Download Electricity Hazards ESB - Association of Irish Risk Management AIRM

Electricity
Risk Management Seminar
AIRM
17th February 2016
Alan Kelly
Seminar Objectives



To provide an understanding of Electrical terms and
the concepts of electricity
To introduce Electrical Protective Devices and provide
an understanding of their use
To Identify the Legislation associated with Electrical
Work and Electrically Operated Equipment.
Statistics
Fatal Electrical Accidents In Ireland
2001–2011
33 Fatalities
In 2005 there were 5 people electrocuted – 2 of these
fatalities were with Low Voltage (LV) = 50 – 1000 volts.
In 2006 there were NO Electrical Fatalities in Ireland
First time since 1936
What is Electricity?
SO
WHAT IS IT MADE
OF!!!
Electricity is made up of a range of
components e.g. Voltage – Current –
Resistance – Power.
What is Electricity?
Aluminium Atom
13 Electrons
29 Electrons
Nucleus
Electricity is the moving of Electrons in a wire or
conductor and the consequence of this movement.
Voltage Levels

Extra Low Voltage
= < 50Volts

Low Voltage
= 50 – 1000Volts

Medium Voltage
= 1kV – 38kV

High Voltage
= 38kV- 400kV
Current

Current = Movement of Electrons
Current measured in Ampere’s or amps
Symbol = I or A
Types of Current
DIRECT CURRENT (DC)
ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC)
Frequency

Frequency of a system = Number of
cycles per second

In Ireland this = 50;

It is measured in Hertz (Hz)

50hz
Stroboscopic Effect

May cause rotating objects to appear
stationary or at least moving slowly

Fluorescent lighting – Problems

Solution – Filament lighting adjacent to
machine

Solution – Supply each row of lights from
separate Phases
Effects Of Electric Current
Heating Effect – caused by friction
Examples – Kettle, Cooker, Space Heater, Immersion & Light bulb
Effects Of Electric Current
Magnetic Effect
Voltage
Examples – Motors, Transformers, Relays, Contactors & RCD’s
Resistance

Resistance = Opposition to current flow
Resistance due to type of
material & CSA
Higher Resistance due
to smaller CSA
Measured in Ohms - Symbol = R or Ω
Power
Is the rate at which Current flows at a
given Resistance and Voltage
Power
=
Voltage x Current
Measured in Volt-amps / Watts
e.g.
10 VA
15 kVA /kW
IP Rating




IP rating of equipment refers to the electrical
equipments ability to withstand the ingress of
either liquids or solid bodies
IP 56 ; In this example the Ingress protection
offered by this equipment is given by the two
numbers.
The first number refers to the protection
against the ingress of solid bodies.
The second number refers to the protection
against the ingress of liquid.
IP Rating
Example of IP rating

IP45 = Protection against normal dust and
hosing and is suitable for Dairies.

IPX4 = only protected against hosing is
given
Electrical hazards associated with electrical
systems and equipment include:
• Electric shock
• Burns sustained at the point of accidental
electrical contact, or due to arcing from
high voltage conductors
• Fires caused by overheating or ignition of
explosive atmospheres
• Secondary injuries as a result of muscle
spasms during shock or, for example,
falling from a ladder after a mild shock.
The Electrical Circuit
Electrical
Appliance
Frame is Live
Fau
lt
Live
L
O
A
D
Electricity
Supply
Neutral
Main
Earth
Probably a FATAL accident
General Mass of Earth
The Electrical Circuit
What can be done to try to prevent the electric shock?
We can “Earth” the appliance or machine
We can install a protective device (fuse or mcb)
Electrical
Appliance
Fau
lt
Live
Fuse/mcb
L
O
A
D
Electricity
Supply
Neutral
Neutralising Link
Main
Earth
Earth Rod
General Mass of Earth
The Electrical Circuit
What can be done to try to prevent the electric shock?
Protective Device Operates
Electrical
Appliance
Fau
lt
Live
L
O
A
D
Electricity
Supply
Neutral
Main
Earth
The larger current flowing blows
the fuse and the appliance frame
is no longer Live
General Mass of Earth
Earth Rod
The Electrical Circuit
Another device used to prevent electric shock is the RCD
RCD/ELCB
Electrical
Appliance
Fau
lt
Live
Electricity
Supply
Fuse/mcb
R
E
L
A
Y
L
O
A
D
Neutral
Main
Earth
Earth Rod
General Mass of Earth
The Electrical Circuit
In the event of an Earth Fault the RCD trips the circuit faster than the fuse/mcb
Electrical
Appliance
RCD/ELCB
Fau
lt
Live
Electricity
Supply
Fuse/mcb
R
E
L
A
Y
Test
Button
L
O
A
D
Neutral
Main
Earth
The RCD uses the imbalance between
the current in the phase and neutral to
identify that there is a fault.
General Mass of Earth
Earth Rod
RCD
T
The test button
on RCD’s installed
in this country are
marked with the
letter “T”
It is possible
to purchase
Plug-in RCD’s
Circuits feeding ‘plugged-in’ appliances, showers
and immersions must be protected with an RCD.
Typical domestic distribution board
RCD
Recommended to test the RCD twice a year,
probably best at time change in spring & Autumn

