Best Practice 14 February 2022

SABP-P-023
Guide on Safe Handling of Metal Clad Switchgear
Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

Previous Revision: 09 March 2010 Next Revision: 14 February 2032

Contact: TUAIMIHA Page 1 of 19
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 Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Std. Management Committee SABP-P-023
Issue Date: 14 February 2022
Next Revision: 14 February 2032 Guide on Safe Handling of Metal Clad Switchgear

Contents
SUMMARY OF CHANGES ................................................................................................................ 3
1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 4
2 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 5
3 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................................... 5
4 POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH SWITCHGEAR ............................................................................ 6
5 SAFE OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES ................................................................ 7
DOCUMENT HISTORY ................................................................................................................... 19

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 Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Std. Management Committee SABP-P-023
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Next Revision: 14 February 2032 Guide on Safe Handling of Metal Clad Switchgear

Summary of Changes

Paragraph Number Change Type

(Addition, Modification, Deletion, Technical Change(s)
Previous Revision Current Revision New)
09 March 2010 14 February 2022

- - - No Changes

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 Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Std. Management Committee SABP-P-023
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1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this best practice is to provide the essential safety guidance to
the operation and maintenance personnel working on metal clad switchgear.
1.2 Scope
This best practice is intended to give general guidelines of the practical safe
working environment for employees relative to the hazards arising from working
on metal clad switchgear. It is also intended to address electrical safety
requirements for employee workplaces during the operation and maintenance
of switchgear. Detailed design specifications for new electrical equipment and
design of retrofits for existing electrical equipment are beyond the scope of this
best practice.
1.3 Disclaimer
This Best Practice is being provided for the general guidance and benefit of
Saudi Aramco maintenance engineers working with metal clad switchgear. The
use of this Best Practice, however, does not relieve any maintenance or
operation agent from his responsibility or duty to confirm to Saudi Aramco
Maintenance Procedure, Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirements
or Manufacturers recommended procedures. The use of the information or
material contained herein will not guarantee that the resulting product satisfies
the applicable requirements of Saudi Aramco. Saudi Aramco assumes no
responsibility or liability whatsoever for any reliance on the information
presented herein or for maintenance action performed by the user in
accordance with this Best Practice document. Moreover, this Best Practice is
intended only to provide guidelines for Saudi Aramco engineers and shall not
be considered as a replacement for the Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Requirements.
1.4 Caution
The guidelines do not cover all details or variations in equipment nor do they
provide for every possible contingency that may be met in connection with
installation, operation, or maintenance of equipment. It’s recommended to
follow the manufacturer specific instruction manuals and safety requirements,
and company procedures before any activity is undertaken.
1.5 Conflicts and Deviations
If there is a conflict between this Best Practice and any Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAERs), the mandatory document shall
take the precedence. Other conflicts shall be addressed in writing to the
EK&RD Coordinator.

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2 References

All referenced specifications, standards, codes, drawings, and similar material

are considered part of this Best Practice to the extent specified applying latest
revisions unless stated otherwise.
2.1 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard
SAES-P-116 Switchgear and Control Equipment

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

16-SAMSS-504 Indoor Metal-Clad Switchgear: 1 to 38 kV

General Instructions
GI-0002.7.21 Electrical Arc Flash Hazard Mitigation
GI-0006.012 Isolation, Lockout and User of Hold Tags
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards
National Fire Protection Agency
NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

International of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

IEEE STD 902 - 1998 Guide for Maintenance, Operation, and Safety of
Industrial and Commercial Power Systems

3 Definitions And Abbreviations

3.1 Definitions
Arc Flash: a rapid release of electrical energy due to an arcing fault between
electrical phases, neutral or ground, resulting in a plasma arc through the
adjacent surrounding air. An arc flash is sometimes inappropriately called a
“flashover.”

Arc Flash Hazard: A dangerous condition associated with the release of

energy caused by an electric arc.

Arc Flash Suit: A complete flame resistant clothing and equipment system
that covers the entire body. This includes pants/bib, jacket, and beekeeper-
type head protection hood fitted with a face shield.

Electrical Safety: recognizing hazards associated with the use of electrical

energy and taking precautions so that hazards do not cause injury or death.

