Field evidence and review

The field crew records evidence against the case as it works: what was observed, when, any measured value with its unit, the source the evidence came from and when it was verified. A voltage reading after reclosing a breaker, a photo reference of a repaired line, a pressure reading after a valve was reopened: each is its own line on the case.

A supervisor reviews that evidence before the case moves on. The review decision records who decided, which revision of the case they saw, whether they approved, rejected or returned it, and why. Files that support the case, such as photos, switching logs and crew notes, are attached with their evidence type and marked internal or shareable.

The field crew lead records evidence; the utility supervisor reviews it.

• Source on every line. Each evidence line names where it came from, so it can be checked.
• Independent review. Evidence is reviewed by a supervisor, not by the person who submitted it.
• Revision on the decision. Each decision names the case revision it applied to.

Agree what evidence counts for each type of outage, for example a voltage reading for electric, a pressure reading for water. Agree who reviews evidence and how quickly during a major event. Decide which attachments may be shared with customers or regulators. Prepare examples of evidence approved, evidence returned for a missing reading and evidence rejected because it came from the wrong asset.

A crew reports that a feeder has been reclosed and submits a voltage reading with the substation as its source. The supervisor reviews the case, sees the reading matches the restored feeder and approves. On another case a crew submits a photo but no reading; the supervisor returns the case asking for the measurement, and the crew adds it before restoration is confirmed.

• Cases awaiting review — Cases with evidence waiting for the supervisor.
• Verified field evidence — Evidence lines with values, units and sources.
• Review decision log — Approvals, rejections and returns with reasons.

• Evidence review: From submitted evidence to a decision.

See roles.