How to Safely Work with Live Electrical Lines (Hotline Maintenance)?
Based on Section 122 of the National Technical Regulation on Electrical Safety (Promulgated together with Circular 39/2020/TT-BCT in 2020, effective June 01, 2021), the following provisions are stipulated:
122. Working with Live Transmission Lines (Hotline Maintenance)
122.1. For high voltage up to 35 kV:
122.1.1. Workers must be trained, tested, and certified appropriately.
122.1.2. It is prohibited to perform work during rain, in wet conditions, fog, thunderstorms, or wind of level 5 or higher; during darkness or when the workplace is inadequately lit.
122.1.3. Workers must use full personal protective equipment, insulating tools, and suitable insulating specialized equipment.
122.1.4. Automatic reclosure devices must be locked before starting the work.
122.2. For 110 kV voltage level:
122.3. Workers must be trained and instructed according to the equipped devices, processes, and technologies; they must be tested and meet the standards in theory, practice of construction methods, maintenance, and repair of live power grids.
122.3.1. All construction, repair, and maintenance work on live power lines must be surveyed, have construction plans prepared, and be registered with the operating management unit and be issued a work permit.
122.3.2. Before starting work, automatic reclosure devices must be locked and cannot be manually reclosed.
122.3.3. Workers must not wear jewelry or carry personal metal items during the work.
122.3.4. Health checks (body temperature, blood pressure, vision, hearing) must be conducted for the work unit employees on site before starting the work.
122.3.5. At any given time, work unit employees are only allowed to work on one phase.
122.3.6. Workers must not exceed the working load (mechanical load) and the working voltage of the equipment and tools.
122.3.7. Work must not be performed when:
122.3.7.1. It is dark or nighttime, or the workplace is inadequately lit (at the work position, work unit employees must clearly see the nearest live part).
122.3.7.2. The working conditions are unsafe, there is insufficient manpower, there is no direct Commander, no Electrical Safety Supervisor, or personal protective equipment, safety equipment, and tools are incomplete, do not meet quality standards, or are not suitable for the technology process.
Respectfully!
