DC Isolation Strapping Guide

MA

ND

ATORY

EQU

IPMEN

T LIST• This guide• Flame retardant overalls• Electrical gauntlets• Safety goggles• Dry towel• First aid kit • Mobile phone• Safe System of Work (SSOW) pack• Wire brush

• Short Circuit Bar• Short Circuit Straps• Live Line Tester, Proving Unit and spare battery• Non-conductive paddle for removal of ballast• Bag to carry equipment

STRA

PPIN

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EAM

PRE-

STA

RT C

HEC

KSAs the COSS, confirm that you have receivedand verified the SSOW Pack a minimum ofone shift before work starts (pack to includestrap layout diagram).

Check that you have the required equipment and PPE to undertake your role.

Check that all the equipment is in good condition.

Before going to the strapping location you must receive a face to face briefing from the Engineering Supervisor (ES).

1

2

3

4

PRE-START CH

ECKSCheck that you know where the strapping access point is and where the strapping points are relative to the access point. If not sure – ask the ES to show you.

5

DO NOT START WORK WITHOUT THE ABOVE ITEMS

BEING IN PLACE

BEFO

REPL

ACI

NG

STR

APS

Check that the SSOW covers from the access point to the strapping location.

Use the following to confirm that you are in the correct location:a. Access point signageb. SSOW pack (principal source of information)c. Sectional Appendix and Track diagramsd. Mileage posts and chainage markerse. Use a smartphone app (such as Omnicom) but only as a check (remember GPS is not always accurate).

1

2

Before going onor near the line –Confirm you have

been briefed.

STEP

1

STEP

2

Check the condition of your

PPE andequipment.

Check you are wearing the correct

PPE (gauntlets, safety goggles, safety helmet, safety boots and flame

retardant overalls).

STEP

3

STEP

4

Using a wire brush,clean the underside

of the two running railswhere the clamps

are to be fixed.

STEP

5Fix strap torunning rail

FURTHEST from conductor rail and tighten

securely.

STEP

6Fix strap to

running rail CLOSEST to conductor rail and

tighten securely.

Before testing the conductor rail check

the Live Line Tester is working correctly using

the Proving Unit.

STEP

7

1st

2nd

STEP

8 Test that the conductor rail is NOT

live using the Live Line Tester. (Immediately check the Live Line

Tester on the Proving Unit again

afterwards).

STEP

9

Insert the Short Circuiting Bar, shout a warning and

swiftly push down to apply (stand with your back to

the conductor rail and look away).

STEP

10

With the ShortCircuiting Bar still

in position, wire brushthe underside of the

conductor rail.

STEP

11With the Short Circuiting Bar still

in position, push strap under the running rail and conductor rail and

secure tightly to the conductor rail.

STEP

12

Check that all clamps are secured tightly and that the

strap is not creating a trip hazard. Remove the Short Circuiting Bar, pick up the equipment and

exit the site usingSSOW.

Network RailElectrical Control Room (ECR)

Brighton 01273 820050

Canterbury 01227 765977

Eastleigh 02380 728252

Lewisham 020 8694 4400

Paddock Wood 01892 833018

Raynes Park 020 8545 5900

Selhurst 020 8653 6297

IPS IMPO

RTAN

TCO

NTA

CT NU

MBERS

Network Rail – Route Control

Kent 020 7979 3577

Sussex 020 7979 3801

Wessex 020 7979 3901

Network Rail – NSC 24/7Operational Close Call,

incident or accident reporting

01908 723500

IPS

IMPO

RTA

NT

CON

TACT

NU

MBE

RS

LIFESAVIN

G RU

LES

Always be sure the required plans and permits are in place before you start a job, or go on or near the line.

Always use the equipment that is fit for its intended purpose.

Never work or drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Always obey the speed limit and wear a seat belt.

Never use a hand-held or hands-free phone, or programme any other mobile device, while driving.

Always use a safety harness when working at height, unless other protection is in place.

Never enter the agreed exclusion zone, unless directed to by the person in charge.

Never undertake any job unless you have been trained and assessed as competent.

Always test before applying earths or straps.

Never assume equipment is isolated – always test before touch.

WORKING RESPONSIBLY

WORKING WITHELECTRICITY

DRIVING

WORKING WITHMOVING EQUIPMENT

WORKING AT HEIGHT