Our HV SAP Functions

1. Safety Management & Control of HV Systems

• Take full responsibility for safe working on high-voltage equipment (typically 11kV–400kV).

• Ensure compliance with the site’s Electrical Safety Rules, including permit-to-work systems.

• Maintain operational discipline and ensure that safety precautions are correctly implemented.

2. Issuing and Managing HV Safety Documents

HV SAPs are typically authorised to issue:

• Permits to Work (PTW)

• Permits to Test

• Sanction for Test

• Limitations of Access

• Isolation & Earthing documents

They ensure documents are correctly coordinated, logged, and closed out.

3. Switching & Isolation of HV Equipment

Perform or supervise:

• HV switching operations

• Isolation of circuits

• Application/verification of earths

• Functional checks and safety confirmations

This ensures equipment is made dead, secure, and safe for work.

4. Network Control & Operational Decision-Making

• Operate HV systems according to network requirements.

• Coordinate outages, energisation, and load management.

• Communicate with control rooms (DNO, National Grid, system operators).

5. Technical Oversight & Troubleshooting

• Assess network faults and initiate safe restoration.

• Investigate trips, protection operations, and abnormal conditions.

• Provide technical advice to engineers, supervisors, and contractors.

6. Coordination of Work & Stakeholders

• Liaise with project teams, contractors, and planners.

• Ensure work aligns with safety rules, engineering standards, and permits.

• Manage interfaces across multiple work fronts.

7. Training, Competence, and Compliance

• Maintain personal competence via assessments and authorisation boards.

• Support training of APs (Authorised Persons) and CPs (Competent Persons).

• Prepare for audits and ensure compliance with standards such as:

  • UK DNO/TSO safety rules

  • Distribution Safety Rules (DSR)

  • Electrical Safety Management Systems (ESMS)

8. Documentation, Reporting & Record Keeping

• Record switching logs, isolation details, defects, and operational changes.

• Produce incident or fault reports when required.

• Maintain up-to-date network diagrams and safety paperwork.