EEI Spring Occupational Safety and Health Committee Conference

May 2, 2018

Miami, Florida

Clearance Holder ReportOklahoma Gas & Electric

Dallas Rowley

Manager System Operations

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Objectives

Show OG&E’s utilization of the “Clearance Holder Report”.

Provide an understanding of how we arrive at this report.

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The “Clearance Holder Report” covers clearances taken for the following:- All Transmission Lines 69kV and up.- All Transmission and Distribution Substations and the Feeder Exit of the Substation

out to the first Disconnect Switch or Open Jumper.

If we had more time…- I would discuss the changes we made to our Clearance Procedure that go along with

this report.- I would go into more depth on the incidents that prompted the procedure review and

sparked the development of this report. - If you have questions about any of this I would love to share information.

For the purpose of this discussion…

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Developed and placed into production in 2016- Before this report OG&E had nothing official for the field members to capture

clearance information on.

The report is offered as a tear-off pad.- The report is 2-sided.- Pad holds 50 reports.

The field members are overwhelmed with excitement that they have another form to fill out!!!

“Clearance Holder Report” Fun Facts

EEI

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Front Page Back Page

Front Page

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Equipment to be Cleared & Boundaries: Why?

Previously, the Clearance Holder did not have a platform to capture this information. Control Center provided the information on

Switching Order.• Boundaries for switching orders don’t

always match those for clearances.• Switching boundaries could change without

changing clearance boundaries.

Front Page

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Protective Ground Installation and Removal: Why?

Again, the Clearance Holder did not have a platform to capture this information. Incidents were occurring where we were closing

in on grounds that had been unintentionally left connected. • Checklist provided verification that these

grounds don’t inadvertently get missed due to the fallibility of humans.

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Can we Increase/Decrease Human Fallibility with Systems & Designs?

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Can you locate the Grounds?

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Can you locate the Grounds?

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How about now?

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Better or Worse?

Front Page

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Information about the Clearance: Why?

Once again, the Clearance Holder did not have a platform to capture this information.• Individuality and creativity took shape!

o Personal notebookso Switching Orderso Napkinso Palm of hando Etc.

• Many incidents were occurring where members were losing this information.o It is a very inconvenient process to

positively identify a clearance holder that has lost their number…

Front Page

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Clearance Return Checklist: Why?

These are the Principle Verifications when returning a clearance!• Previously, these were said using a verbal

cadence from the Clearance Holder to the Operator.

• The cadence was passed down through the years via “Tribal Knowledge”.

• The cadence failed to contain required information.

“Additional crews working under this clearance”

“All men are in the clear and warned to stay in the clear. All grounds been removed. Equipment is ready for service.”

Back Page

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Clearance Script: Why did we do this?

No previous documentation existed to direct either the field or the Operating Authority on how to conduct their conversation.• This created hesitation and uncertainty

for those who did not take clearance often.

• This also created inconsistencies for how each Operating Authority handled clearances.

Following this script ensures that we discuss all principle items we need to discuss through 3-part communication. • Previous page’s checklists must be fully

complete before starting the conversation.

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The end users were excited about more paperwork!

Change Management is key to a successful implementation!

- Identify all potential stakeholders

- Get input

- Allocate proper time

- Be prepared and prepare the team to present an understanding of the WHY• Not just in meetings, but during informal one-on-one, casual conversations!• Identify Advocates with influence outside of the team and use them!

What did we learn during implementation?

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We have not closed up on any protective grounds unintentionally left after clearance return.

Clearance communication has become consistent across both Control Centers.

There have been no instances where Clearance Holders have lost their information.

Zero incidents were we have had workers in a Primary Area within established boundaries without working under a Clearance per our Clearance Procedures.

Surprisingly, field members are still excited about more paperwork!

Since Implementation

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