Switchgear Safety

Switchgear controls, protects, and isolates electrical equipment on construction sites and in permanent installations.
High voltage (HV) switchgear operates at voltages above 1,000V AC and requires specialist competence to operate.
Arc flash incidents at switchgear can produce temperatures exceeding 19,000°C and blast pressures that cause fatal injuries.
Only authorised and competent persons may operate, maintain, or work on switchgear installations.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require safe systems of work for all switchgear operations.
Switchgear rooms must be kept clean, dry, and free from stored materials that could create fire or access hazards.
HV switching operations require written switching schedules and communication with the distribution network operator.
Personal protective equipment for HV switching includes arc-rated clothing, face shields, and insulated gloves.
Earth switches and safety locks must be applied before any work on equipment downstream of the switchgear.
Inadequate maintenance of switchgear increases the risk of catastrophic failure and arc flash incidents.

Arc flash	Arc flash at switchgear produces extreme heat and blast energy that causes fatal burns and impact injuries.
Electrocution	Direct contact with HV conductors inside switchgear causes instant fatal electrocution.
Legal requirement	The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that only competent persons work on or near switchgear.

Do

Don't

Ensure only authorised persons operate or maintain switchgear installations
Wear arc-rated PPE including face shield, gloves, and flame-resistant clothing for HV operations
Follow the written switching schedule for all HV switching operations
Apply earth switches and safety locks before any downstream maintenance work
Keep switchgear rooms clean, dry, and free from stored materials
Maintain switchgear according to the manufacturer schedule and record all work done
Coordinate HV switching with the distribution network operator where required
Brief all personnel on arc flash hazard boundaries around switchgear installations
Verify isolation using approved instruments before accessing switchgear internals
Report any unusual noises, smells, or visible damage on switchgear immediately

DON'T operate HV switchgear without the required authorisation and competence
DON'T open switchgear panels without arc-rated PPE and a safe system of work
DON'T store materials, tools, or equipment in switchgear rooms or enclosures
DON'T work on downstream equipment until earth switches and locks are applied
DON'T ignore signs of overheating, arcing, or insulation breakdown in switchgear
DON'T carry out HV switching without following the approved switching schedule
DON'T approach switchgear closer than the arc flash boundary without appropriate PPE
DON'T skip scheduled maintenance — deterioration increases the risk of catastrophic failure
DON'T allow water, dust, or vermin to enter switchgear rooms or enclosures
DON'T assume LV switchgear is low risk — it can still produce dangerous arc flash

See also: High Voltage (HV) Safety | Arc Flash Awareness

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