Posted By Andrew Beveridge Dear All, We are putting together a training pack on safe isolations and are having trouble finding lock offs for some of the breakers. One technique under discussion is 'pulling tails'. Does anyone use this as a procedure, and is it documented anywhere? Any other help on this would be greatly appreciated. Regards Andy

Posted By Bob Youel remember all utility supply areas require utilities people to work on them &/or somebody trained to utility standards & procedures with utility permissions in place cant remember the detail but utilities and some of our friends out there will provide more detailed info NB: remember the specific earthing requirements for construction sites and other specialist areas with regards to utilities

Posted By George Wedgwood Yes - this would be a 'classic' electrician's method and it would usually be done 'live'. However, that does not mean it is the safest method! I have some experience of doing this correctly in line with a short assessed procedure for doing it live if the main switch to the panel cannot (even for a short time) be switched off whilst the tails are being removed - and that would be the preferred method. The supply from the tails may be single or three phase so that needs to be considered but the method will be the same; study the circuit diagram to ensure there are no other feeds to the section to be worked on; ensure current drain on the section to be worked on is zero or at least minimal - i.e. all power devices are 'off'; identify all tails as to exactly what they are and where they are being fed from; ensure that insulating boots & gloves and a face shield are being worn, as well as flame retardant (Proban, Nomex etc.) work wear if possible; use insulated tools for the disconnection; have a second person to hold tail away from source when disconnected, whilst it is being insulated; disconnect one tail at a time, carefully and remembering that it could spring back when released; remove the others in turn and, holding all well away from the source connections, insulate together and bag up in a polythene bag with a circuit identifier label attached; ensure the bundle is tied well back from the source connections and attach a label to the source that the outgoing circuit is disconnected for maintenance and should not be reconnected without management (named) permission; close panel doors and lock with a sign stating 'danger - do not interfere with this apparatus - under maintenance. Report to (named) manager in case of emergency' or similar wording. The electrician doing the work should be formally accredited as being familiar with live working and isolation processes (courses arfe available). The responsible manager should issue the electrician with a signed document approving the work before it starts. This is from memory so others may be able to fill in any gaps but hopefully, you get the gist of the process, without making a meal of it!