The Operating Regulations for HV/MV Systems (ORHVS) workshop is designed to empower individuals with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and regulatory understanding to perform HV/MV switching safely and competently. This comprehensive five-day course incorporates classroom training, practical sessions, and self-driven research using updated resources to ensure participants meet modern safety and operational standards. The course aligns with EWSETA and SAIEE requirements for competency certification and includes modules focusing on regulatory compliance, risk assessment, practical application, and advanced technical operations.

Target Audience

This training is tailored for individuals in the electrical engineering disciplines, particularly those seeking accreditation as authorised or responsible persons for HV/MV systems. It is ideal for:

• Electrical engineers.
• Supervisors and technical personnel involved in high-voltage operations.
• Maintenance staff requiring HV/MV regulatory certification.
• Experienced professionals pursuing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to update and validate their skills.

Methodology

The training employs a blended learning approach to maximize knowledge retention and skill application:

1. Interactive Lectures: Clear and structured presentations covering theoretical foundations.
2. Practical Sessions: Hands-on activities simulating real-world scenarios in a controlled environment.
3. Group Work: Collaborative problem-solving tasks to reinforce concepts and share insights.
4. Case Studies: Examination of real incidents to contextualize knowledge and highlight best practices.
5. Self-Driven Research: Use of internet resources to explore updated standards and procedures.
6. Assessments: Written and practical exams to validate understanding and competency.

Highlights of Knowledge Gained

Participants will achieve the following:

1. Regulatory Understanding: Comprehensive knowledge of HV/MV regulations, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
2. Access and Supervision: Skills to manage and supervise access to prohibited areas safely.
3. Key Management: Best practices for issuing and safeguarding keys in HV/MV operations.
4. Isolation and Earthing: Competence in applying S.I.T.E principles to ensure system safety.
5. Work Permits: Expertise in managing work permits involving multiple stakeholders.
6. Risk Assessment: Ability to conduct detailed risk assessments and create effective job safety analyses.
7. Testing and Commissioning: Proficiency in testing apparatus under various conditions.

Practical Application: Hands-on experience to prepare for real-world scenarios.

Day 1: Introduction to HV/MV Systems

Morning: Theoretical Training

• Course introduction and objectives.
• Module 1: Background to the Regulations
  • Overview of Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Responsibilities of employers and employees.
  • The use of the regulations book and its relevance to HV/MV operations.

Afternoon: Practical and Interactive Sessions

• Group discussion: Identifying regulatory gaps and solutions in HV/MV systems.
• Simulation: Practice defining and classifying access levels for live chambers.

Day 2: Access Control and Key Management

Morning: Theoretical Training

• Module 2: Access and Supervision
  • Controlling access to prohibited areas.
  • Requirements for supervision and barricading.
• Module 3: Issue and Use of Keys
  • Safekeeping and issuance of keys.
  • Emergency protocols for key management.

Afternoon: Practical Session

• Develop an access control plan for a hypothetical HV/MV facility.
• Research task: Explore how digital key management systems enhance safety and accountability.

Day 3: Isolation, Earthing, and Operational Principles

Morning: Theoretical Training

• Module 4: Reasons for Isolating and Earthing
  • Importance and procedures of isolation and earthing.
• Module 5: Operating Principles
  • The S.I.T.E procedure (Switching, Isolating, Testing, Earthing).
  • Handing over and returning apparatus to service.

Afternoon: Practical Session

• Hands-on: Simulate the isolation and earthing process using live mock-ups.
• Internet research: Review updated safety protocols, including SANS 724:2012 standards.

Day 4: Work Permits and Abnormal Conditions

Morning: Theoretical Training

• Module 6: Operating Instruction Forms
  • Issuing, receiving, and canceling instructions.
• Module 7: Work Permit System
  • Managing work permits for customer and contractor engagements.
• Module 8: Abnormal Conditions
  • Handling abnormal conditions and working near live conductors.

Afternoon: Practical Session

• Role-play: Issue and clear work permits in a controlled exercise.
• Case study analysis: Evaluate past failures and propose corrective actions.

Day 5: Commissioning, Testing, and Safety Analysis

Morning: Theoretical Training

• Module 9: Commissioning and Testing
  • Regulations for commissioning apparatus.
  • Testing protocols under normal and abnormal conditions.
• Module 10: Risk Assessment and Safety Analysis
  • Conducting risk assessments and job safety analyses.
  • Using risk matrices effectively.

Afternoon: Practical and Assessments

• Team activity: Develop and present a comprehensive Job Safety Analysis (JSA).
• Final written and practical exams:
  • Written: Test theoretical understanding.
  • Practical: Perform procedures outlined in the Portfolio of Evidence (POE).