The growing demand for High Voltage (HV) operators
By Kevin Hann, CTO, Utilligence.
Since the surge in solar energy adoption in 2013, the demand for skilled professionals to operate high-voltage (HV) networks has significantly increased. Back then, there were few private network Senior Authorised Persons (SAPs), and many electricians and domestic solar technicians aspired to fill these roles due to their critical importance and higher salary potential.
However, operating HV systems is not just about operating switchgear—it is a responsibility that carries significant risks, including potential liabilities under corporate manslaughter laws.
Among these risks are the dangers posed by arc flash, explosions, electrocution and fires. For SAPs and Authorised Persons (APs), recognising unsafe situations and mitigating hazards is a critical part of their role.
What defines competence?
Competence is fundamental to HV operations. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), competence is:
- “The combination of training, skills, experience, and knowledge that a person has and their ability to apply them to perform a task safely.”
- Competence also includes an individual’s awareness of their limitations and the ability to seek help or expertise when needed.
Achieving competence isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about understanding risks and consistently applying safety measures. The Authorising Engineer (AE) interview plays a vital role in assessing whether an individual meets these standards.
The role of the SAP
The role of the SAP goes far beyond operating switchgear and issuing safety documents. A competent SAP must:
- Understand the ratings of the plant and equipment. This includes knowing the operational limits of transformers, switchgear, and other HV components.
- Have a clear understanding of the protection systems in place. This involves interpreting protection settings and ensuring they align with the overall network design, including understanding fault levels and protection systems to reduce unnecessary outages and damage during faults.
- Know how to react when something goes wrong. In the event of a fault, the SAP must act quickly and decisively to minimise risks to people and equipment and ensure the system is returned to a safe state.
- Implement safe systems of work. These must align with safety rules, and the SAP should follow or modify method statements to account for additional risks.
These responsibilities require advanced technical knowledge, practical experience, and strong decision-making skills.
Key roles in HV operations
The terminology used to describe authorised roles in HV operations varies significantly between Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), contractors, private companies, and facilities management organisations. These roles are not legislated but are defined by the specific safety policies of each organisation. Here’s a breakdown of the primary roles:
- Authorised Person (AP)
In DNOs, an AP is authorised to carry out specific switching operations but is not permitted to apply Circuit Main Earths or issue safety documents such as Permits to Work (PTW) or Sanctions for Test (SFT). These responsibilities are reserved for Senior Authorised Persons (SAPs). AP authorisation may also be restricted to certain equipment types (e.g., ground-mounted or overhead switchgear) or specific voltage levels.
- Senior Authorised Person (SAP)
The SAP typically has broader responsibilities, including:
- Enforcing safety rules.
- Ensuring the competency of staff.
- Managing safety documentation.
- Interpreting and applying the organisation’s electrical safety rules.
In non-DNO environments, the term AP may refer to anyone authorised to switch. However, SAPs are usually more senior, holding ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of HV systems.
- Assessing and Authorising Officers
Organisations such as health trusts and MOD (Ministry of Defence) sites often utilise roles like Assessing Officer or Authorising Officer, which align closely with SAP responsibilities. These roles include assessing and authorising staff for HV operations.
In DNOs, engineers still undergo an AE interview to assess competency. However, larger safety and operational teams manage broader responsibilities, such as ensuring compliance with operational procedures and handling incident investigations.
- Smaller companies and contractors
In smaller organisations managing HV networks through maintenance contracts, APs often perform emergency switching only. Repairs, such as cable jointing or equipment fitting, are typically outsourced to specialised contractors.
If the contractor provides their own SAP, the smaller company may not need to issue safety documents or manage HV network phasing and commissioning tasks.
The challenge of role transferability
AP or SAP status is tied to the specific safety rules of the organisation. Moving from one company to another does not automatically transfer this authorisation. A new AE interview is required to assess the individual’s competency under the new organisation’s rules.
Summary:
- The growing demand for SAPs has transformed the HV training landscape, with numerous providers emerging to meet the need. However, competence is not achieved overnight and requires ongoing training, experience, and assessment.
- The roles of APs and SAPs are defined by organisational policies, not legislation. Employees must fully understand their company’s safety rules and procedures to ensure compliance and safe operations.
- Role transferability is not automatic; each organisation must verify an individual’s competence through interviews and assessments.
The rise in the number of private HV networks and renewable energy systems underscores the importance of these roles and the need for highly skilled professionals to manage the growing complexity of our energy infrastructure. Proper training and ongoing mentoring are essential for ensuring safety and operational excellence.
Utilligence ensures all our grid works are carried out to the highest safety standards through our competent and experienced team. Contact us to discuss your project.