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Flame-Resistant (FR), Flame Resistant Clothing (FRC): Materials or clothing

with the inherent characteristic that combustion is prevented, terminated, or
inhibited following the application of a flaming or non-flaming source of ignition,
with or without subsequent removal of the ignition source.

Limited Approach Boundary: An approach limit at a distance from an exposed

energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which a shock hazard exists.
3.2 Abbreviations
FRC: Flame Resistant Clothing

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

4 Potential Problems with Switchgear

4.1 Protection from Electrical Hazards
The incoming electrical supply to any premises which requires a high voltage
supply often passes through switchgear. Switchgear is generally located in
substations and varies in size, age, appearance, and operation and
maintenance steps.

Switchgear failure is low, but, when it happens it is likely to be catastrophic, with

a high probability rate of damage, and possibility of personal injury. Accident
experience has shown that failure usually occurs at, or shortly after, operation
of the equipment. Thus, the way switchgear is operated, its condition and the
circumstances existing in the system at the time of operation, to a large extent,
determines whether the equipment will safely perform its duty.

Personnel should understand the nature and consequences of electrical

hazards and the reasons for practicing electrical safety.

It is important to understand the four main phases of protection from electrical

hazards:
1) Electrical installations should be designed and constructed to be
safe by complying with the criteria of recognized and generally
accepted good engineering practices and following company and
vendor tolerances.
2) The integrity of electrical equipment shall be maintained with
particular emphasis on enclosures, insulation, operating
mechanisms, grounding, and circuit protective devices.
3) Electrical equipment shall be placed in an electrically safe work
condition before personnel work on or near it. Safe practices shall
be used to establish an electrically safe work condition.

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4) Safe work practices and adequate protective equipment, tools, and

test equipment shall be understood and used when it is not feasible
to establish an electrically safe work condition, or when de-
energizing would create a greater hazard of another kind.
4.2 Typical Hazardous Tasks in Electrical Work
The following tasks are some examples of possible exposure to energized
conductors:
▪ Measuring, testing, and probing electrical system components
▪ Opening electrical equipment enclosure doors or removing covers;
▪ Inserting or pulling fuses;
▪ Drilling, or otherwise penetrating, earth, walls, or floors;
▪ Lifting leads or applying jumpers in control circuits;
▪ Installing or removing temporary grounds;
▪ Operating switches or circuit breakers;
4.3 Examples of Activities which Involve Arc Flash Risks
▪ Racking in or out of draw-out circuit breakers
▪ Removing or installing circuit breakers or fuses
▪ Working on control circuits with exposed energized primary parts
▪ Applying safety grounds
▪ Removing panel covers for inspections or other activities
▪ Low voltage testing and diagnostics
▪ Conducting any action deviating from safe and approved steps
▪ Switchgear equipment energizing or de-energizing

5 Safe Operating and Maintenance Guidelines

Well-designed enclosures and proper clearances protect employees under

normal and most abnormal operating conditions. Proper maintenance of
electrical equipment can reestablish system condition as the equipment ages.
It should always be remembered, however, that when it is necessary for
personnel to enter electrical equipment enclosures, many of the protective
barriers that the design and initial installation have provided may have to be
removed. In these cases, electrical safe practices that are appropriate to the
task should be used.

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It is important that facilities and systems be initially designed and installed in

such a manner as to provide for all personnel a safe workplace, free from
exposure to electrical hazards. This should cover the following concerns:
▪ Design
▪ Installation
▪ Inspection
▪ Maintenance (breakdown and preventive)
▪ Standards
▪ Safety audits of workplace conditions
▪ Technical training and qualifications of personnel
▪ A technical authority to respond to questions or concerns about design and
installation.

Electrical equipment should be designed with adequate working spaces both

within the equipment and around it. Installations in cramped spaces or areas
where accessibility is difficult should be avoided, working on such systems
needs extra care and precautions. A system properly designed to optimize
reliability & maintainability should also optimize safety, productivity and cost at
the same time.

