ABSTRACT

Electricity is a widely used, efficient and convenient, but potentially hazardous method of transmitting and using energy. It is in use in every factory, workshop, laboratory and office in the country. Any use of electricity has the potential to be very hazardous with possible fatal results. Legislation has been in place for many years to control and regulate the use of electrical energy and the activities associated with its use. Such legislation provides a framework for the standards required in the design, installation, maintenance and use of electrical equipment and systems and the supervision of these activities to minimize the risk of injury. Electrical work from the largest to the smallest installation must be carried out by people known to be competent to undertake such work. New installations always require expert advice at all appropriate levels to cover both design aspects of the system and its associated equipment. Electrical systems and equipment must be properly selected, installed, used and maintained.