Protection by safe distance means that all workers ensure that their movements do not reach the live working zone, including parts of the body, tools, and other equipment. Particular care shall be taken when handling long objects, for example cable ends, pipes, ladders etc.
Supervision means that a person is appointed to closely observe the workers, with respect to their safety, and warn when necessary to avoid accident.
The person conducting the supervision may participate in the work activity to the extent that the supervision assignment permits.
When protection by safe distance and supervision is used, this method of working shall at least include:
- the safe distance not less than DL to be maintained taking into account the nature of the work activity and the nominal voltage of the electrical installation,
- the criteria to be adopted for nominating the personnel who may be required to carry out the work activity,
- the procedures to be adopted during the work activity to prevent encroaching into the live working zone.
The person who performs supervision is either PCWA or appointed by PCWA.
Before supervision:
- Receive instruction from PCWA on 1) How the work will be performed, 2) The boundaries of the work location (the live working zone of nearby energized parts),
3) The vicinity zone, 4) How the installation can be disconnected, 5) Wherefrom immediate help can be obtained in case of an accident
During supervision:
- Assure that the safety distance is maintained throughout the entire work activity
- Ensure that the risk management / work instructions are followed
- Ensure that the communication with the PCEI or Delegated PCEI and with the PCWA is responsive and uninterrupted
- Stop the work activity and contact the PCWA, if the work activity cannot be performed as planned
- Ensure that the workers operations are coordinated and that the workers exchange information about their intentions
- When necessary, warn the workers or intervene to avoid accident