The electrical risk

Electrical risk assessment: definition, legislation, effects, employer obligations

Electrical risk is one of the main hazards in many working environments. It consists in the possibility of direct or indirect contact with electricity, which can have devastating effects on the health of the workers involved.

Legislative Decree 81/08 defines the electrical risk as the possibility that a person comes into contact with electrical parts under voltage directly or indirectly, due to the presence of a dangerous electrical potential. Legislative Decree 81/08 provides for the obligation for the employer to assess the electrical risk present in the workplace and to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of workers.

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Among the mandatory measures provided by law, we find the grounding of the active parts, the installation of differential devices sensitive to residual current, the use of tools and equipment suitable for the work to be done and properly maintained.

The effects of electrical risk can be extremely severe: electric shocks, burns, ventricular fibrillation and cardiocirculatory arrest are just some of the examples. For this reason, the employer is obliged to provide its employees with the necessary information and training to avoid the risk of accidents.

In particular, the legislation provides for the obligation for the employer to instruct workers on the electrical risks present in the workplace, the preventive measures taken by the company and the procedures to be followed in case of emergency.

The electrical risk legislation

The reference Italian legislation is constituted by Legislative Decree 81/08 and the CEI 11-27 standard, which defines the safety requirements for the design, installation, management and maintenance of electrical systems and low voltage equipment. This standard provides guidance for the assessment of risks related to electricity, the definition of prevention and protection measures and requirements for the periodic verification of installations.

Shortly, the legislation provides that workers operating in the presence of electricity must be adequately trained and informed about the risks associated with the use of electricity. Also, electrical equipment and installations must be designed, installed and maintained to ensure maximum safety for operators. It also provides for the obligation to periodically carry out technical checks on the functionality of electrical systems to prevent any failure or malfunction that could cause accidents.

As regards the protection of workers from electric shocks, the legislation requires the use of suitable PPE such as insulating gloves, safety footwear and protective helmets. In addition, workers must be provided with appropriate emergency response equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits and explosion-proof telephones.

Electrical risk assessment

The electrical risk is always present in every working environment where electricity is used. Electrical risk assessment is a key activity to prevent accidents at work related to electricity. This assessment consists in identifying, evaluating and managing electrical hazards in a work environment, in order to ensure the safety of workers.

1. Identificazione dei pericoli

First, identify areas where there is a high risk of lightning strike, including areas where there is high voltage electrical equipment, such as components of the power supply system.

2. Risk assessment

Once the risk areas have been identified, the level of risk associated with each area is assessed. This includes assessing the potential for electrical voltage, the frequency of storms, and the type of terrain around.

3. Preventive measures determination

Based on the risk assessment, the preventive measures to be taken to minimise the risk are outlined. Such measures may include the creation of standard operating procedures, the use of personal protective equipment or the modification of the working environment in order to reduce the risk of accidents. a plan to reduce the risk of lightning strike.

4. Monitoring

At last, it is important to regularly monitor the plan to make sure it is effective in reducing the risk of lightning strike through periodic review and updating based on new risk information.

The system of protection from atmospheric discharges

The lightning discharge protection system, commonly known as a lightning rod, is a system installed on structures to prevent damage caused by lightning discharges during storms. The plant works by dispersing the electric charge generated by the atmospheric discharge into the ground through a system of electrical conductors.

The installation of the lightning rod ensures the safety of people inside the structures by protecting electrical installations and electronic equipment from damage caused by discharges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the risk assessment of fulmination is important to reduce the risk of fulmination in a specific area. By following the steps described above, you can develop an effective plan to reduce risk and ensure the safety of staff working with electricity.