Basic Principles of Electrical Safety

There are always risks involved in performing electrical work. Minimising these risks improves electrical work safety.

Before starting electrical work: assess risks, select working methods and tools

Before you start electrical work

  • assess any risks involved in the work
  • select suitable working methods and tools based on the assessment
  • assess the complexity of the work
  • choose sufficiently qualified and instructed people for the work based on the complexity of the work.

Aim to work in the dead condition when possible. The dead condition of the work location should be ensured with the following:

  1. isolation from the supply to a de-energised condition.
  2. securing against re-connection by, for example, removing fuses or opening the switching device used for disconnection, and by locking it. Opening the lock should only be possible with a key or a tool. The point of disconnection should also always be equipped with a sign saying that re-connecting electricity is forbidden.
  3. verifying the dead condition
  4. earthing, when necessary, for example high-voltage installations, centres of over 1,000 amperes (A)
  5. protection against any adjacent live parts.

Electrical Safety During Work

When constructing, modifying or repairing electrical installations, it is important to adhere to safe working methods.

This is how you can ensure electrical safety during work:

  • prevent outsiders from entering the dangerous area and
  • make sure that the power cannot be switched on to inadequately protected parts through simple actions, such as replacing a removed fuse or turning a switch or circuit breaker.

The supervisor of electrical works appoints an electrical safety supervisor for the duration of the work for each job site. The safety supervisor can participate in or execute in full the electrical work in question. The supervisor of electrical safety during work gives the permissions to start work and to turn the power back on after the work has been finished.

If persons from several different companies are working on the same site the appointment of the supervisor of electrical safety during work should usually be carried out in writing to avoid any confusion.

How to ensure safety during electrical work

Electrical safety supervisor
The supervisor of electrical works appoints an electrical safety supervisor for the duration of the work for each job site.

Assess the risks of electrical work

Choose suitable working methods and tools

Remember the dead condition!
When possible, work in de-energised conditions. Ensure that circuits remain dead.

Ensure electrical safety when working
Prevent electricity from being turned on in the sections that are inadequately protected.

Prepare, and learn first aid

Legislation

Electrical Safety Act 1135/2016

Government Decree on Electrical Work and Operational Work of Electrical Installations 1435/2016, appendix 1

Occupational Safety and Health Act 738/2002

Detailed requirements for meeting safety requirements are specified in standard SFS 6002 Safety at Electrical Work, Chapter 6. Working practices and Appendix X