Your workplace scenario and question and our reply follow. Please accept our apology for the delay in responding. The bottom side is the blade side and the top is the jaw. To de-energize the top portion of the switch would, in many cases, require that the entire facility be shut down. With the switch open, the bottom side has a clearance distance of at least 3 feet from the top.
Employees work on the bottom of the switches de-energized with the top still energized.
The work consists of cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting the switches. While working on the bottom of the switches, the workers are enclosed in an equipotential, grounded zone. The workers are instructed to stay within the equipotential, grounded zone and to stay at least 3 feet away from the top of the switch. The workers are also instructed to keep all tools and equipment they use at least 3 feet away from the energized top portion of the switch. A copy of the drawing included in your letter as a rough illustration of the work arrangement is enclosed to facilitate our reply.