General control measures for electrical hazards

The principal control measures for electrical hazards are contained In the statutory precautionary requirements covered by the Electricity at Work Regulations, the main provisions of which are outlined in Chapter 20. They are applicable to all electrical equipment and systems found at the workplace and impose duties on employers, employees and the self-employed. 

Detailed safety standards for designers and installers of electrical systems and equipment are given a code 

The risk of injury and damage inherent in the use of electricity can only be controlled effectively by the introduction of employee training, safe operating procedures (safe systems of work) and guidance to cover specific tasks. 

Training is required at all levels of the organization ranging from simple on-the-job instruction to apprenticeship for electrical technicians and supervisory courses for experienced electrical engineers. First aid training related to the need for cardiovascular resuscitation and treatment of electric burns should be available to all people working on electrical equipment and their supervisors. 

A management system should be in place to ensure that the electrical systems are installed, operated and maintained in a safe manner. All managers should be responsible for the provision of adequate resources of people, material and advice to ensure that the safety of electrical systems under their control is satisfactory and that safe systems of work are in place for all electrical equipment. (Chapter 6 gives more information on both safe systems of work and permits-to-work.) 

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