Typical tripping times expected using RCD tester
=

0.30 secs at 30mA

0.15 secs at 60mA

0.04 secs at 150mA

Testing regime depends on Installation
Working on Electrical Equipment
Electrical
Machine
Live
L
O
A
D
Electricity
Supply
Neutral
Main
Earth
Probably a FATAL accident
General Mass of Earth
Electrical Hazards
Electric
shock – electrocution
Caused by simultaneous contact of two parts
of the body with either:
Phase (live) and Neutral (Single Phase System)
Phase and another Phase (3 phase System)
Phase (live) and Earth.
Effects of Electric Shock
 Involuntary
muscular contraction
 Respiratory paralysis (Asphyxia)
 Surface and deep tissue burns
 Lack of Oxygen in blood,
 Loss of consciousness
 Ventricular fibrillation of heart (spasms)
 Death in 3-7 minutes if no intervention
(CPR).
Effects of Electric Shock depend on:
 Level
of Voltage
 Duration of shock
 Body Resistance
 Insulating material (e.g. shoes, gloves)
 Path of current
 Person’s health (e.g. heart condition)
 Age.
Effects of Electric Shock on
Nervous System





Threshold of perception
Mild shock
Threshold of “let-go”
Very severe shock
Fatal
0.5 - 2 mA
2 - 10 mA
10 - 30 mA
30 - 50 mA
> 50 mA
230 volts will result in a current of
approx. 80-240 mA through the body
Fuses & MCBs do not protect against
electrocution.
Electrical Burns
 Flash
- radiant heat
 Spatter
with molten
copper
 Burns
at entry and
exit points of current
from body.
Protection Against Electric Shock

Proper Earthing and Bonding

Use of Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (RCD)

Safe System of Work (Lockout/Tagout)

Use of Insulated Gloves,

Use of Insulated Footwear or Insulated Mat

Use of Double Insulated Work Equipment

Regular Inspection & Testing of Installation
and Equipment
Electrical Device Safety
1. Properly fitted plug tops
2. Plug tops should have the correct fuse
3. Routine Safety Testing
4. Do not place fluids on top of electrical devices
5. Do not plug in equipment when you have wet hands
6. Report all faults
7. Report all frayed cables, broken plugs or any plugs
that feel warm.
The Electrical Circuit
Another Fault that can occur is what’s called a Short Circuit.
This is a very low resistance connection between the phase/live and
neutral in a single phase system or between phases in a 3-phase system.
Live
Fuse/mcb
L
O
A
D
Electricity
Supply
Neutral
Main
Earth
The high level of current
flowing as a result of the fault
operates the protective device
General Mass of Earth
Earth Rod
Electrical Hazards
 Short
Circuit
Explosive effect of discharge.
Fire.
Pressure Wave
Shrapnel
Sound
Protection Against Short Circuit
 Use of Proper Circuit Protection.
 Use of Insulated Tools
 Adequate information about the risks
 Use of Full Face Visor & Helmet,
 Use of appropriate Arc Resistive Overalls
 Use of suitable barriers & screens
 Accompaniment by second person
 Effective control of work area
LEGISLATION

The SHAWW (General Application) Regs, 2007
(S.I. 299 ) Part III – Electricity.

