Re-energising equipment after isolation and maintenance is a critical step that must be carried out safely. Premature or uncontrolled re-energisation has caused fatal injuries when workers were still inside machinery or connected to systems they believed were isolated. A formal re-energisation procedure ensures everyone is clear, all locks are removed, and the equipment is safe to restart.
Key Hazards
Workers trapped inside machinery that is re-energised before they exit
Electrocution from circuits energised before isolation is formally cleared
Mechanical injury from equipment restarting while guards are still removed
Hydraulic or pneumatic pressure releasing unexpectedly on restart
Control Measures
Confirm all maintenance and construction work is complete before starting re-energisation.
Verify that all workers have physically exited the equipment and the work area is clear.
Ensure every personal lock has been removed by its owner from the isolation points.
Replace all guards, covers, and safety devices before re-energisation is authorised.
Carry out a visual inspection of the equipment and surrounding area before restarting.
Warn all personnel in the vicinity that re-energisation is about to take place.
Re-energise in a controlled sequence, testing at each stage before proceeding to the next.
Record the re-energisation on the permit to work or isolation certificate and sign it off.
Never remove another person's lock to speed up re-energisation under any circumstances.
Remember
Confirm all work is complete and every worker has physically left the equipment area
Every personal lock must be removed by its owner before re-energisation can proceed
Replace all guards, covers, and safety devices before authorising equipment restart
Warn all nearby personnel that re-energisation is about to take place
Never remove another person's lock to speed up the re-energisation process
Applicable Legislation: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 · PUWER 1998 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · HSG85 (Electricity at Work: Safe Working Practices)