State the sequence of operations to be carried out for working at high voltage.

Working at high voltage requires strict adherence to safety procedures to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The sequence of operations for working at high voltage typically involves the following steps:

1. Risk Assessment and Planning: Before starting work on high-voltage equipment or circuits, conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards, including electrical shock, arc flash, burns, and falls. Develop a detailed work plan that outlines the scope of work, safety precautions, and required PPE.

2. Obtain Authorization and Permits: Obtain proper authorization and permits from management or supervisors before performing work on high-voltage equipment or systems. Ensure that all necessary clearances, lockout/tagout procedures, and isolation measures are in place to de-energize and secure the equipment safely.

3. Equipment Inspection and Testing: Inspect all tools, equipment, and PPE to ensure they are in good working condition and appropriate for the task at hand. Perform pre-use testing and calibration of testing instruments, meters, and protective gear to verify their functionality and accuracy.

4. Establish Boundaries and Barricades: Set up barriers, warning signs, and safety perimeter boundaries around the work area to prevent unauthorized access and protect bystanders from exposure to high-voltage hazards. Use barricades, tape, or barriers to delineate safe zones and keep non-essential personnel at a safe distance.

5. Energize and Test Safety Systems: Before beginning work, verify that all safety systems, emergency shutdown mechanisms, and protective devices are operational and functioning as intended. Test safety interlocks, alarms, and emergency stop controls to ensure they can be activated quickly in case of an emergency.

6. Wear Proper PPE: Don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for working with high voltage, including insulated gloves, arc flash-rated clothing, safety goggles, face shields, and hearing protection. Ensure that PPE is properly fitted, inspected, and worn according to manufacturer guidelines and safety standards.

7. Perform Work Activities: Carry out the planned work activities methodically and systematically, following established procedures and safety protocols. Use insulated tools, equipment, and accessories designed for high-voltage applications to minimize the risk of electrical shock or arc flash incidents.

8. Monitor and Supervise: Maintain constant vigilance and oversight during work activities involving high voltage. Assign a qualified supervisor or competent person to oversee the work and monitor conditions for signs of hazards, abnormal behavior, or unsafe conditions.

9. De-energize and Lockout/Tagout: After completing the work, de-energize the equipment, circuits, or systems and implement lockout/tagout procedures to secure them against accidental re-energization. Follow established protocols for verifying de-energization and releasing lockout/tagout devices.

10. Test and Verify: Test the equipment or circuits to ensure they are functioning correctly and have been restored to normal operating conditions. Conduct post-work testing and verification of electrical systems, insulation resistance, and grounding integrity to confirm safe operation.

11. Cleanup and Documentation: Clean up the work area, remove barriers and barricades, and return tools, equipment, and PPE to their designated storage locations. Document all work activities, safety observations, test results, and incident reports as required by company policies and regulatory requirements.

By following this sequence of operations and adhering to established safety procedures, workers can safely perform tasks involving high voltage and minimize the risk of accidents, injuries, and electrical hazards in the workplace. Regular training, supervision, and ongoing safety awareness are essential for maintaining a culture of safety and preventing incidents when working with high-voltage equipment and systems.