• Can the work be done with the equipment dead?
• Is it absolutely necessary for someone to be working on or near equipment that is live at dangerous voltages or current levels?
• Have suitable precautions been taken to avoid danger and, where necessary, prevent injury?
• Is the person doing the work competent for that type of work, or if not, adequately supervised?
• If not competent, do not interfere with electrical circuits or equipment.

When carrying out electrical work on a third party controlled site, it is vitally important that all parties agree and understand their roles and responsibilities to ensure the activity is appropriately managed.

As a minimum, there should be a clear understanding of who has responsibility/authority for:

• Isolation of all sources of energy
• Testing of equipment and/or systems
• Maintaining records and communication of changes to the system
• Approval of particular stages of the activity/procedure

All electrical tools and equipment, if not installed correctly or used as intended, are potential hazards (fire, shock, burn). Ensure electrical equipment is:

• Regularly maintained and inspected (if supplied by the host site, visually inspect for damage and seek evidence of inspection/testing).
• Free of damage (if damaged, do not use! Report to either Rolls-Royce or host site management as appropriate and quarantine equipment).
• Certified for use in hazardous areas if appropriate (flammable, explosive atmospheres, etc).

Where reasonably practicable, hand held equipment should operate at 110volt or less (with a centre tapped transformer), or use of a 50 volt SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) system. The electrical supply should be protected by an RCD or GFI (Ground Fault Interrupters). Lower voltages may be required in very wet conditions, or confined or conductive spaces.