The purpose of drafting this Regulation is to update and adapt its provisions to the current conditions of industry and technological progress, and to make workplace environments safe, to prevent accidents resulting in bodily injury and financial loss, and to protect and preserve the workforce and material resources.
Definitions and terms used in this Regulation:
Overcurrent: Any current exceeding the rated current of the equipment or the current-carrying capacity of a conductor, resulting from overload, a short circuit, or a fault in the earthing system.
Battery: An electrochemical system that stores received electrical energy in chemical form and subsequently returns it as electrical energy.
Live: A device having an electrical connection to a source of potential difference.
De-energized: Any device that has no electrical connection to a source of potential difference and carries no electrical load.
Electrical panel: An assembly of electrical inputs and outputs and automatic overcurrent devices housed within a box or cabinet; some types include switches for controlling lighting, heating, or power circuits.
Electrical installation: An assembly of interconnected electrical equipment designed for a specific purpose.
Electrical equipment: All circuits, devices, apparatus, consuming equipment, and any other similar item used as part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.
Service equipment: Essential equipment, normally comprising a circuit breaker, switches, fuses, and their accessories, connected to the consumer's service entrance of a building or other structure, whose function is main control and disconnection of supply.
Earth: Any intentional or accidental conductive connection of an electrical circuit or equipment to the ground, or to certain conductive bodies acting in place of the ground (earth), is treated as earth.
Effective earthing: An intentional connection to earth, made through an earthing connection or connections with sufficiently low impedance and adequate current-carrying capacity, that prevents the occurrence of voltages that could create a hazard to the equipment connected to it or to persons.
Shield: An earthed metallic layer on a cable that prevents the cable's electric field from affecting its surroundings, or that protects the cable against external electrical influences.
Wiring system: An assembly consisting of cables, wires and busbars, together with their supporting components, including embedded and surface-mounted conduits, ducts, trays and channels.
Live parts: All current-carrying parts, such as wires, terminals and any components of electrical equipment, that lack adequate insulation.
Circuit breaker: A device used to manually open and close a circuit, and which automatically disconnects the circuit from the voltage source in the event of excess current flow.
Electric arc: An electrical discharge resulting from the breakdown of electrical insulation between two conductors at high potential difference, which releases thermal energy and light.
Residual current device (RCD): A mechanical switching device, or an assembly of devices, that opens its contacts when the residual current (the difference between the circuit current and the reference current) reaches a specified value under defined conditions.
[Point of delivery]: The point of delivery of electrical energy to the workplace.
Disconnecting means: A device or group of devices by which the conductors of a circuit are disconnected from the supply source.
Electrical control device: A device by which the commands necessary for the proper operation of an electrical apparatus under various conditions, and for switching it on and off, are applied.
High voltage: Voltage above 1000 volts is known as high voltage.
Definitions and Terms
General Provisions
The installation, adjustment, testing, maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment shall be carried out only by specialized and skilled persons.
The workplace's electrical equipment shall comply with electrical standards.
Equipment and materials used for any type of electrical operation shall be suitable for that specific application.
The design of the power distribution network shall be such that no possibility exists for a short circuit to occur or for overcurrent to flow.
Before any electrical equipment is put into use, the integrity of the electrical insulation of its live parts shall be verified.
Electrical equipment shall be used in a manner appropriate to the specific effects of atmospheric and environmental conditions.
The selection and use of electrical equipment shall be such that the effects of electric arcing are contained and do not give rise to a hazard.
The manufacturer's instructions for the installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of electrical equipment shall be observed.
Equipment used to interrupt the electric current of a circuit shall correspond to its rated voltage and current.
No electrical equipment, particularly wires and conductors, shall be exposed to corrosive chemical agents, gases, vapours, moisture, flammable and explosive substances, liquids or other agents, unless specifically designed and constructed for use in such environments.
During construction operations, electrical equipment shall be protected against damage arising from physical and atmospheric conditions.
All electrical equipment, including busbars, terminals, wiring and insulation, shall be kept fully sound and shall not be contaminated with paint, plaster, dust, cleaning agents, abrasive substances or other materials.
