Product Overview

Summary: This High Voltage Operation Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for planning, isolating, testing and working on or near high voltage (HV) electrical systems in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations control life‑threatening electrical risks, ensure legal compliance, and deliver consistent, defensible HV practices across sites and contractors.

High voltage systems present some of the most serious risks found in Australian workplaces, from arc flash and electrocution through to catastrophic equipment failure and network outages. This High Voltage Operation Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, practical approach for planning, authorising and carrying out HV switching, isolation, testing, earthing and return‑to‑service activities. It translates complex legislative and technical requirements into clear, field‑ready instructions that can be followed by authorised personnel and verified by supervisors.

The SOP is designed for organisations that operate or maintain HV equipment such as substations, switchrooms, transformers, overhead lines, underground cables and large industrial plant. It addresses common failure points—such as informal switching practices, incomplete isolation, poor communication between control rooms and field staff, and inadequate documentation—that frequently lead to near misses, serious incidents and regulatory scrutiny. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS law, embed a robust permit and authorisation system, and provide a consistent training foundation for HV operators, whether they are in utilities, mining, manufacturing, defence, ports or large commercial facilities.

Key Benefits

• Ensure life‑critical controls are in place for all high voltage switching, isolation and earthing activities.
• Reduce the likelihood of arc flash, electrocution and equipment damage through disciplined, documented work practices.
• Standardise HV operations across sites, shifts and contractors, improving reliability and operational continuity.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant electrical safety standards during audits and investigations.
• Support competency development by providing a clear reference for training, authorisation and refresher assessments of HV personnel.

Who is this for?

• High Voltage Electricians
• Electrical Supervisors
• Authorised HV Operators
• Electrical Engineers
• WHS Managers
• Operations Managers
• Maintenance Planners
• Facility Managers
• Mining and Resources Supervisors
• Utilities and Network Operations Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock and electrocution from contact with energised high voltage conductors or equipment
• Arc flash and arc blast resulting in burns, blast injuries and hearing damage
• Unexpected energisation or back‑feed during maintenance or fault response
• Explosive failure of switchgear, transformers or other HV plant
• Fire and secondary explosions caused by electrical faults
• Exposure to hazardous step and touch potentials in switchyards and substations
• Inadequate earthing and bonding leading to dangerous voltage gradients
• Confined space and hazardous atmosphere risks in HV cable pits and chambers
• Manual handling and ergonomic injuries during operation of heavy or stiff switchgear
• Vehicle and mobile plant interactions in and around substations and HV compounds

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (HV, LV, MEN, ROA, PTW, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Authorisation Levels
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Company Policies
• 5.0 Required Competencies, Training and Authorisation of HV Operators
• 6.0 Required PPE, Tools and Test Equipment for High Voltage Work
• 7.0 Pre‑Job Planning and Risk Assessment (SWMS/JSEA requirements)
• 8.0 Permit to Work and Switching Program Requirements
• 9.0 Site Access, Security and Lockout/Tagout Controls for HV Installations
• 10.0 Step‑by‑Step Procedure: High Voltage Switching Operations
• 11.0 Step‑by‑Step Procedure: Isolation, Proving De‑Energised and Application of Portable Earths
• 12.0 Step‑by‑Step Procedure: Return to Service and Removal of Earths and Permits
• 13.0 Control of Back‑Feed, Embedded Generation and Parallel Supplies
• 14.0 Communication Protocols Between Control Room, Field Staff and Contractors
• 15.0 Arc Flash Risk Management and Approach Boundaries
• 16.0 Work on or Near Exposed Energised HV Parts (where permitted by law and company policy)
• 17.0 Management of HV Faults, Trips and Abnormal Conditions
• 18.0 Emergency Response Procedures for Electrical Incidents and Arc Flash Events
• 19.0 Inspection, Testing, Maintenance and Calibration Requirements for HV Equipment
• 20.0 Documentation, Records, Switching Sheets and Audit Trail
• 21.0 Review, Continuous Improvement and Change Management

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory regulations
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS 2067: Substations and high voltage installations exceeding 1 kV a.c.
• AS/NZS 4836: Safe working on or near low-voltage and extra-low-voltage electrical installations and equipment (used as a reference for safe electrical work practices)
• AS/NZS 7000: Overhead line design – Detailed procedures (where overhead HV assets are involved)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace
• State and territory Electrical Safety Acts and Regulations (e.g. Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld))
• AS/NZS 4761: Competencies for working with electrical equipment for hazardous areas (as applicable to HV in hazardous zones)