Does a substation construction site need a SiGeKo?
As a rule, yes. New build, extension and conversion of a substation are construction projects under the German Construction Site Ordinance. If employees of several employers work on site, such as civil works, steel erection and electrical installation, the client appoints a coordinator. Work closer than 5 m to high-voltage lines is particularly hazardous under Annex II, and a health and safety plan is then also mandatory.
Who is responsible for the installation, and who coordinates?
The person responsible for the installation under DIN VDE 0105-100 is appointed by the grid operator and is responsible for safe operation of the installation during the work. The work supervisor is responsible for carrying out the work on site. The SiGeKo coordinates all contractors on the construction site under the Construction Site Ordinance. The roles complement each other and do not replace one another.
What qualifications do HSE staff need in a substation?
Closed electrical operating areas may only be entered by skilled electrical persons and electrically instructed persons; others only when accompanied. Add instruction in the grid operator’s operating rules. Anyone acting as SiGeKo needs the coordinator qualification under RAB 30. The requirements in each case are set by the grid operator and the risk assessment.
What are the five safety rules?
They establish the dead state before work on electrical installations, always in this order: disconnect, secure against reconnection, verify absence of voltage, earth and short-circuit, cover or fence off adjacent live parts. They are lifted in reverse order, only after release by the responsible person.
Which hazards are typical on cable routes?
Collapse of unsupported trenches, buried third-party utilities, site traffic and cable drum transports, work in joint pits, and road and rail crossings. Because the route moves, work areas and escape routes change constantly. That is why we update the H&S plan for each construction section and check shoring, access and barriers during inspections.
What matters when transporting and lifting a transformer?
Large power transformers often weigh several hundred tonnes and need a permit for heavy transport. On site, load-bearing roads, crane position and outriggers, the lifting or skidding plan and the distance to live equipment and overhead lines are decisive. We define exclusion zones and the release of each lift in advance.
What matters when dismantling old switchgear?
First the installation is isolated and disconnected from the grid, then hazardous substances are surveyed: PCB in old insulating oils, asbestos in components, SF6 in gas-insulated switchgear. Certified personnel recover the SF6 before dismantling. Then follow demolition planning, exclusion zones for excavators and falling parts, and disposal under waste law.
When should HSE join the planning of a grid project?
As early as possible. The Construction Site Ordinance requires coordination already during the planning of execution. Construction sections, site setup, crossings and switching programme can then be arranged so that civil works, heavy lifting and electrical installation do not obstruct each other. Achieving the same result later usually means replanning.
Does upgrading an overhead line need a SiGeKo?
Yes. As soon as employees of several employers work on the site, the client appoints a coordinator under § 3 of the German Construction Site Ordinance. Reconductoring and insulator replacement over many kilometres usually also exceed the thresholds for prior notice under § 2: more than 30 working days and more than 20 employees at the same time, or more than 500 person-days. Falls from more than 7 m and work closer than 5 m to high-voltage lines are particularly hazardous work under Annex II, and a health and safety plan is then mandatory.
Who coordinates isolation and earthing for work on overhead lines?
The grid operator. Its person responsible for the installation under DIN VDE 0105-100 decides on isolation, earthing and the permit to work. The work supervisor of the executing contractor is responsible for the work on site, including the working earths on the conductor. As SiGeKo and with HSE management on site, SAFETEE makes sure construction sequence, contractors and permits fit together, in English for international contractors.