Working on or near exposed energized electrical parts in cramped spaces is

especially dangerous because reflex reactions, from bumping into objects,
could cause a person to involuntarily contact the energized parts and receive a
shock or instigate a flash. Dimensions for access to, and clearances around,
electrical equipment are given in SAES-P-116.
5.1 Qualified vs. Unqualified Persons
The terms qualified and unqualified are often misunderstood. Some people
think that to be electrical safety qualified, one must be a fully qualified
electrician who has had a long list of electrical training courses. In reality, a
person may be electrical safety qualified to perform only a limited number of
tasks on or near specified electrical equipment. Qualified persons shall:
▪ Be trained in, and knowledgeable of, the construction and operation
of the equipment or a specific work method;
▪ Be trained to recognize and avoid the electrical hazards that might be
present with respect to such equipment or work method;
▪ Be familiar with the proper use of special precautionary techniques,
personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials,
and insulated tools and test equipment.

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Persons permitted to work on or near exposed conductors and circuit

parts must also be trained in and familiar with:
▪ The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts
from other parts of electrical equipment.
▪ The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage
of exposed live parts.
▪ The approach distances specified in the table of NFPA 70E - 1995,
Part II, Chapter 2, and the corresponding voltages to which the
qualified person will be exposed.
▪ The decision-making process necessary to determine the degree and
extent of the hazard and the proper personal protective equipment
and job planning necessary to perform the task safely.
5.2 Safe Electrical Work Practices
Safe practices are the most important area of the electrical safety program on
which to concentrate. A significantly greater number of injuries and fatalities
are the result of poor or careless practices than the result of poor equipment
conditions.

Always assume that hazardous voltage is present in switchgear assemblies

unless proven to be in an electrically safe work condition as defined in
NFPA 70E. This voltage can cause serious injury such as shock or burn, or
even cause death. Only qualified persons should be allowed to operate,
inspect, or maintain switchgear assemblies.

Here are just a few examples by which maintenance and service personnel
might avoid serious injury or death when working around electrical equipment:
▪ Never assume that the electrical equipment is de-energized. A false
assumption can lead to serious injury or death. Review the entire
operation sequence for disconnecting and grounding with a second
knowledgeable person before actually doing the work, and make sure
the entire sequence for disconnecting and grounding is in fact
followed. A failure to follow the entire operation sequence could lead
to serious injury or death. It is the policy of Saudi Aramco that
energized electrical equipment shall be properly de-energized,
voltage tested, grounded, locked-out and tagged in accordance with
GI-0006.012 and local operating instructions prior to being worked
on, whenever possible.
▪ Do not assume that any conductor is de-energized. A false
assumption can lead to serious injury or death. Confirm that the
conductor is de-energized and grounded before you begin work on

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electrical equipment.
▪ Before any adjustment, servicing, parts replacement or any other act
is performed requiring physical contacts with the electrical working
components or wiring of the equipment, power must be removed from
all sources and all attached rotating equipment (motors, generators,
etc.) must have come to a complete stop.
▪ Inspect the equipment for any damage. This includes damage to the
enclosure, power panel, control panel and wiring harness. If any
damage is found or suspected, report immediately.
▪ Solid insulation surrounding an energized conductor and power
apparatus must never be relied upon to provide protection to
personnel.
▪ Do not operate/remove any current transformer with secondary
terminals open-circuited. Be sure to short-circuit secondary before
installing or removing a current transformer.
▪ All spring-charged mechanism related to a breaker must be serviced
only by skilled and knowledgeable personnel capable of releasing
such spring load in a controlled manner.
▪ Do not attempt to insert the circuit breaker into any circuit breaker
compartment prior to inspection of the breaker. Compare breaker
nameplate rating with switchgear rating. Verify secondary voltages
on the breaker and in the circuit breaker compartment.
▪ Do not attempt to insert a closed circuit breaker.
▪ Always inspect breaker compartment to ensure that it is free of
obstructions, tools, or other equipment.
▪ Do not rely on interlocks and other indicators to prevent an accident.
Relying on interlocks and indicators are not a substitute for following
the entire operation sequence for disconnecting and grounding
electrical equipment in order to de-energize and avoid risk of death or
serious injury. Interlocks are only a backup.
▪ Unless fully covered by a properly rated arc flash suit or arc rated
face shield, personnel shall not wear meltable (plastic) or conductive
(metal) glasses, jewelry, rings, watches, metal belt buckles, etc.,
within the limited approach boundary of energized electrical
equipment.
▪ Whenever feasible, remote racking and remote switching devices
shall be installed and used. When racking and switching is not being

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performed remotely, proper personal protective equipment (PPE)

shall be worn and bodily exposure to potential arc flash minimized
(e.g., by standing as far away from the equipment as possible).
▪ After every activity, make a final inspection to see that no tools,
construction materials, or other foreign matter have been left in the
switchgear equipment.

