade, before replacing inside the container.
 APPENDIX II

Extracts from IS: 4770

Code of Practice for maintenance, inspection, re-test and use of Rubber Gloves for
Electrical purposes:

1.Storage:

1.1 Each pair of gloves should be stored unfolded in a separate container in a dry, dark and
cool place where the temperature is preferably about 27 0C ± 20C. Gloves, which have been
issued for service but are not actually in use, should be kept in their containers, which
should not be used for any other purpose, or in such a place that they will not be easily
subjected to mechanical or chemical damage.

2. Issuing for use:

2.1 Gloves intended for linemen and outdoor workers should be issued in a protective
container free from grease and oil, and of a type suited to the class of work for which they
should be used. When the gloves are to be kept in toolboxes, they may be kept in
containers of fibre, wooden or other suitable material in order to protect from sharp tools or
oily rags or clothes. Gloves issued for the sole purpose of emergency use should be kept in
waterproof containers.

3. Examination Before Use:

3.1 Before being used, every glove should be subjected to visual examination inside and
outside (the inside is liable to be cut by finger nails). If, as a result of this examination, either
of the gloves is thought to be unsafe, the pair should be submitted for retest.

3.2 Air Leakage Test: Subject each glove to air leakage test by gripping the cuff in each
hand and swinging the glove around itself so as to roll up the cuff and retain the air. The
glove found defective or suspected to be defective shall not be used.

4. Precautions in Use:

4.1 Gloves should not be unnecessarily exposed to heat or light or allowed to come into
contact with oil, turpentine, motor spirit, or strong acid.

4.2 When protector gloves are used, they should be worn over the rubber gloves. If the
protector gloves become damp, oily, or greasy, they should be removed. Protectors should
be removed from the rubber gloves when these are not in use.

4.3 Gloves become soiled by different materials like dust, insulating compounds, paints,
corrosive products of copper (overhead lines) and occasionally by transformer oil.

4.4 Dust may be removed by washing and brushing with soap and water. Gloves that have
come in contact with copper have to be cleaned carefully by means of washing and
brushing. Gloves thus cleaned should be rinsed thoroughly with clean water and have to be
dried thoroughly by means of heated air (maximum temperature 650C) and dusted with talc
powder.

4.5 For removing insulating compounds, paints and other materials, the gloves should be
quickly wiped with solvents like acetone, carbon tetrachloride or trichloroethylene and then
immediately washed and treated as in 4.4. Petrol, Paraffin or white spirit should not be used
to remove such compounds.

4.6 Any glove, which becomes wet in use, should be thoroughly dried. Where heated air is
blown into the glove, it should not cause the temperature of any glove to exceed 650C.

5 Inspection and Retesting of Gloves:

5.1 Gloves issued for frequent use should be retested at intervals of not more than 6
months. Gloves issued for occasional use should be retested after use or in any case at
intervals of not more than 12 months. Gloves kept in stores should be re-tested at intervals
of not more than 12 months. Surface defects not visible on initial acceptance test and
inspection may develop with use, resulting from the breaking through the surface. All
gloves, which show any defects when returned after use, should be stretched by hand to
ensure that its mechanical strength is adequate. Those, which appear to be in good
condition, should be retested as follows:

a) The gloves are given a single electrical test in accordance with the appropriate test
potential as specified in the table 2 of Indian Standards: 4770.
b) In the retest no glove should break down or show a current leakage in excess of the
maximum specified in the above standard.

Only those gloves that pass this test should be accepted as satisfactory and should then the
treated in the manner described in 4.6 All other gloves should be rejected and destroyed.

6. Salvage:

6.1 When only one glove of a pair is rejected the other, where possible, may be re-mated
with a similar glove of the same size and make; the resulting pair, after retesting, can be
placed in serviceable stock. No glove should be turned inside out for re-mating.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Model code of Safety for Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Central

Electricity Board, Government of India, 1966.
2. Code of Safety Rules, Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board, May 1968.
3. Safety Manual, Maharashtra State Electricity Board.
4. Safety Code, Punjab State Electricity Board, 1971.
5. Safety Manual, Kerala State Electricity Board, 1967
6. Safety Manual, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board
7. Safety Manual, Karnataka Electricity Board.
8. Guide for safety procedure and precautions in electrical works- IS: 5216
9. Central Electricity Safety Rules- Great Britain, U.K.
10. Department of Commerce Safety Code; USA
11. Safety Handbook- Bureau of Reclamation, USA
12. National Building Code of 1970.