Parts of electrical equipment and appliances that, during normal operation, produce electric arcing, sparks, flame or molten metal shall be enclosed and kept away from any explosive and flammable materials.
Warning signs prohibiting entry by unauthorised persons shall be installed at the entrance to rooms or protected areas containing accessible live parts.
All electrical panels, distribution boxes and other similar equipment shall bear appropriate warning signs.
For all high-voltage live parts, whether sheathed or unsheathed, a metal guard connected to the earthing system shall be provided to prevent electric arcing.
A suitable means for the complete disconnection of power to the equipment shall be provided at the entry point of the workplace's power distribution circuit.
Because of the possibility of excessive heating and sparking of fuses and circuit breakers, the storage of flammable and explosive materials in their vicinity is prohibited.
Electrical panels, distribution boxes and similar items shall be installed in a manner that prevents the ingress and accumulation of water inside them.
Electric motors, motor-controlled devices, and the wiring of motor branch circuits shall be protected against temperature rise caused by motor overload or faults related to motor starting.
At the location where persons working near a motor's controller or live parts are stationed, a suitable insulating platform or flooring shall be provided.
The employer shall obtain an annual certification of the correct functioning of the earthing system (earth electrode, devices, bonding, and other equipment and accessories) from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Wiring
Access to electrical installation ducts shall be easily possible.
Wires and cables installed in ducts shall be arranged so that their routing can be easily traced.
The entry covers of underground installation ducts shall be positioned so that there is no possibility of their displacement or slipping.
Covers of installation ducts at workplace floor level shall be capable of bearing the weight of persons and passing vehicles.
Conditions inside the duct shall be suitable in terms of ventilation, lighting, temperature and humidity.
The entrances, walls and floors of electrical installation ducts shall be constructed of materials that prevent the ingress and accumulation of water in the duct.
The body of electrical installation ducts shall be constructed of materials capable of withstanding lateral and other pressures.
In walk-in installation ducts, cables and electrical equipment shall be installed in accordance with technical and safety principles.
To prevent potential hazards and to ensure that assistance can be provided, the deployment of workers alone in ducts is prohibited.
Entry into electrical ducts without coordination with the electrical unit or the person responsible for electrical equipment is prohibited under any circumstances.
Connections of wires to one another and to terminals shall be secure, and any bare part of the electrical conductor shall be safely insulated.
Lighting switches shall be installed in a location such that a person switching on the light is not exposed to possible contact with live parts or with moving parts of other equipment.
The use of electrical wires that do not conform to the standard wire colour code is strictly prohibited. Phase wire colour: red, black or brown. Neutral wire colour: blue. Earthing wire colour: yellow-green or a combination of yellow and green.
All electrical wires and cables shall be selected, in terms of type, colour, material and cross-sectional area, such that their application can be easily identified.
Equipment of the earthing system shall not be used for other purposes.
Using the earth wire in place of the neutral wire, or vice versa, is prohibited under any circumstances.
Lever-operated circuit breakers shall be installed vertically on the switchboard, with the lever in the upper position when in the ON state.
Barriers and the metal bodies of electrical equipment shall have effective earthing.
All metal parts of the wiring, as well as the shield and metal guards of cables, shall have effective earthing.
Routing any wire or cable through ventilation ducts or through ducts for the discharge of dust particles or flammable vapours is prohibited.
Temporary wiring may be used on construction sites, subject to compliance with safety principles, only during demolition, construction, repair and alteration work, and all temporary wiring shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work.
Temporary wiring shall be installed at a suitable height, or another reliable method shall be used, to prevent accidental contact by persons and equipment.
Temporary wiring in low-voltage circuits located over passage areas shall have a minimum height of 3 metres.
All wires and cables installed overhead, on ceilings and on walls shall be secured at suitable intervals to prevent them from sagging.
All lamps used for temporary lighting shall be protected against contact with objects and persons and against breakage.
Socket outlets used in temporary wiring circuits shall be of the earthed type and shall be connected to a reliable and effective earthing system.
