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BC HYDRO TAGOUT PROCEDURES
POWER SYSTEM SAFETY
PROTECTION (PSSP)
WHO IS REQUIRED TO TAKE THIS TRAINING?
BC Hydro contractors working on or in proximity to BC Hydro's Power System; including a substation, or on the distribution and/or transmission system, are required to be authorized in Power System Safety Protection (PSSP) training.
Your BC Hydro Contract Representative or Project Manager must provide you with the following information before you register for this course:
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The PSSP System and Functional Component training your workers require (e.g. PSSP Category 2, 3 + STC)
See below for a description of each component
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The name of the BC Hydro Authorizing Manager that will be authorizing your training
BC Hydro employees, and any contractors that BC Hydro is directly covering PSSP training costs for, must contact the BC Hydro Trades Training Centre to schedule their training: tdtraining@bchydro.com | 604-529-5898
PSSP CATEGORY 2 - ACCESS TO THE POWER SYSTEM
PSSP Category 2 and WPP Category A are equivalent courses.
Course Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Course Cost: $130.00 + GST per person
Prerequisite Required: none
Certification Valid For: 2 years
Course Registration: See schedule
PSSP Category 2 System Component training is required for authorization of limited access to the BC Hydro Power System (e.g. entering stations, work sites, etc.). This training module is designed for workers who do not require a detailed knowledge of power system safety procedures, but who do need to know how to perform their work in a potentially hazardous environment.
The type of work for which this category of authorization is appropriate includes the following:
Above course description derived from BC Hydro Power Authority's System Operating Order 1T-12N
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Delivery of material
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Delivery, pick-up, and servicing of vehicles
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Landscaping, weed control
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Internal and external building maintenance
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Janitorial services
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Fire extinguisher servicing
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Work in the vicinity of energized equipment, but safely apart from it
PSSP CATEGORY 3 - WORKING ON THE POWER SYSTEM
Course Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours
Course Cost: $170.00 + GST per person (or $250.00 + GST total per person including PSSP Category 2)
Prerequisite Required: PSSP Category 2
Certification Valid For: 2 years
Course Registration: See schedule
PSSP Category 3 System Component training is required for:
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Work in proximity to the power system that does not require a Safety Protection Guarantee (SPG)
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Work on the power system under the direction of a Category 5 crew member who hold an SPG,or;
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Workers required to receive a Protection Extension
Workers authorized to work on the BC Hydro power system must be familiar with all the hazards and procedures required for their work. This may include training in step and touch potential hazards, safety watching procedures, Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding, mechanical blocking an Safety Protection Tagging. Workers must be fully trained in communications equipment operations for their work and for emergency procedures.
Above course description derived from BC Hydro Power Authority's System Operating Order 1T-12N
PSSP CATEGORY 4 - CERTIFIED UTILITY ARBORISTS
Course Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Course Cost: $150.00 + GST per person (or $300.00 + GST total per person including PSSP Category 2 and 3)
Prerequisite Required: PSSP Category 2 and 3, and be a registered Apprentice or Certificated Utility Arborist
Certification Valid For: 2 years
Course Registration: See schedule
PSSP Category 4 System Component Training is required by Certified Utility Arborists engaged in vegetation management on or adjacent to the Power System (e.g. pruning near power lines), and for these workers to receive Assurance of No Reclose Permits (ANRP)s for that work.
Category 4 workers are responsible for working within their category of authorization, and are authorized to:
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Receive an Assurance of No Reclose Permit
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Work under a PLT's Clearance with direct supervision
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Receive Protection Extensions on existing Clearances, and
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Work under a PLT's Self-Protection with direct supervision.
Certified Utility Arborists working for BC Hydro are bound by WorkSafeBC OSHR, part 19.30 - 19.35, when the work involves trimming near energized conductors. They must be thoroughly familiar with and understand these regulations.
Above course description derived from BC Hydro Power Authority's System Operating Order 1T-12N
PSSP CATEGORY 5 - RECEIVING SPG's, LIVE LINE PERMITS,
and TAKING SELF PROTECTION
Course Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Course Cost: $250.00 + GST per person
Prerequisite Required: PSSP Category 2 and 3
Certification Valid For: 2 years
Course Registration: See schedule
PSSP Category 5 System Component Training is required to obtain authorization to receive SPGs, Live Line Permits, and to be authorized to operate Level V equipment for the purpose of establishing Self Protection. Only workers who are authorized to Category 5 can be authorized to switch Level I - IV equipment.
Category 5 workers hold a high level of responsibility for effecting safe work conditions on the power system, including:
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Responsibility for each worker allowed to work on or to inspect the line or equipment to which the SPG applies
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Identification of all hazardous energy sources when isolation is required
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Making arrangements with the PIC to have the equipment removed from service and the switching performed
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Verification of isolation
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Applying grounding/bonding or blocking
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Installing any necessary barriers or cover-up
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Issuing protection extensions
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Explaining the Safety Protection to all members of their crew, in a documented tailboard meeting.
Category 5 workers may also be required to take BC Hydro's SAFE-401 Limits of Approach Training for Qualified Electrical Workers, if they are not already authorized to BC Hydro's "Qualified Electrical Worker" Limits of Approach. Speak to your BC Hydro Contract Representative or Authorizing Manager to find out if your workers need this course.
Above course description derived from BC Hydro Power Authority's System Operating Order 1T-12N
SUBSTATION (STC) FUNCTIONAL COMPONENT
Course Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
Course Cost: $65.00 + GST per person
Prerequisite Required: Minimum PSSP Category 2
Certification Valid For: 2 years
Course Registration: See schedule
Substation (STC) Functional Component Training is required by workers who enter the substation portion of the BC Hydro power system. This course discusses:
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PSSP operating orders and training requirements
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Substation entry and exit procedures and local information training
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Multi-Employer Workplace (MEWs) and NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)*
*Note: STC touches on NERC CIP. BC Hydro may request you receive additional NERC CIP training - this is a separate online course provided directly through BC Hydro. Please contact your BC Hydro Contract Representative if your workers require NERC CIP training.
Above course description derived from BC Hydro's PSSP STC Training Participant Guide
DISTRIBUTION (DBC) FUNCTIONAL COMPONENT
Course Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
Course Cost: $65.00 + GST per person
Prerequisite Required: Minimum PSSP Category 2
Certification Valid For: 2 years
Course Registration: See schedule
Distribution (DBC) Functional Component Training is required by workers who work on the distribution portion of the BC Hydro power system. This course discusses:
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PSSP operating orders and training requirements
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Authorization requirements for access to the distribution system
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Local information training
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Multi-Employer Workplace (MEWs)
Above course description derived from BC Hydro's PSSP DBC Training Participant Guide
TRANSMISSION (TXC) FUNCTIONAL COMPONENT
Course Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
Course Cost: $65.00 + GST per person
Prerequisite Required: Minimum PSSP Category 2
Certification Valid For: 2 years
Course Registration: See schedule
Distribution (DBC) Functional Component Training is required by workers who work on the transmission portion of the BC Hydro power system. This course discusses:
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PSSP operating orders and training requirements
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Authorization requirements for access to the transmission system
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Local information training
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Multi-Employer Workplace (MEWs)
Above course description derived from BC Hydro's PSSP TXC Training Participant Guide