Occupational health and safety and personal safety also apply to power quality

Here we present some basic rules to follow. Experienced professionals in particular should act as role models here so that accidents and improper use are avoided.

Note

For the responsibility of the content of this page, we refer to the publishers in each case.

 
12

The personal protective equipment (PPE)

If persons are traversed by an electric current, falls and other injuries may occur. In addition, arc faults can lead to burns. For protection, different manufacturers offer various types of protective equipment.

Source: Electrosuisse

Short circuit current and protective clothing

The wearing of protective clothing is based on the respective short-circuit current and thereby defines the degree of protective clothing prescribed.

  • Level 0: Short-circuit currents ≤ 1kA
    • No specifications (cotton clothing recommended)
  • Stage 1: Short-circuit currents>1kA to ≤ 7kA or 16A to 100A (Diazed/NH)
    • 1 x protective clothing according to EN 61482-1-2 class 1
      + safety helmet with shield, heat-protective gloves (supplemented with insulating gloves according to danger)
  • Stage 2: Existing short-circuit current > 7kA to ≤ 15kA or 125A to 200A (NH)
    • 2x protective clothing according to EN 61482-1-2 class 1 or 1 x protective clothing according to EN 61482-1-2 class 2
      + safety helmet with shield, heat-protective gloves (supplemented with insulating gloves according to danger)

  • Stage 3: Existing short-circuit current > 15kA or ≥ 250A (NH)
    • 1x protective clothing according to EN 61482-1-2 class 1 and protective clothing according to EN 61482-1-2 class 2
      + safety helmet with shield, heat-protective gloves (supplemented with insulating gloves according to danger)

Source: ESTI

The 5 safety rules for working without tension:

  1. Unlock. Disconnection refers to the disconnection of all poles of an electrical system from live parts.
  2. Secure against restarting
  3. Determine freedom from voltage
  4. Grounding and short-circuiting
  5. Cover or fence off adjacent live parts

Source: suva

Rule 3: Check voltage-free only with correct measuring equipment

The absence of voltage must be checked with a measuring device that meets the following requirements:

  • Measuring device according to EN 61243-3 of safety category Cat. IV
  • Protected against short circuit
  • Shows presence of voltage even without battery inserted !!!
  • Use a low-impedance measuring device (approx. 300 kΩ).

Source: ESTI

Note

The above information is based on ESTI information 10/2018.

Conclusion

Personal protection always has priority in everyday life. This applies in every profession. Whether as a paramedic, a firefighter or a specialist in the field of electricity. Human damage is not compensable!