The metal body of electrical panels shall be equipped with an earthing system, shall have a lockable door, and effective insulating flooring or a platform shall be installed around them.
For easy and safe access to all parts of wide electrical panels, doors shall be provided on different sides to prevent accidental contact.
To prevent damage to cables from abrasion against sharp edges at the entry points of panels, distribution boxes and equipment, rubber grommets shall be used.
In knife switches, the incoming current shall be connected to the fixed jaw, and the moving blades shall always be connected to the outgoing (load) side, such that the blades are never live when in the open position.
Knife switches shall be installed vertically, such that the moving jaw is on the lower side.
Flexible cords shall not be used as permanent wiring.
Routing flexible cords under flooring or through locations where there is a risk of abrasion, impact, cutting or other damage is prohibited.
Flexible cords shall not be exposed to damage from contact with the edges of doors, windows and clamps.
Flexible cords shall be continuous and unspliced.
Flexible cords shall be connected to appliances and socket outlets by means of safe fittings such as two-pin and three-pin plugs, and there shall be no risk of the cord being subjected to strain.
Lamps intended for outdoor lighting of workplace premises shall be installed lower than live conductors, transformers or other electrical equipment, unless suitable and safe clearances are maintained between them and the equipment and live lines.
In workplaces where the use of portable electrical appliances is necessary, a sufficient number of fixed socket outlets shall be provided at suitable points allowing easy and safe access.
Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment cooled by natural air flow and convection principles shall be installed such that adjacent walls or equipment do not obstruct the flow of air through the relevant parts.
There shall be sufficient clearance between adjacent walls and above and below electrical equipment for air circulation.
Portable electrical devices shall have handles made of insulating material.
Electrical equipment shall have a visible rating plate showing the manufacturer's name, trademark or other descriptive markings such as type, size, voltage, current rating and other nameplate data.
All devices for disconnecting circuits or electric motors shall have a dedicated identification plate indicating which device each one relates to.
Placing any materials or objects, and persons resting, even temporarily, at the location of electrical panels and substations is prohibited.
In locations where physical damage to electrical equipment and substations is possible, guards and barriers with suitable stability, strength and adequate clearance shall be installed.
A suitable distance shall be maintained between the locations where persons are stationed or rest and substations and electrical equipment.
Live parts of electrical equipment shall be protected against accidental contact by one of the following methods: placement in a suitable and safe panel; placement inside a lockable room or enclosure; or enclosure by walls or permanent partitions, such that they are kept out of reach of unauthorised persons.
Suitable space shall be provided around electrical equipment for its safe operation, repair and maintenance.
For access to the space around electrical equipment, at least one suitable entry door that opens outward shall be provided.
The space around service equipment, switchboards and control centres shall have adequate lighting.
Lighting control in electrical equipment rooms shall be performed manually.
Vents or openings of transformers and other similar equipment shall be designed such that, if foreign objects enter through them into the metal enclosure, there is no possibility of contact with live parts.
The entrances to barriers, rooms and buildings that serve as the installation or routing location of high-voltage electrical equipment shall be locked, and the key thereto shall be held by the person responsible for electrical equipment.
The working space around high-voltage electrical equipment shall be of a size such that there is no possibility of electric arcing.
The entrance to the location where electrical equipment is kept shall be such that the passage of persons is easily possible.
The lighting system of the working spaces of high-voltage electrical equipment shall be designed and installed such that, during lamp replacement or repairs, electrical workers are not exposed to hazards arising from live parts.
The electrical circuit disconnecting device shall be such that its open (OFF) or closed (ON) state can be easily identified.
All electrical equipment shall be equipped with overcurrent protective devices.
Overcurrent protective devices shall be suitable for the circuit on which they are installed.
Overcurrent protective devices shall interrupt only their own associated circuit.
Overcurrent protective devices shall be located in a suitable place allowing rapid access and shall not be exposed to physical damage.
The use of a residual current device (RCD) as a substitute for the earthing system for protection against electric shock is prohibited, and RCDs may only be used as supplementary protection, except in cases explicitly stated in this Regulation.