The SHAWW (General Application) Regs,
(Amendment), 2007 (S.I. 732)

The National Rules for Electrical Installations.
Code of Practice produced by the ElectroTechnical Council of Ireland (ETCI).
Electrical Standards

The Electro-Technical Council of Ireland
(ETCI), is the National body responsible for
the harmonisation of standards in the
electro-technical field, in collaboration with
the National Standards Authority of Ireland
(NSAI).

ETCI is the Irish Member of the
International Electro-technical Commission
(IEC) and the European Committee for
Electro-Technical Standardisation
(CENELEC)
Statutory requirements – SI 299 of 2007

Part 3 of the General Application
Regulations 2007 requires
precautions to be taken against the
risk of death or personal injury and
to prevent danger so far as is
reasonably practicable from
electricity used in work activities.
S.I. No. 299 of 2007
PART 3 -- ELECTRICITY
• SUITABILITY OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT &
INSTALLATIONS
• IDENTIFICATION AND MARKING
• PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK
• SWITCHING AND ISOLATION
• PRECAUTIONS FOR WORK ON EQUIPMENT MADE DEAD
• PERSONS TO BE COMPETENT
Isolation
The Disconnection and
Separation of electrical
equipment from every source of
electrical energy in such a way
that the disconnection and
separation is secure.

Earthing

Means the connection of the
exposed conductive parts of an
installation to the conductive
mass of the earth
Regulation 75: Application of Part 3
2) This Part does not apply to—
(a) any electrical equipment or electrical
installation used exclusively for electrical
testing or research purposes, or
(b) medical electrical equipment,
but persons using equipment referred to in
subparagraph (b) shall ensure that the
equipment or installation is constructed,
installed, maintained, protected and used,
with adequate precautions being taken, so as
to prevent danger.
Statutory requirements – SI 299 of 2007

Regulation 76:
An Employer shall ensure thatAll electrical equipment and electrical installations are –
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Designed
Constructed
Installed
Maintained
Protected, and
Used so as to prevent danger.
Statutory requirements – SI 299 of 2007
Regulation 78:
An employer shall ensure that –
a) All electrical equipment is suitably identified where
necessary to prevent danger,
b) All electrical equipment, other than cables & overhead
lines, displays the makers name together with all ratings
necessary to show that it is suitable for the purpose for
which it is used, and
c) All electrical circuits are suitably identified at their source
to allow those circuits to be safely and securely
de-energised and isolated
Statutory requirements – SI299 of 2007
Regulation 79:
An employer shall ensure that all live parts which may
cause danger –
a)
Are suitably covered with insulating material and
so protected as to prevent danger
Or
b)
Are the subject of precautions taken to prevent
danger, including, where appropriate, the live parts
being suitably placed to prevent danger.

