Electrical Safety at Work

Who should attend

All staff who wish to gain an understanding of electrical safety and best working practices at Imperial. This will benefit Managers, Technical and Maintenance staff who would like to consolidate their knowledge.

Participants will gain relevant information and practical guidance on issues arising from work and research activities, such as purchasing and dealing with substandard and defective equipment and the dangers of modification of existing laboratory and workshop equipment. The Facilitator will discuss relevant incidents at Imperial. 

Essential information

This course will focus on key learning objectives:

• Outline the principles, hazards and risks associated with the use of electricity in the workplace.
• Outline the control measures that should be taken when working with electrical systems.
• Outline the control measures that should be taken when using electrical equipment in all workplace conditions.

Key Areas

• Principles of electricity.
• The hazards (primary and secondary) and risks associated with the use of electricity in the workplace.
• Control measures when working with electrical systems or using electrical equipment – Permit to Work System
• High and Low Voltages
• Lithium batteries - Use, Charging and Disposal
• Selection and suitability of electrical equipment, including portable electrical equipment – User checks; Formal visual inspections; Inspection and Testing required by Electricity at Work Regulations
• Advantages and limitations of protective systems - Fuses; Insulation; Double Insulation; Isolation; Reduced low-voltage systems; Residual Current Devices
• Emergency Procedures following an electrical incident.