Betacom Earthing recently participated in a specialised workshop focused on the application of portable earthing on Transpower’s assets—an essential component of high-voltage network safety. Facilitated by Mike Taylor, a veteran power network engineer with decades of experience, the session brought together contractors and technical leads to deepen understanding and refine procedures around temporary earthing practices.
Mike Taylor’s credentials are formidable: he has authored numerous technical bulletins and developed standard operating procedures that underpin much of Transpower’s safety framework. His practical insights and historical knowledge set the tone for a rigorous and collaborative learning environment.
One of the most sobering takeaways from the Transpower Portable Earthing Workshop was the statistic that earthing-related accidents have occurred at a rate of approximately one per year over the past 25 years. While rare, these incidents underscore the critical need for vigilance, consistency, and procedural clarity across all field operations.
A key theme throughout the workshop was the importance of contractors maintaining their own robust standard operating procedures (SOPs). While Transpower provides overarching guidelines, each contractor must tailor SOPs to their specific equipment, crew configurations, and operational contexts. This autonomy ensures accountability and adaptability in dynamic field conditions.
Hazard identification was another focal point. Participants reviewed case studies and real-world scenarios to sharpen their ability to spot risks—particularly those associated with Earth Potential Rise (EPR) events. These can occur when fault currents travel through the ground, creating dangerous voltage gradients that pose serious risks to personnel and equipment.
The workshop also addressed procedures for cleaning equipment, conductors, and earthing points; maintaining equipotential zones, using elevated work platforms, and mobile equipment. Ensuring that vehicles and machinery are properly isolated and grounded during movement near live assets is vital to prevent inadvertent energisation or unsafe touch potentials.
Finally, the responsibilities of issuer and recipient earthing were clarified. Clear communication, documentation, and role delineation are essential to ensure that earthing is correctly applied, verified, and removed without ambiguity.
Betacom Earthing’s participation in Transpower’s portable earthing workshop reflects its commitment to technical excellence and field safety. The workshop not only reinforced best practices but also fostered a shared culture of responsibility and continuous improvement across the contractor community. With insights from seasoned experts like Mike Taylor, Betacom is better equipped to protect its crews and uphold the integrity of New Zealand’s power infrastructure.