Regulation 81:
(1) An employer shall ensure that –
(a) a circuit supplying portable equipment or a socket
outlet intended to supply portable equipment, including
any circuit supplied by an electrical generator, and in
which is used alternating current at a voltage(i) exceeding 125 volts and
(ii) not exceeding 1000 volts,
is protected by one or more RCD’s having a tripping
current not exceeding 30mA’s operating within such a
period of time so as to provide the necessary
protection to prevent danger to any person coming into
direct or indirect contact with any live part of the circuit.
Regulation 81:
(b)
(c)
portable equipment is maintained in a manner fit for
safe use.
portable equipment which is(i) exposed to conditions causing deterioration liable to
result in danger,
and
(ii) supplied at a voltage exceeding 125V AC is –
- Visually checked by the user before use,
and
-Periodically inspected by a competent Person,
appropriate to the nature, location and use of the
equipment.
Regulation 81:
(2)
An employer shall ensure, where
appropriate, that a competent person—
(a) tests any portable equipment described in
paragraph (1)(c)(i) and (ii), and
(b) certifies whether or not the portable equipment
(including any cables and plugs) was, on the day of
test, as far as could reasonably be ascertained,
safe and without risk to persons coming into direct
or indirect contact with any live part of the
equipment.
Regulation 81:
(3) If the certificate of the competent person referred
to in paragraph (2) indicates that the portable
equipment tested was not, on the day of the test,
safe and without risk, as described in that
paragraph, the employer shall ensure that the
equipment is not used until it is made safe and
certified as such in compliance with paragraph (2).
Regulation 81:
(4) An employer shall ensure that –
(a) Portable equipment, other than portable
transformers and portable Generators, supplied at
a voltage exceeding 125V ac is not used in –
(i) Construction work,
(ii) External quarrying activities, or
(iii) Damp or confined locations
Unless its rating exceeds 2kVA
Statutory requirements – SI299 of 2007
Regulation 81:
(b) Portable hand lamps supplied at a voltage
exceeding 25 volts ac or 50V dc is not used in –
(i) Construction work,
(ii) External quarrying activities, or
(iii) Damp or confined locations,
and
Regulation 81:
(c)
Where a transformer or engine driven generator
is used to supply electricity to portable equipment
at a voltage greater than 25 volts, but not
exceeding 125 volts AC, the neutral (star) point
of the secondary windings of three-phase
transformers and generators, or the midpoint of
the secondary windings of single-phase
transformers and generators, shall be connected
to earth and in the case of transformers these
shall be of the double wound isolating type.


Portable transformers supplied at a voltage
exceeding 125 volts AC come within the
application of Regulation 81(1) and a
maximum cable length of two metres should
be used on the high voltage or supply side.
Where an extension lead is required, this
should be used on the low voltage or
secondary side of the transformer and it
should be suitable for the environment in
which it is used.
Statutory requirements – SI299 of 2007

Regulation 86 :
An employer shall ensure that(a) Work activity, including the operation, use and
maintenance of electrical equipment or electrical
installations, is carried out in a manner that
prevents danger.
(b) Before work is carried out on live electrical
equipment the equipment is, where appropriate ,
made dead so as to prevent danger.
Statutory requirements – SI299 of 2007
Regulation 86 :
(c) Adequate precautions are taken to prevent
danger arising from-
(i)
Electrical equipment which has been made dead
becoming live while work is carried out on or
near that equipment, and
(ii) Any electrical equipment inadvertently becoming
live,
Statutory requirements – SI299 of 2007
(d) Where it is necessary for work to be carried out on or
near any live part, other than one suitably covered with
insulating material so as to prevent danger, of electrical
equipment, a person is not engaged in work activity
unless-
(i) it is unreasonable in the circumstances for it to be
dead;
(ii) it is reasonable in the circumstances for such a person
to be at work on or near it while it is live, and
(iii) suitable precautions are taken to prevent danger,
including, where necessary, the provision of
protective equipment.
Statutory requirements – SI299 of 2007
Regulation 87:
An employer shall ensure that(a) Adequate working space, adequate means of
access and egress and adequate lighting are
provided at all electrical equipment …..
and
b)
Emergency lighting is fitted in all switchrooms in
order to give an adequate degree of lighting in the
event of a loss of electrical supply.
Statutory requirements – SI299 of 2007
Regulation 88:
An employer shall ensure that no person is
engaged in any work activity to which this part
relates where technical knowledge and
experience is necessary to prevent danger
unless that person is competent or is under
such degree of supervision as is appropriate,
having regard to the nature of the work
Regulation 89:
An employer shall ensure that—
(a) a new electrical installation and a major
alteration of, or extension to, an existing
electrical installation is, after completion,
inspected and tested by a competent person
and a report of the test is completed verifying
that the relevant requirements of this Part
have been complied with,


