EM - August/September 2014 - (Page 23)

23 Aug/Sept 2014 www.esb.ie/em ESB Networks Ltd ESB Networks and Prysmian sign contract for Shannon cable P25 HISTORIC DAY FOR LEVEL 1 COMMISSIONERS 8 The first Level 1 Commissioning Conferences in ESB Networks took place recently, and were met with great success Network Training Centre Portlaoise This conference could not have been possible without the role and involvement of the Networks Training Centre Portlaoise. The background team responsible for organising this event received the full support and resources necessary from Conal Bonnar Manager of Fleet and Technical Training. The event was a great success and has had a major impact on commissioning polices, standards and procedures. SharePoint & Dof@esb.ie Trevor Walsh, Ciaran McBrien, Ger Deenihan, JP Redden, Sean Finucane, Caroline Mills, Alan Kelly, John McCarville and Teresa Farrell. ESB NETWORKS TRAINING CENTRE launched its new facilities and its journey to the Centre of Excellence with its vision of "Together assuring Technical Competence for all, now and into the future" at its Open Day on May 29th. One of the goals of this approach is to assure the highest standards of technical competency is achieved and is active in the business. In line with this, Trevor Walsh, Commissioning Training Officer from NTC identified the need to ensure that all Commissioners were updated on new technologies and procedures and also to create an ongoing forum to develop a standard approach for all. In order to make this a reality, the first ever Level 1 Commissioning Forums in ESB Networks took place recently in Mullingar and Cork, facilitated by the Network Training Centre, Portlaoise. The forums included a gathering of stakeholders involved in commissioning Share Point & Dof@esb.ie: At the conferences a commissioning SharePoint site was set up for all Level 1 commissioners, as well as a new email address called dof@ esb.ie. The new SharePoint site is instrumental in sharing documents, policies, test records and procedures which will keep commissioners informed and up-to-date. When equipment is commissioned a Declaration of Fitness (DOF) is issued to the controller. From now on all DOFs must be (cc)carbon copied to dof@esb.ie where they can be stored, controlled and audited accordingly. freshed. Hence the importance for ongoing, proactive communication between all stakeholders in order to ensure best continuity and safety of supply for all our customers and maximum return in the long run on our assets. These forums have proved invaluable in the drive to achieve this. Ger Deenihan discussing an issue during a workshop. from a number of different departments, namely Asset Management, Operations Policy & Safety, Commissioning, Protection, IT, Auditing, Networks Training Centre, and Level 1 Commissioners from all parts of the country. These forums enabled all the parties involved to come together and discuss advancements in the latest standards and new technologies. With on-going updates and new technologies, the forums are vital to ensuring best practice in the commissioning field. They provide the opportunity for Commissioners to network with other like-minded Commissioners in the company and associated relevant departments. A huge amount of work was afforded by the guest speakers to contribute to this very successful occasion. Trevor Walsh was MC for both forums. The Level 1 Commissioner Level 1 Commissioners are a team of highly trained, skilled and experienced Network Technicians, who are responsible for ensuring a wide range of Seamus Harney, Caroline Mills, Declan Cleary, Dwaine Mullins and Bobby Daly. new plant and equipment going onto the ESB system is tested to the highest possible standard. They work independently throughout the country and commission a wide and varied range of equipment. Loop Automation has become a huge part of the L1 Commissioners role. This new state -of-the-art technology involves the use of Nulec Reclosers to automatically and rapidly restore supply to large numbers of customers and feeds into ESB Networks overall strategy of Smart Networks. To date there are in excess of 30 Loop Automation Schemes in service or Seamus Berry, nearing completion ESB Networks across the country Operations incorporating in the Manager. region of 300 Nulec Reclosers and other automated devices. The dynamic and technology of the devices commissioned onto our system are ever-changing, and so the L1's skill sets and learning needs to be constantly updated and re- Conclusion The two forums were a milestone for ESB Networks and Level 1 Commissioning. The Dof@esb.ie website, SharePoint, and the latest standards and Guides for Nulec Recloser testing have all been launched successfully since these forums have taken place. From an NTC training standard point of view, a new suite of training course material and syllabi has been created and designed to meet the business requirement. These are now being delivered countrywide. A new focus on auditing procedures specific for Commissioning is now in place, standards and training methods have also been updated and most importantly links have been formed between Commissioners and relevant Managers and associated departments. With such positive feedback, this forum will likely be an annual event. n Comments from the Forum ''Our mission in the Networks Training Centre is to assure the technical competence of all staff, now and into the future. The commissioning forum is another example of how we are involved in ensuring that information and knowledge is shared amongst our Trainees.'' Alan Kelly, Training Delivery Manager, ESB Fleet & Tecnhical Training "The Level 1 Commissioning Forum informed commissioners on current matters affecting commissioning, upcoming technology and provided a space to allow cross delivery organisation collaboration and to share accummulated knowledge.'' Alan Rossiter, Commissioning Manager, ESB Networks "I learned responsibility and ownership of different parts of equipment, IFTs, nulecs etc. Great day for Networking with other Commissioners.'' Billy Horgan, Tralee "Very well run, looking forward to follow up and feedback." David McKenna, Dundalk "Information should be released from a central point to all relevant parties." Mick Galvin, Athlone "Very useful day, very professionally staged. Improved awareness of issues and standards. Common problems with IFTs, nulecs." Peter O Loughlin, North East Top right: Alan Rossiter, ESB Networks Commissioning Manager. Above: Ciaran McBrien, Alan Kelly, Mark Steward, Sean Finucane, JP Redden, Ger Butler, Dermot Drew, Alan Rossiter, Frank Bredin, Seamus Berry, Niall Whitmarsh, Barry Dillon, Pat Heneghan, Pat Gilboy, Trevor Walsh and Con Moloney.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of EM - August/September 2014

EM - August/September 2014
Contents
News
Innovation
Generation & Wholesale Markets
BSC & Electrical Ireland
ESB Networks Ltd
Health & Habitat

EM - August/September 2014