Network Access
Network Access and Switching Authorities The information on this webpage is designed to provide established Network Operator Switching Classes and Network Access Forms including VESI Authorisations for personnel who are required to access Victorian Distribution Networks assets. These Classes are mutually recognised between the 5 Distribution Network Operators and meet the requirements of the Green Book which describes the Electrical Safety Rules for Victorian Distribution Networks. For specific access requirements to the Network operators please refer to the Network operator responsible person. {source}
Purpose
Network access procedures in Victoria are established in accordance with the VESI Green Book which describes five Authority types:
- Receive Access Permits
- High Voltage Switching
- Enter Enclosures
- Make Application for; and
- Receive Sanction for Test
These Authorities allow network operators and their contractors to plan, perform and test work. For detailed information regarding network access, persons should refer to the VESI Green Book.
There is no charter for this work, is this is performed by a working group as a sub-committee of the Skills and Training Reference Committee.
Committee Members
Membership of the Network Access working group is made up of the following VESI employees:
| Network Operator | Representative | |
|---|---|---|
| Ausnet Services | Darren Linkin | |
| CitiPower/Powercor | Mark Andrews | |
| Jemena | Brian Polifrone | |
| United Energy | Alex McRobert (Chair) |
Switching
VESI - HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCHING AUTHORITY CLASSES
The Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI) High Voltage Switching Authority Classes are agreed HV Switching classifications which are mutually recognised between Network Operators. The classifications are based on the basic principles of operating and may have restrictions placed on them by the issuing Network Operator. Such restrictions may typically be geographical or itemised plant and shall be recorded in the Network Authority section of the Australian Skills Passport. Where necessary, inductions may be undertaken by a Network Operator.
Training Modules for these Authorities can be viewed at the Skills and Training webpage by clicking here
Switching Authorities
Restricted Switching Overhead (RSO)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing and issue electrical access authorities on:
All distribution overhead substations, ground type substations, spurs, SWER lines, SWER associated ACR's, FuseSavers and the underground Network excluding metal enclosed switchgear.
Distribution Switching Overhead (DSO)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing and issue electrical access authorities on:
All Distribution overhead field apparatus and the underground network excluding metal enclosed switchgear.
All Sub Transmission apparatus external to Zone Substations and Terminal Stations.
Distribution Switching (DS)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing and issue electrical access authorities on:
All Distribution field apparatus and the Underground Network including metal enclosed switchgear.
All Sub Transmission apparatus external to Zone Substations and Terminal Stations.
Zone Substation Switching (ZSS)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing, issue electrical access authorities on:
All Sub Transmission and Distribution apparatus within zone substations
Terminal Switching Feeders (TSF)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing and issue electrical access authorities on:
All Sub Transmission and Distribution controlled feeder apparatus in Terminal Stations.
Terminal Switching (TS)
Authorised to carry out high voltage switching, earthing and issue electrical access authorities on:
All Transmission and Sub Transmission apparatus in Terminal Stations.
Switchgear Manual
Log Books
VESI Log Books have been developed for RSO, DS, DSO and ZSS Switching. These Log Books will assist the trainee in documenting evidence of the practical (on the job) component of HV Switching to enable them to be assessed for authorisation.
The Log Books available in the links below are a sample only and are not to be used. Log Books can be requested from each Network Operator.
RSO example Log Book (pdf) - 845Kb DS example Log Book (pdf) -605Kb DSO example Log Book (pdf) - 504Kb ZSS example Log Book (pdf) - 891Kb
Network Access
The following Network Access forms are mutually agreed by the Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI) to ensure consistency across all Network Operators.
The forms are a sample only and not to be used. Books of the forms can be obtained from each Network Operator.
Application For: (an access authority) (pdf) - 129kB
Application For: Permit to Work (PTW) / Statement of Isolation of Low Voltage (SILV) (pdf) - 144kB
Authority to Work in the Vicinity of Electrical Apparatus and/or Mechanical Plant (VA) (pdf) - 161kB
Electrical Access Permit (EAP) (pdf) - 167kB
Electrical Apparatus Personnel Safety and Service Clearance (PSSC)(pdf) - 480kB
Notification of Work on Apparatus (NWA)(pdf) - 129kB
Permit to Work (PTW) or Statement of Isolation of Customer Low Voltage Supply (SILV)(pdf) - 158kB
Permit to Work Inspection Report (pdf) - 176kB Sanction for Testing (SFT) (pdf) - 126kB