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Electrical Safe Systems of Work (ESSoW)

Controlled energisation. Safe people. Protected assets.

Electrical Safe Systems of Work: Controlling Risk When Systems Go Live

Energisation is one of the highest-risk stages of any project. Once switchgear, transformers and distribution are live, the margin for error disappears. Every isolation, switching operation and permit has to be planned, controlled and recorded. JDE Engineering’s Electrical Safe Systems of Work services set up and run the governance that keeps people safe and projects compliant, from the first energisation through to handover and live operation.

What’s Included

Our ESSoW services typically include:

  • Client Electrical Safety Representative (CESR)
    Acting on the client’s behalf to oversee electrical safety arrangements and make sure contractors’ systems of work are robust.
  • Electrical Safe System of Work Management
    Developing, implementing and managing the electrical safety rules and procedures for the site.
  • Permit Office Management
    Setting up and running the permit office, including permit issue, cancellation, records and coordination.
  • Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO)
    Controlled isolation procedures so equipment can’t be energised while work is under way.
  • Energisation Planning
    Sequencing energisation activities safely and in line with the commissioning programme.
  • Switching Programmes
    Preparing and controlling written switching programmes for HV and LV operations.
  • Risk Assessments & Method Statements
    Producing and reviewing RAMS for electrical activities on site.
  • Electrical Safety Audits
    Independent audits of electrical safety arrangements, permits and site practices.

Why Projects Need It

  • Legal Compliance
    The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 place duties on everyone in control of electrical systems. We put arrangements in place that meet those duties and stand up to scrutiny.
  • Protecting People
    Uncontrolled energisation can cause serious injury. Our systems make sure the right people are authorised, isolations are proven and permits are in place before work starts.
  • Multiple Contractors
    Busy sites mean many trades working near live equipment. A single, well-run permit system keeps everyone working to the same rules.
  • Programme Pressure
    Energisation often falls at the most time-critical point of a project. Good planning lets systems go live safely without holding up the programme.
  • Live Site Risk
    Work in operational facilities carries added risk to uptime. We control access and switching so live services stay protected.
  • Auditable Records
    Clients and insurers expect proof of control. Every permit, isolation and switching operation is documented.

“[Quote from Sean Connolly or Josh Holland, to be supplied or approved]”

Josh Holland, CEO, JDE Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Electrical Safe System of Work?
It’s the set of rules, procedures, permits and appointed people that controls how work on or near electrical systems is carried out safely. It covers isolation, switching, permits to work and the competence of the people involved.
What does a CESR do?
A Client Electrical Safety Representative acts for the client, overseeing the electrical safety arrangements on a project and making sure contractors’ systems of work are suitable and properly followed.
What standards do you work to?
We work in accordance with EN 50110, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the client’s own electrical safety procedures.

Why Choose JDE Engineering?

Electrical safety on critical projects needs both technical knowledge and authority on site. JDE provides experienced people who can set up a safe system of work, run it day to day and keep the project moving.

Our approach includes:

  • Site-Specific Rules
    Safety procedures written around the project, the client’s requirements and the systems involved.
  • Experienced Personnel
    Authorised and Senior Authorised Persons with a background in critical infrastructure.
  • Programme Integration
    Energisation and switching planned alongside the commissioning programme.
  • Clear Permit Control
    A well-organised permit office, so everyone knows what is live, isolated or in progress.
  • Ongoing Auditing
    Regular checks to keep standards consistent through the project.
  • UK & European Delivery
    Teams supporting projects across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.

Safe Energisation. Controlled Delivery.

From setting up a permit office to managing complex energisation programmes, JDE Engineering provides the people and processes to control electrical risk on your project.

Planning an energisation? Speak to our team about your electrical safety requirements.

Controlled. Compliant. Choose JDE.

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