The installation of residual current devices (RCDs) shall be appropriate to the type of protection intended.
Residual current devices (RCDs) shall be tested before use and, after installation, at defined and regular intervals, to verify their correct functioning.
All portable electrical equipment shall be equipped with a suitable residual current device (RCD).
Where a portable residual current device (RCD) is used, the length of its connecting cord shall be as short as possible, and no additional extension cord shall be used.
In damp locations, residual current devices (RCDs) shall be used as supplementary protection together with the earthing system.
Manual electrical control devices shall be installed such that they are easily accessible and accidental contact with live parts is not possible.
Manual electrical control devices shall be fitted with a cover or door to prevent their accidental operation.
The motor disconnecting device shall be installed in a visible location and at a suitable distance from the operator.
The motor disconnecting device shall be capable of completely disconnecting the motor from all supply conductors.
The disconnecting switch of electrical equipment shall not disconnect the earthing conductor.
Each electric motor shall have a separate disconnecting device, and a common disconnecting device may only be used under the following conditions: (a) a number of electric motors start specific parts of a single machine; (b) a number of electric motors are protected by a single set of protective devices.
Other Provisions
Along the route of high-voltage power lines, "HIGH VOLTAGE" warning signs shall be installed.
The use of hand lamps with a voltage exceeding 50 volts is prohibited, unless they are equipped with a suitable residual current device (RCD).
Lamp holders shall be such that, before the lamp is fully removed, there is no possibility of bodily contact with any live part.
Portable electric lamps may be used only where the provision of fixed and suitable lighting is not possible.
Portable electric lamps shall be equipped with a suitable insulating handle and holder.
Portable electric lamps used in damp and wet locations shall be of the waterproof type.
In all locations where there is a risk of fire and its spread, oil-filled transformers shall be placed inside a covered and safe location.
Transformer rooms shall be constructed so as to be protected from access by unauthorised persons, and their switches and locks shall be such that they can be easily opened from the inside.
Transformer rooms shall have suitable ventilation.
No unrelated pipe or duct shall pass through transformer rooms, and the placement of extraneous items in such rooms is likewise prohibited.
Battery charging, maintenance and repair shall be carried out only in locations with suitable ventilation.
At all entrances to the battery room, warning signs prohibiting smoking and the use of open flame within a radius of 8 metres shall be installed.
Batteries shall be maintained such that the escape of fumes, gases or electrolyte liquid, and their migration to other locations, is prevented.
Shelves and trays in the battery room shall have sufficient strength and shall have a coating resistant to the electrolyte.
As soon as acid or corrosion is observed at a battery storage and charging location, corrective action shall be taken promptly.
First-aid equipment for the rapid washing of the eyes and body shall be provided near the battery charging location.
To prevent hazards arising from static electricity, the relative humidity of the air shall be maintained above 50% (hygrometric degree), and the metal bodies of devices shall be connected to the earthing system.
In locations where the accumulation of static electrical charges is possible, suitable earthing shall be provided to conduct these charges to earth.
To prevent hazards arising from static electricity at locations where liquids are transferred from storage tanks to tank trucks or tankers and vice versa, the metal body of the storage tank shall be connected by a conductor to the metal body of the tank truck or tanker, and both shall be connected to earth.
In places where dust and very fine powders are being conveyed, the locations of static electrical charge accumulation shall be identified by means of detectors and shall be connected to earth through an effective earthing system.
In spray painting with a spray gun, the spray gun and all metal objects onto which paint or coating is sprayed, as well as the paint booth, paint tank and ventilation equipment, shall be connected to the earthing system.
Lighting for flammable and explosive environments shall be provided from outside the environment; otherwise, the lamps used shall be of the explosion-proof type and shall be protected against mechanical damage.
In environments where a risk of explosion exists, all switches and controllers, control circuits, fuses and all automatic devices shall be located outside the hazardous area.
In environments where a risk of explosion exists, portable electrical appliances shall not be used unless they are of the explosion-proof type.