“Good” maintenance practices enhance equipment reliability, but too much

maintenance is expensive and may be counterproductive to both reliability and
safety. To optimize safety one needs to optimize maintenance practices &
systems. Maintenance optimization should improve reliability & safety.

5.2.1 General Checks for Circuit Breakers

a) Handle, test, operate, and install circuit breakers in
accordance with manufacturer recommendations. For any
difficulty, consult manufacturer for support.
b) Prior to installing circuit breakers, ensure that the circuit
breaker is in the “Open” position with all springs discharged
before inspecting or installing the circuit breaker.
c) Perform a manual open/close operation check of circuit
breakers while it is in the racked out position.
d) Remove all tools, lifting assembly, and miscellaneous items
left on the circuit breaker before installing the circuit breaker
into the circuit breaker compartment.

5.2.2 Racking Circuit Breakers into “Test/Disconnected” Position

Ensure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the equipment.

The following description is generic:
▪ Ensure that circuit breakers are installed in the appropriate
switchgear cubicles. Ensure that the rating of the circuit
breaker matches the rating of the cubicle or cell.
▪ Verify that the racking position indicator reads
“Test/Disconnected.”
▪ Roll circuit breakers onto the circuit breaker lifting truck and
secure in accordance with manufacturer provisions.
▪ Remove the padlock from the door handle, if installed, and
open the door.

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▪ Install the circuit breaker using the circuit breaker lifting truck, if
required. A circuit breaker lifting truck is required to install
circuit breakers into top cubicles and lower cubicles for
switchgear mounted on a housekeeping pad.
▪ Elevate and align lifting truck and circuit breaker compartment
rails. Carefully align the circuit breaker lift truck when installing
and removing circuit breakers to prevent damage to
components inside of circuit breaker cubicles.
▪ Align the rollers on each side of the circuit breaker with the
compartment positioning rails mounted on the side walls of the
circuit breaker compartment, and roll the circuit breaker into
the cubicle until the front of the circuit breaker lines up with the
test position indicator(s).

5.2.3 Racking Circuit Breakers into “Connected” Position

▪ Ensure that the circuit breaker is in the “Open” position. Circuit
breakers must be in the “Open” position when racked into or
out of the cubicle. Interlock mechanisms allow the racking
shaft to rotate only when the circuit breaker is in the “Open”
position.
▪ Close the circuit breaker compartment door and remove the
padlock from the racking port, if installed. Always keep the
circuit breaker compartment door closed when racking the
circuit breaker from one position to another while the
switchgear is energized.
▪ Open the racking port, insert the racking crank or handle into
the port, and engage the handle onto the racking shaft. Keep
the racking handle as straight as possible during the racking
procedure.
▪ Rotate the racking handle clockwise. If the circuit breaker
does not easily rack into the compartment, remove the circuit
breaker and repeat steps above steps. If satisfactory results
are not achieved, consult the manufacturer for
recommendations. Never force the circuit breaker into or out
of the circuit breaker compartment. If a mechanism is not
operating easily, inspect the equipment and remove any
foreign objects or debris.
▪ Continue rotating the racking handle clockwise until the
racking position indicator reads “Connected.”

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▪ Do not over-torque the racking shaft.

▪ When the racking position indicator reads “Connected,” the
circuit breaker is fully racked into the circuit breaker
compartment and the circuit breaker’s primary contacts are
connected to the bus.
▪ If control power is available, the circuit breaker spring winding
motor will operate as soon as the circuit breaker control
secondary disconnects operates.

