Electricity

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 Electro-
Technical 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 that-
All electrical equipment and electrical installations are

a) Designed
b) Constructed
c) Installed
d) Maintained
e) Protected, and
f) 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 RCDs having a tripping
current not exceeding 30mAs 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) portable equipment is maintained in a manner fit for

safe use.

(c) 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.
 Isolating Transformer
Ph.

55V

220V 110V

55V

E
 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 employers 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 scenarios:
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
Hold-Off Notice
 Joe Bloggs
23/09/15 087- 00000000

Withdrawn 20kV CB of Trafo T-421

A.N.Other
087-1111111
 Lockout and Tagout
A Lockout/Tagout Procedure
can take two forms

1. Lockout Procedure where all

workers apply their own locks.

2. Lockout Procedure with

Lockout Permit.
An example of
ESBs
Telemess form
An Example of a HV
Permit to Work
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

Earthed
body
230 Volt
supply 230
Volts to
earth
Standard
flex / cable
 Electrical Safety
Low Voltage can still kill.

Double
RCD and
insulated tool
overcurrent
protected

110 Volt supply Regularly inspected as

Armoured 55 volts to earth per SI 299 of 2007
cable
 Electrical Tools Inspection
Damage to tool casing,
loose parts or missing
Signs of overheating screws
(burn marks & discolouration)

Outer sheath of cable not

securely gripped at plug or
Damage to sealing around at entrance to tool
cable sheath or loose
connection where it enters
plug or tool

Damage to plug e.g. Damage to power lead Double

bent pins, cracked or insulation or taped repair Insulated
loose casing or signs
of overheating
Check by means
of microtag or
similar indicator
that tool is
within inspection
Only use a tool for its designed period
purpose
Damaged/Defective Equipment

Damaged
equipment
should be
replaced
immediately
Repairing Damaged/Defective Equipment

Repairs should
be carried out by
someone
competent
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

Pushing the Test

button
periodically can
help maintain the
effectiveness of
the RCD
13A Plug Tops

Ensure Equipment
is up to the correct
standard
(e.g. BS1363 /

IS401 for plug-

tops)
13A Sockets

Protect children from

Electric shock in the
home by installing
plastic inserts into
unused outlets
Isolating Supply before Repair

Ensure equipment
is Isolated from the
supply before
attempting repair
e.g. bulb
replacement
Adaptors

Overloaded
Socket outlets are
a Fire Hazard

Avoid using
Adaptors
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 Radial Horizontal
1-20 kV 0.75 m 2.6 m
38 kV 1.0m 2.9 m
110 kV 1.2 m 3.35 m
220 kV 2.1 m 4.35 m
400kV 3.5 m 6.4 m

High Voltage can jump

you dont 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
Contractorshould erect wooden or non-
conducting material goal posts at the
entrance to the passage on each side of the
line.
Thegoal posts should be in line with the
protection barrier.
Thepassageway 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]
 20kV Overhead Line

In November 2004, two members of the public were electrocuted

when the mobile lighting tower they were moving made contact with
an overhead 20kV line. Three others who were assisting, were injured
in the incident but their injuries are not life threatening.
A man working with a gutter and fascia contractor was electrocuted
on this construction site. At the time of the incident the victim along
with two others was manoeuvring a 17.9 metre long single section of
seamless aluminium guttering into position on a newly constructed
two storey development. Scaffolding had been erected around the
outer walls of the two storey building, and during the positioning of
the guttering, and while the three men were aloft on the scaffolding,
one end made contact with an overhead 10kV 3-phase line. The victim
was electrocuted; the other two men received shocks.
 Sources of Further Information

CENELEC (European Committee for

Electrotechnical Standardisation), 35 Rue de
Stassartstraat, B-1050 Brussels,

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3

Rue de Varemb, 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

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