Electrical safety
Electrical accidents can have serious, often fatal consequences. The risks are often underestimated even by experienced electricians. Therefore, as a company, it is central to address electrical safety.
Electrical safety: the essentials in brief
- Electrical safety refers to the safety of persons and property in connection with the use of electricity.
- It is about recognizing, avoiding and eliminating electrical hazards in order to prevent personal injury and property damage.
Which companies should be concerned with electrical safety?
Every company should be concerned with electrical safety because they work with electrical systems and equipment in some way. These include, for example:
- Fabrication companies: Companies that manufacture products often work with machinery and equipment that is electrically powered. They must ensure that this equipment is installed, maintained and operated safely and properly.
- Commercial operations:Companies such as workshops, laboratories, offices and stores often work with electrical equipment and installations. Here, too, proper operation must be ensured.
- Service companies: Companies such as electricians, engineers and architects working in the field of electrical engineering must ensure that they comply with applicable laws and regulations.
- Public institutions: Government agencies, schools, hospitals and other public institutions must also ensure the proper operation of electrical systems and equipment.
Legal basis electrical safety
In Switzerland, there are several legal regulations that affect electrical safety. The most important are:
- Power Current Ordinance: This ordinance regulates the creation, operation and maintenance of electrical power installations. This ordinance regulates the obligation to an electrical safety safety concept and the necessary instructions.
- Ordinance on electrical low-voltage installations (NIV): According to this ordinance, the safety of persons and property, as well as the proper functioning of the plant must be ensured when used properly. The owners must further ensure that the electrical installations constantly comply with the requirements of Articles 3 and 4 of this Ordinance.
- Ordinance on the Labor Act (ArGV 3): Employers must issue all orders and take all measures necessary to protect the physical and mental health. This includes the measures to protect against electrical accidents.
Who in the company should deal with this?
Safety Officer
These individuals are responsible for implementing electrical safety measures and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and standards.
Person responsible for maintenance and servicing
This person is responsible for the regular maintenance and servicing of the electrical systems and equipment in the company and ensures that they are in good working order.
Executives
Managers should understand what the electrical safety requirements are and how they are implemented in their company. They must ensure that electrical safety measures are adhered to.
Employees
Employees who work with electrical systems and equipment should be familiar with and follow safe practices and precautions when using them.
Why do I need to address the issue of electrical safety?
Due to legal requirements, which must be complied with, a company must deal with electrical safety. SBIS helps to do the right thing. This can result in the following benefits for the company:
- Personal protection: A safe electrical environment protects employees, customers and visitors from injuries and accidents caused by electrical current.
- Protection of property: Regular maintenance and servicing of electrical systems and equipment can detect potential problems early and fix them before they lead to larger and more expensive damage.
- Compliance with laws and regulations: By complying with legal requirements for electrical safety, the company can avoid penalties and fines.
- Maintaining productivity and efficiency:Safe and properly operated electrical systems and equipment can prevent downtime and a reduction in productivity.
- Cost savings: Regular maintenance and servicing of electrical systems and equipment can help identify and correct potential problems early, before they lead to greater and more costly damage.
- Reputation: Companies and organizations that are committed to electrical safety can improve their reputation and thereby gain the trust of their customers, employees and the public.
- Protection of the environment: By safely handling and disposing of electronic equipment, environmental impact can be minimized.
How does SBIS support?
We are happy to provide you with individual and competent support in the following areas of electrical safety:
- Audits and inspections of electrical safety in companies and at plants
- Safety assessment of electrical plants
- Risk assessment of electrical plants and machines, test and trial fields as well as laboratories
- Development and definition of appropriate measures
- Development of electrical safety concepts and subsequent training of employees
- Site audits for electrotechnical work (e. g. E.g. on energy distributors, on high-voltage systems, in power plants, etc.)
- Accident investigation after electrical accidents and definition of the appropriate measures
- Training and instruction of your employees (e.g. Electrical safety based on the vital 5+5 rules in dealing with electricity, use of PPE, etc.)