Always make sure that isolation or lock-out procedures are followed.

If an electrical contractor needs to access some wiring, they should follow a procedure of isolating or
de-energizing the circuit.

Electrical contractors should have written procedures they are supposed to follow, but many people (often non electricians) will skip isolating a circuit to do something that is simple of quick. Although this often seems ok and often works, there is a high risk of injury or damage to circuits.

Unpluging a power supply, isolating a circuit etc should always be done. Otherwise an accident will eventually happen.

If a valve should not be used, it should have a lock-out tag put on it. Especially if it is to be left unattended or if it contains dangerous or contaminated material (eg chemicals, sewage).

It is a good idea to carry a lock-out tag with you on site inspections, commissioning, or any site work you do. If you need to turn off a valve to open a pipe or equipment, you can easily put your lock-out tag on it for the few minutes you are doing the work. This reduces the risk of someone inadvertently turning the valve back on.

As a project manager you should not practice lazy or “save time” habits that others may often use. You are in charge of the project. You should set a good example, but also insist on proper procedures. This reduces risks, potential liability, and increases professionalism.

Tagged with: bad habits • isolation • lockout • lockout tag • procedures

Filed under: Risk

Review all documents before they are released to the client, contractor, bid, etc.

It is important that the documents are checked that they are the most up to date version, and that the footer and header match the contents.

E.g. if it is the final version, don’t leave the word “draft” in the footer, make sure it is updated appropriately.

Tagged with: draft • review • update

Filed under: Documentation

Work on the assumption that anything you put in the project file may some day be looked at in a court of law.

Be careful with every document, photo, memo, drawing, email that is put in the project folder. Make sure it is something that you would be happy for anyone to see.

Don’t put project instructions in the same email as a personal note.

If you want to congratulate a client on a personal topic for example the birth of a child), do not also include project information, questions or instructions in that same email. Send a completely separate email, even if it just a moment later. It is important to separate these, as project related correspondence may and probably should by filed in the project file.

Tagged with: correspondence • email • legal

Filed under: Documentation

Get confirmation from the client or contractors that they received transmittals.

Make sure this is in writing (preferably a signed transmittal form).

Tagged with: transmittal

Filed under: Client • Communication • Documentation

Copy notes or minutes of meetings with the client to the client. Don’t just keep them in the project file.

This is important for legal reasons, as you can then prove that the client was informed.

Keep a record of when and to whom the documents were sent to.
Get confirmation (email or writing) that they were received.

Tagged with: legal • meetings • minutes • records

Filed under: Client • Communication • Documentation