Page 1300 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 482

24 September 2015

Distribution Board Labelling

Over the past month we have had four potential incidents reported where the labelling of distribution
boards was so poor or inaccurate that is was not possible to identify which circuit to isolate.

In order to isolate the correct circuit, an electrician had to be called to investigate and identify the
correct circuit.

Identification of the correct protective device is essential in order to ensure the circuit being worked on
is dead. If the board is incorrectly labelled and therefore the wrong circuit is Locked Out and Tagged,
this may not be immediately obvious due to the number of automated lighting controllers common on
sites. i.e. the signage may be currently dead due to the light levels on site, and therefore proving dead at
the sign may be ineffective.

If you are in any doubt about the
distribution board labelling, contact
your line manager so that an electrician
can be identified to identify the circuit.

After Locking Out and Tagging Out
the circuit, always test that cables are
dead before working on them. Even if
cables are dead you should be beware
that labelling or wiring faults could
mean the cable becomes live at random
times. Do not touch the conductor
unless it is absolutely necessary and
you have proven immediately before
touching it that it is dead.

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been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works for
us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
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Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!