5.2.4 Racking Out Circuit Breaker

▪ Always keep the circuit breaker compartment door closed
when racking the circuit breaker from one position to another
while the switchgear is energized.
▪ Verify that the circuit breaker is in the “Open” position and
check the indicator on the front of the circuit breaker.
▪ Place the racking handle into the racking port and engage the
racking shaft.
▪ Rotate the racking handle counterclockwise. If the circuit
breaker does not easily rack out of its compartment, reconnect
the circuit breaker and repeat the first two steps above. If
satisfactory results are not achieved, consult the manufacturer
for recommendations.
▪ Continue rotating the racking shaft until the racking position
indicator reads “Test/Disconnected.” The racking handle will
stop when the final position is reached. Do not over-torque the
racking shaft.

5.2.5 Removing Circuit Breakers from Compartments

▪ Open the circuit breaker compartment door.
▪ Inspect breaker indicator to confirm that the circuit breaker is
open.
▪ Use the circuit breaker lifting truck to remove the circuit
breaker from the circuit breaker compartment.
▪ Move the release handle to release the circuit breaker from the
“Test/Disconnected” position. Operate the latch (if provided) to
release the circuit breaker from the “test” position. On most
designs, it is necessary to trip the circuit breaker before the

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circuit breaker can be released. If springs are not already

discharged, there will be a loud noise as the closing springs
discharge when the circuit breaker is withdrawn from the
compartment. Charged springs will discharge loudly when the
circuit breaker is removed from the compartment.
▪ Move the circuit breaker out of the compartment, and roll the
circuit breaker out onto a circuit breaker lifting truck, where
required. Secure circuit breakers onto the lifting truck in
accordance with manufacturer provisions.
5.3 Training
Personnel should be trained to understand the content of the rules, why they
exist, and how to implement them in the field. Training on safety-related work
practices should cover all personnel, not just persons associated with the
electrical end of the business. In this modern day of technology, so-called
“unqualified” persons are surrounded by a lot of electrically powered utilization
equipment.

Even though they don’t need to know the construction or how things operate
internally, they do need to know the possible electrical hazards. Therefore,
everyone in the workplace should have sufficient electrical safety training so
that they can be qualified to perform their assigned tasks. Part of this
qualification should cover the electrical safety aspects of their assignments.

Any individual who would be interacting with the electrical system needs to
understand the reasons why he should follow electrical safety-related
procedures, standards, and practices so that they will approach such work with
the proper attitude.

As requested by GI-0002.721, Saudi Aramco and contractor employees who

work on electrical equipment operated at higher than 240 volts shall receive
formal safe electrical work training, which includes the following:
▪ Arc flash hazards and prevention of injuries,
▪ Reading and understanding arc flash hazard and task warning
signs,
▪ Proper selection, inspection, use of arc flash PPE/FRC, and
▪ Safe work procedures for electrical isolation, switching, voltage
testing, etc.

Electrical personnel should also be trained in emergency procedures, such as

methods of releasing victims, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR), since they might someday have a need for these techniques in their job
assignments.

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5.4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Electrical protective equipment serves to eliminate or reduce hazard severity,
reduce the likelihood of an accident given that a hazard exists, and reduce the
severity of the injury if an accident occurs. The selection of personnel
protective equipment should be determined by a hazard analysis that
determines the hazard severity and the parts of the body that could be exposed
to the hazard.

All body parts exposed to electrical hazards should be protected as a last line of
defense from personal injury.

In addition to protective clothing, managing systems can be designed to

augment the reduction of hazard exposure. Properly designed labeling and
documentation practices serve to communicate and inform people of hazard
presence and potential.

As required by GI-0002.721, the everyday work clothing for Saudi Aramco and
contractor electrical workers who work on electrical equipment operated at
higher than 240 volts (e.g., electrical system operators, electricians, Power
Distribution and Utilities Department technicians) shall be flame resistant
clothing (FRC) that conforms to NFPA 70E Hazard/Risk Category 2 (has a
minimum arc flash rating of 8 cal/cm²).

Table 1 shows tasks requiring specific arc flash PPE & insulated tools.

The user shall inspect all personal protective equipment (PPE), including flame
resistant clothing (FRC), before each use. Any items that are contaminated
or damaged to the extent their protective qualities are impaired shall not be
used. PPE/FRC shall be dry during use. Proper eye protection (e.g., safety
glasses marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1) shall always be worn under a face
shield or arc flash hood.

PPE and FRC garments shall be stored in a manner that prevents physical
damage and damage or contamination from moisture, deteriorating agents,
flammable materials, etc.