Regulation 89
(b) an existing electrical installation is tested by
a competent person in an appropriate
manner—
(i) from time to time where required having
regard to the nature, location and use of the
installation, or
(ii) if an inspector so requires and a report of
the test is completed by the competent
person carrying out the test,
Statutory requirements – SI299 of 2007
Regulation 91:
(2) An employer shall ensure that only an
authorised person or a person acting with
his or her consent, or under his or her
supervision, can enter any part of a
substation or switchroom in which there
may be danger
Electrical Safety
It is an employer’s duty to provide staff with
Safe Systems of Work
It is absolutely essential
that they have safe work
methods and procedures in
place to ensure the safety
of all who work on
electrical equipment or
installations:
Electrical Safety
When it comes to Electrical Work
there are only two scenario’s:
 Working on Equipment ‘Dead’
 Working on Equipment ‘Live’
There is no in between
Therefore a Safe Operating Procedure is required for both.
Working on Equipment ‘Dead’
It is always preferable to work on ‘dead’
equipment or installations (SI 299). Any
Procedure for making Electrical Equipment
‘Dead’ e.g. Lockout/Tagout Procedure should
be based on the 5 golden rules:
1 Disconnect from the power supply
2 Prevent re-connection (lock-off)
3 Check for absence of voltage
4 Earth and short circuit (if appropriate)
5 Protect from adjacent live parts
Lockout and Tagout
Procedure based on 5 Golden Rules
PURPOSE

To comply with Health and Safety
legislation

To protect employees from any unintended
release of potentially hazardous energy
while setting up, adjusting, repairing,
servicing, maintaining or installing
equipment or machinery.
Lockout and Tagout
When to use:
Lockout and Tagout must be used where the unexpected
energising, start up or release of stored energy could
occur and cause injury.
Who should use:
All personnel authorised to implement a Lockout and
Tagout system.
Personnel trained in the identification of energy sources,
location and operation of isolating equipment and
utilisation of Lockout and Tagout devices.
Lockout and Tagout
What is Lockout:
The placement of a Lockout Device on an energy
isolation device to ensure that the isolation device
and the system it controls cannot be accidentally or
inadvertently operated.
What is Tagout:
The placement of a Tagout Device on an energy
isolation device to indicate that the isolation device
and the system being controlled should not be
operated until the Tagout Device is removed.
Lockout and Tagout
Lockout devices must:

Be approved type and robust enough for the
environment in which they will be used.

Only be removed by the person who applied them.

Only have one available
key in the possession of
the approved person
Lockout and Tagout
Tagout devices must:
 Be securely attached with a self locking device
 Be able to withstand the environmental conditions
 Only be removed by the person who applied them.
 Be prominently displayed
and identify the person who
attached the Tagout device
Electrical Contractor Management









Valid Public Liability Insurance
Contractor Safety Statement
Contractor Job Method Statement
Risk Assessment
Site Induction
Permit to Work – Lockout Permit
Competent workers (with Safe Pass)
Suitable Safety Equipment & PPE
Suitable (certified & tested) Instruments
Working on Equipment ‘Live’
Electrical equipment or installations are
deemed to be ‘Live’ if they are not ‘Dead’
i.e. switched off, locked off and verified
that it is off.
Live Working should be the exception
and only carried out when it is
unreasonable for the electricity supply to
be switched off and suitable precautions
are taken to minimise the risks.
Live Working Precautions






