Tagging Procedures

Master Safety Card

Follow these steps to use a MASTER SAFETY CARD when obtaining a clearance.

Step 1: Employee

  • Submits a completed Switching Request to ECC (see Section A)

Step 2: Operator

  • Prepares Switching Order
    Performs final check and executes the Switching Order. Orders Master Safety Card(s) installed at clearance point(s)

Step 3: Employee

  • Completes switching step as directed by the Operator
    Completes and installs a Master Safety Card for each employee who is to be given a clearance as directed by the Operator

Hot Line Hold Card

  • A Hot Line Hold is required when performing hot line work on energized conductor(s) that are not fuse protected.
  • An employee may request a Hot Line Hold at their discretion when performing hot line work on energized conductors that are fuse protected or when working in close proximity to energized conductors. Weather and other external conditions may influence the ability to issue a Hot Line Hold.

Fuses do not provide Hot Line Hold protection.

Hot Line Hold

Follow these steps to use a HOT LINE HOLD card.

Step 1: Employee

  • Submits a completed Switching Request to ECC (see Section A)

Step 2: Operator

  • Reviews the request and verifies the exact location of the work.
  • Remotely places the SCADA-controlled field device on Hot Line Hold and tags via SCADA OR dispatches a qualified employee/worker to get the field device on Hot Line Hold and tagged.
  • If no field device available, remotely places the substation breaker on Hot Line Hold and tags via SCADA, or dispatches a qualified employee to the site to place the breaker on Hot Line Hold andtag.
  • Notifies the employee that the necessary device is tagged and on Hot Line Hold.

Step 3: Employee

  • Notifies the Operator when the Hot Line Hold is no longer needed.

Step 4: Operator

  • Orders the tag removed in the field and the Hot Line Hold released, restoring the device to previous settings.
    or
    Removes Hot Line Hold and restores SCADA-controlled device to previous settings via SCADA (if applicable.)
  • Logs the information.

Outage Procedure While Holding a Hot Line Hold

This process describes how to report and respond to a station breaker or line recloser which has opened while on Hot Line Work.

Step 1: Employee

  • Immediately notifies the Operator of loss of power while holding a Hot Line Hold.
  • Reports to the Operator if assistance is needed and reports the events which caused the circuit to open, if known.
    Note: It is required that the holder of the Hot Line Hold monitor the radio.
  • States if the line is clear to be reenergized. If clear, the employee shall release the Hot Line Hold.

Step 2: Operator

  • Verifies with the employee that the line has opened. Responds to any assistance needed. Logs information.
  • Confirms if the circuit is ready to be energized. Orders tag to be removed, recloser back to reclose and energizes circuit.
    Note: If the SCADA-controlled protective device relayed open, the Operator should place the device back to reclose operation immediately prior to closing to ensure that the fuse(s) in the field will operate. If the protective device is closed while on Hot Line Hold, (instantaneous relay operation), the device may relay open for a fault behind the fuse(s) or for cold load.
  • If required, re-tag the affected device and re-issue the Hot Line Hold, to the employee.
  • Logs the information

Process when a Hot Line Hold is “not released”

System Hot Line Hold(s) shall be released as soon as the equipment protection is no longer required by the Foreman/Lead Employee, but no later than the end of each work day. System Operating Procedures do not allow for a Hot Line Hold to be left in place overnight unless approved by the ECC Duty Supervisor.

In the event that a Hot Line Hold is “not released” at the end of the work day, the System Operator shall:

  • Attempt to contact the employee (holding the Hot Line Hold) at home to have the Hot Line Hold released by telephone. If unable to make contact with the employee proceed with the following
  • Contact the ECC Duty Supervisor to report the situation.
  • Have a Serviceman patrol the circuit and report the status of the electric system, back to the ECC over the District radio or a recorded telephone line.
  • If the circuit is in an abnormal configuration and the ECC needs the circuit returned to its’ normal configuration for emergency restoration, a District crew will be called out to make the necessary repairs.
  • Have Serviceman/Foreman release the Hot Line Hold over the District radio or recorded telephone line.
  • Provide the ECC Duty Supervisor with all pertinent information so he/she can make contact with the DSM/Superintendent /General Foreman on the next business/work day to report the event. DSM/Superintendent/General Foreman shall make contact with the Foreman/Lead Employee and advise them of the status of the electric system before any further work can proceed.