Table 1 – Tasks with Arc Flash Hazards & Protective Equipment:

Metal Clad Switchgear and Metal Enclosed Interrupter Switchgear,
Rated 1 kV through 38 kV
Hazard / Rubber Insulated &
Tasks Performed on Energized Equipment Risk Insulating Insulating
Category Gloves Hand Tools
Work on control circuits with energized parts
2 Mandated Mandated
120 V or below, conductors exposed
Opening hinged covers to expose bare, energized parts 3 - -

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Hazard / Rubber Insulated &

Tasks Performed on Energized Equipment Risk Insulating Insulating
Category Gloves Hand Tools
Perform infrared thermography or non-contact inspection
3 - -
not closer than 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Circuit breaker operation with enclosure doors open 4 - -
Work on energized parts, including voltage testing 4 Mandated Mandated
Insertion or removal (racking) of circuit breakers from cubicles 4 - -
Application of safety grounds, after voltage testing 4 Mandated -
Removal of bolted covers to expose bare, energized parts 4 - -
Opening voltage transformer or control power transformer
4 - -
compartments

5.4.1 Care and Maintenance of FR Clothing and FR Arc Flash Suits

(a) Inspection
FR apparel shall be inspected before each use. Work
clothing or arc flash suits that are contaminated, or
damaged to the extent their protective qualities are impaired,
shall not be used. Protective items that become
contaminated with grease, oil, or flammable liquids or
combustible materials shall not be used.
(b) Manufacturer’s Instructions
The garment manufacturer’s instructions for care and
maintenance of FR apparel shall be followed.
(c) Storage
FR apparel shall be stored in a manner that prevents
physical damage; damage from moisture, dust, or other
deteriorating agents; or contamination from flammable or
combustible materials.
(d) Cleaning, Repairing, and Affixing Items
When FR clothing is cleaned, manufacturer’s instructions
shall be followed to avoid loss of protection. When FR
clothing is repaired, the same FR materials used to
manufacture the FR clothing shall be used to provide repairs.
When, trim, name tags, and/or logos are affixed to FR
clothing, guidance in ASTM F 1506, Standard Performance
Specification for Textile Material for Wearing Apparel for Use

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by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc

and Related Thermal Hazards, shall be followed.

5.4.2 Maintenance of Protective Equipment

Personal safety and protective equipment such as the following

shall be maintained in a safe working condition:
▪ Grounding equipment
▪ Hot sticks
▪ Rubber gloves, sleeves, and leather protectors
▪ Voltage test indicators
▪ Blanket and similar insulating equipment
▪ Insulating mats and similar insulating equipment protective
barriers
▪ External circuit breaker rack-out devices
▪ Safety grounding equipment
▪ Protective clothing
▪ Bypass jumpers
▪ Insulated and insulating hand tools

5.4.3 Inspection and Testing of Protective Equipment and Tools

(A) Visual
Safety and protective equipment and tools shall be visually
inspected for damage and defects before initial use and at
intervals thereafter, as service conditions require.
(B) Testing
The insulation of protective equipment and protective tools
shall be verified by the appropriate test and visual inspection
to ascertain that insulating capability has been retained
before initial use, and at intervals thereafter, as service
conditions and applicable standards and instructions require.

5.4.4 Safety Grounding Equipment

(A) Visual
Personal protective ground cable sets shall be inspected for
cuts in the protective sheath and damage to the conductors.

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Clamps and connector strain relief devices shall be checked

for tightness. These inspections shall be made at intervals
thereafter as service conditions require, but in no case shall
the interval exceed 1 year.
(B) Testing
Prior to being returned to service, safety grounds that have
been repaired or modified shall be tested.
(C) Grounding and Testing Devices
Grounding and testing devices shall be stored in a clean and
dry area. Grounding and testing devices shall be properly
inspected and tested before each use.
“Your safety depends upon your own actions”

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2022 Page 18 of 19

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

 Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Std. Management Committee SABP-P-023
Issue Date: 14 February 2022
Next Revision: 14 February 2032 Guide on Safe Handling of Metal Clad Switchgear

Document History
14 February 2022 Revised Saudi Aramco Best Practice.
09 March 2010 New Saudi Aramco Best Practice.

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2022 Page 19 of 19

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use