Power Safety Inspection¶
This SOP defines the required power safety inspection procedures for all temporary electrical systems used by Maryland Productions (MP) and Event Revolution (RV). Power safety inspections are mandatory at multiple stages of the equipment lifecycle and are critical for preventing injury, equipment damage, and venue incidents.
No power system may be energized unless it passes inspection.
Purpose¶
Identify unsafe power conditions before energization.
Prevent shock, fire, and equipment damage.
Standardize inspection procedures across all power systems.
Establish clear authority to stop unsafe work.
Ensure compliance with MP/RV safety standards.
Who This SOP Is For¶
Power technicians
Technical Directors
Department leads interfacing with power
Warehouse staff performing prep inspections
Project Managers overseeing power scope
Only trained personnel may perform or approve power safety inspections.
Scope¶
This SOP applies to:
Feeder and Camlock systems
Power distribution units (distros)
Branch circuits and power cabling
Generator-fed systems
Venue tie-ins
Temporary electrical layouts on-site
Permanent electrical installations are excluded.
Inspection Phases¶
Power systems must be inspected at the following stages:
Warehouse prep
On-site before energization
After energization
During operation
During strike
Each phase serves a different safety purpose.
Warehouse Prep Inspection¶
Before equipment leaves the warehouse:
Inspect: - Feeder jackets and connectors - Power cables and extensions - Distros and breakouts
Verify: - Correct labeling and ratings - No exposed conductors - Functional breakers and indicators
Remove damaged equipment from service.
Document any flagged items.
Unsafe equipment must never be deployed.
Pre-Energization Inspection (On-Site)¶
Before applying power:
Verify source is OFF.
Confirm: - Correct voltage and phase - Proper grounding - Neutral integrity
Inspect: - Connection order - Fully seated connectors - Cable routing and protection
Confirm loads match approved plan.
Clear non-essential personnel from area.
This is the most critical inspection stage.
Post-Energization Inspection¶
Immediately after energizing:
Observe: - Voltage indicators - Load meters - Breaker status
Check for: - Heat - Smell - Abnormal sounds
Verify correct operation of connected systems.
If anything appears abnormal, shut down immediately.
Operational Monitoring¶
During the event:
Periodically inspect: - Cable routing - Connector temperature - Breaker status
Watch for: - Tripped breakers - Flickering or unstable systems
Investigate issues before re-energizing.
Power systems must be actively monitored.
Environmental Safety Checks¶
Inspect for environmental risks:
Moisture or standing water
Weather exposure
Foot or vehicle traffic
Heat sources near cabling
Obstructed access to panels or distros
Environmental changes can create new hazards.
Strike Inspection¶
During strike:
De-energize systems fully.
Verify systems are dead before handling.
Inspect cables and connectors for damage.
Flag equipment requiring repair.
Document issues before storage.
Strike inspections protect the next show.
Common Safety Violations¶
Connecting under load
Improper connection order
Overloaded circuits
Damaged or modified cables
Unprotected cable runs
Bypassed breakers or safeties
These violations require immediate correction.
Documentation Requirements¶
All power inspections must include:
Date and location
Inspector name
Systems inspected
Issues found and resolved
Equipment removed from service
If it is not documented, it did not happen.
Roles & Responsibilities¶
Power Technicians¶
Perform and approve inspections.
Enforce safety standards.
Stop unsafe work.
Warehouse Staff¶
Perform prep inspections.
Remove unsafe equipment from service.
Project Managers¶
Support inspection time and corrections.
Ensure qualified power staff are assigned.
Quality Control¶
Inspections performed at all required stages.
Unsafe conditions corrected immediately.
Documentation completed.
Repeat issues reviewed and addressed.
Power safety is non-negotiable.