How do you manage live work at your site when it comes to heavy equipment live testing?
- We ensure that the area is only set up for 1-2 mechanics. They need to have clear communication at all times.
- Our sites use a combination of magnetic signs and magnetic flashing lights. Each mechanic has a magnetic sign (with their name on it) which needs to be placed in clear view of the equipment boarding/mounting location. A flashing light, on a magnetic base, is then affixed to the front of the equipment to indicate it will be "live" or "in motion" before live testing begins. Prior to any live testing, a Hazard Assessment must be completed, and all persons within the vicinity must be made aware. All persons involved in the live testing will have reviewed and signed the Hazard Assessment and have their live testing sign affixed to the equipment. Once live testing is completed, workers will remove personalized signs, and their locks will be re-installed.
- We follow our electrical SOP and test the low voltage side of the circuit.
- Maintenance in our shop have blue flashing lights they put on equipment aswell as an updated FLRA when it is being live tested
- This practice outlines tasks and lockout requirements in 3 categories:
1. Total Isolation: Tasks are performed with the Engine shut off and all energy sources isolated. This
mode of work is intended for use when the engine is shut off.
2. Partial Isolation: Tasks performed with identified energy sources isolated, with the exception of required
systems for the specific task to be performed (example: the engine is running and the propel or
hydraulic system is isolated and locked out).
3. Live Work: Powered Mobile Equipment fully functional (work performed without hazardous energy
sources isolated). All work performed on live equipment requires:
- Identification and control of hazards by developing and implementing task specific Procedures
where live work is necessary. Any tasks that must be performed “live”, for which a specific
Procedure has not yet been developed, will require a thorough Job Safety Analysis (JSA) be
completed prior to the work commencing
- Communication to all parties involved.
NOTE: In all cases the most secure level of isolation that is possible must be used.
Live Work Signs
In the event that Partial or Total Isolation cannot be achieved, a Live Work sign such as shown below shall
be placed so that it is visible to anyone who might board or otherwise try to work on or operate the
equipment. The sign must have the name of the person performing the work clearly identified. The sign
must be removed when work is completed or replaced with an isolation lock as appropriate. A Live Work
sign is considered to be the same as a personal lock for the purposes of this Procedure therefore:
No worker shall remove a “LIVE WORK” Sign unless they are the person that installed it, or have
specific authorization from their supervisor to do so after the Supervisor completes the Mining
Lock Removal Authorization Form.
REMOVAL OF ISOLATION LOCKS THAT HAVE BEEN LEFT ON:
Personal Isolation Locks and Live Work Signs
Only the worker who installs a Personal Isolation Lock or Live Work sign shall remove it. If this worker is
not available, the “Mining Lock Removal Authorization Form” must be properly
completed and signed off prior to removing the lock.