The use of people who are properly trained and
competent to work safely on live equipment.
The provision of adequate information to the person
carrying out the work about the live parts
involved and the likely risks.
The use of suitable tools including insulated tools,
equipment and protective clothing.
The use of suitable insulated barriers or screens.
The use of suitable instruments and test probes.
Accompaniment by another person if their presence
could contribute significantly to ensuring that danger is
prevented.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Arc Flash Protection Overalls
These overalls are designed to protect the body from burn injuries resulting from
electrical short circuit. EN 61482
Electrical Insulated Gloves
These gauntlet type latex gloves should comply with the international standard EN
60903. They should be stamped with the live working symbol along with Class 0 to
indicate they will insulate up to 1000 volts. Before use each glove should be visually
examined and inflated to check for damage and punctures. Any glove that fails the
tests must be cut up and scrapped immediately. Live Working Symbol =
Electrical Insulated Mat
The insulated mat provides effective means of improving protection against second
point of contact. It should be stamped with the live working symbol and the level of
voltage to which it will insulate.
Electrical Insulated Boots
The insulated boots should comply with the international standard EN 50321. They should
be indelibly stamped on the inside of each boot with the live working symbol, the level of
voltage to which they will insulate and the month and year of manufacture. The boots must
be checked for cuts, punctures or worn soles before use.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Face and Eye Protection
A full face visor complying with the
international standard EN 166 must be
worn where there is a risk of face or
eye damage from electrical short
circuits.
Insulated Shrouding
Shrouding is designed for temporary
protection against accidental contact
during work. It should be stamped with
the live working symbol and indicate the
level of voltage to which it will insulate.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Test Instruments
All test instruments used on Live electrical
equipment Must be fully insulated to a
minimum voltage level of 1000 volts. They
should comply with the international
standard EN 61243
Test Instrument Leads and Probes
Test equipment connecting leads and
probes should be sufficiently
protected to prevent accidental
contact when being applied to and
removed from live parts e.g. maximum
of 3mm exposed metal tip of probe.
“Cowboy” Contractor
230 Volt
supply
Standard
flex / cable
Earthed
body
230
Volts to
earth
Electrical Safety
Low Voltage can still kill.
Double
insulated tool
RCD and
overcurrent
protected
Armoured
cable
110 Volt supply
55 volts to earth
Regularly inspected as
per SI 299 of 2007
Testing of Tools/Equipment
Portable Appliance Testing
USE OF WORK EQUIPMENT
It is the duty of every employer to ensure that
in the case of work equipment which is
exposed to conditions causing deterioration
liable to result in a danger to safety or health,
that periodic inspections and, where
appropriate, testing is carried out.
The results of inspections should be kept
for 5 years from date of inspection.
Industrial Socket Outlets
400V
4 or 5 pin
230V
25V
110V = yellow
High Voltage - close proximity
Voltage
1-20 kV
38 kV
110 kV
220 kV
400kV
Radial
Horizontal
0.75 m
1.0m
1.2 m
2.1 m
3.5 m
2.6 m
2.9 m
3.35 m
4.35 m
6.4 m
High Voltage can “jump”
you don’t need to make actual contact.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY-High Voltage
 Access
to HV Apparatus must be
restricted to authorised personnel only
 Doors
& gates to rooms, cubicles and
compounds:

Must be kept locked to prevent entry
by unauthorised personnel, and,

Key must be controlled.
Working beneath a Live Line

Where work is to be carried out close to a live line, ESB
Networks insist on the line being switched out for the
duration of such work.

In some situations work will be allowed but only after
detailed consultation and with the understanding that
strict safety precautions will be employed.

In addition to all previously mentioned precautions a
barrier of timber or an earthed steel net will be erected
under the supervision of ESB at a height also determined
by ESB.
Working in Proximity to Overhead Lines

Sites where there will be no work or passage of
plant under a live line require barriers to prevent
close approach.

Sites where plant will pass under a live line
require defined passageways under the line to
be made.

Sites where work will be done beneath a live line
require further precautions in addition to the
provision of barriers and passageways.
Passage beneath a Live Line
 Contractor
should erect wooden or nonconducting material goal posts at the
entrance to the passage on each side of the
line.
 The
goal posts should be in line with the
protection barrier.
 The
passageway should be as narrow as
possible, not exceed 10 metres and should be
fenced or have steel drums on either side.
Overhead lines generally
bare conductors
Working in proximity to Overhead Lines
Excavation Work
Work should not commence on any excavation until
all precautions to avoid contact with underground
cables have been taken
The basic elements of a safe system of work involves:
a. Correct use of Plans (to aid location of power cables)
b. Use of Cable Locating Devices
c. Use of Safe Digging Practice
Farms

Farm buildings have special safety requirements
for electrical installations and equipment.

Farm working conditions and hazards place much
heavier demands on electrical equipment. Special
wiring rules for farm buildings must be followed to
avoid the risk of accidents.

Domestic equipment is not suitable for use in farm
buildings.

