Electrical Safety and the Law

This book summarises the British legislation covering electrical safety, including those regulations derived from European directives. It also addresses the legislation relating to the supply and use of safety-related electrotechnical control systems, particularly on machinery.

As well as describing the legal framework, and the main legal duties and applicable standards, the book describes electrical hazards and how they arise; the types of accidents and dangerous occurrences associated with the use of electricity; the main safety precautions and protection techniques; testing and maintenance of electrical systems; safety during testing work; the safety of electrical installations and equipment used in flammable atmospheres; and the particular risks associated with underground cables and construction activity.

The Fourth Edition has been completely rewritten and expanded to include

. legislation (such as the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1999), standards and guidance material issued or amended since the last edition.

. a new chapter on safety related electrotechnical control systems, incorporating commentary on BS EN 954-1 and BS IEC 61508, the main generic standards addressing the safety integrity of such systems.

. a new chapter on the competence of practitioners working with electrical systems and safety-related control systems.

This book will make a very useful addition to any safety library and will provide a good reference source on electrical safety- Safety and Health Practitioner, November 2002

The hazards and risks from electricity; Electrical accidents and dangerous occurrences; Basic safety precautions; The legislative framework; The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; European-derived law with electrical and electrotechnical control system safety requirements; The Electricity Supply Regulations 1988; Other legislation with an electrical safety content; BS 761:2001 Requirements for Electrical Installations - IEE Wiring Regulations 16th Edition; Construction sites; Underground cables; Safety-related electrotechnical control systems; Competence: Electrical equipment in flammable and explosive atmospheres; Electric arc welding; Tests and testing; Maintenance; Checking small domestic electrical installations

Ken Oldham Smith is the author of Electrical Safety and the Law: A Guide to Compliance, 4th Edition, published by Wiley.

John M. Madden is the author of Electrical Safety and the Law: A Guide to Compliance, 4th Edition, published by Wiley. The book summarises British and EU electrical safety regulations and describes electrical hazards and how they arise.