A comprehensive booklet 'Farm Well Farm Safely'
is available that gives detailed advice on using
electricity safely in and around the farm.
New Installations
If you are having a new house wired or
having existing wiring renewed or
extended you should get an ETCI
Completion Certificate from your
electrical contractor. This certificate is
your contractor's statement that the
installation complies with the National
Wiring Rules. This certificate will also be
required before a new supply can be
connected.
[email protected]
Communicating Electrical Safety to your Staff

Motivate and encourage staff to be conscious of
electrical safety.

Ensure staff are familiar with the Company safety
statement and are aware of their obligations.

Ensure staff know the location of emergency
switches and isolating devices.

Train staff in the safe use of electrical equipment.

Train staff in First Aid and CPR in the event of an
electric shock accident.

Provide staff with appropriate personal protective
equipment ( PPE ) and ensure they are trained in its
use and maintenance.
Safety Procedures

Put procedures in place to ensure the safety of
staff, the electrical installation and the equipment
connected to it.

Maintain an up to date record of the electrical
installation and update the safety statement where
necessary.

Restrict access to areas where electrical
installation work is being carried out.
Safety Procedures

Keep work locations clean and tidy especially those where
electrical equipment is being worked on.

Keep clear all access routes to emergency switches and
distribution boards.

Ensure that portable electrical tools and equipment are low voltage
- supplied via suitable transformers.

Identify the location and routes of underground cables, including
ESB cables, before any site construction work or excavation work
is commenced.

Consult the proper authorities, including ESB Networks before any
construction work is commenced in the vicinity of overhead wires,
lines or cables.
Your Electrical Installation




It must comply with the Electro Technical
Council of Ireland (ETCI) wiring regulations.
Restrict the operation of, and work on, to those
competent and qualified to do so. Employ only
competent contractors.
Ensure that all circuit breakers, fuses, isolators
and switches are labelled and cross-referenced
to the circuits they control.
Hazardous areas, such as explosive, highly
flammable and wet locations require special
electrical fittings.
Switch-rooms

Keep securely closed and locked.

Restrict access to authorised personnel.

Must be adequately lit and ventilated.

Access routes must be kept free and clear
at all times - never use as storage space.
Distribution boards and Fuse boards

Keep doors and covers securely closed.

Access must be kept free and clear at all
times.
Appointed Person

Assign somebody to be in charge of the
Electrical Installation
“Controller” or “Authorised Person”

Allow No Work to take place on the Electrical
Installation unless this person has given
permission & the work is carried out under a
Permit

Fault Switching - Same Permission applies
Posters /Stickers
available from
[email protected]
Sources of Further Information

CENELEC (European Committee for
Electrotechnical Standardisation), 35 Rue de
Stassartstraat, B-1050 Brussels,

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3
Rue de Varembé, PO Box 131,CH-1211 Geneva 20,
Switzerland

The Irish Standards Catalogue published by the
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) may
be purchased from: NSAI, Glasnevin, Dublin 9

I.S. 370:2007, Colour Code for Buried Plastics
Piping
Sources of Further Information
Electro-Technical Council of Ireland Ltd (ETCI), ETCI Offices,
Unit H12,Centrepoint Business Park, Oak Road, Dublin 12





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
ET 101: National Rules for Electrical Installations, 4th edition
2008
ET 105: National Rules for Electrical Installations in Potentially
Explosive Atmospheres, 2nd edition
ET 106: National Rules for Electrical Installations in Medically
Used Rooms
ET 202: Guide to the Selection of Electrical Apparatus for Use in
Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
ET 206: Good Practice Guide on the Management of Electrical
Safety at Work
ET 209: A Recommended Maintenance & Inspection Routine for
Electrical Installations in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
ET 210: Code of Practice for the Selection and Installation of Low
Voltage Generators
Sources of Further Information



European Communities (Electrical Equipment
for Use in Explosive Atmospheres) Regulations
1999
(S.I. No. 83 of 1999)
Building Regulations Technical Guidance
Document B: Fire Safety, published by the
Department of the Environment, Heritage and
Local Government
HSA Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger
from Underground Services,
To report an emergency, please phone
ESB at 1850 372 999