Basic electrical safety rules and regulations

Electrical safety rules are practices and legal requirements that protect people and equipment from shock, burns, fire and explosion.

Basic safety rules

1. Work on a circuit only after it is switched off, isolated, locked and tagged (lock-out/tag-out).
2. Test for dead with a proper tester and earth/short the conductors before touching them; treat every circuit as live until proven dead.
3. Use insulated tools, rubber gloves, boots, mats, helmets and face shields of correct voltage rating.
4. Keep safe clearance from live parts; use barriers, fences and danger boards.
5. All metal frames must be properly earthed; use RCD/ELCB on socket circuits.
6. Use correctly rated fuses, MCBs and cables; never bypass protection.
7. Do not work on electrical equipment with wet hands or in wet conditions.
8. Only trained and authorised persons should operate or repair HV equipment; use work permits for HV work.
9. Discharge capacitors and cables before handling.
10. Keep fire extinguishers (CO2, dry powder) nearby; never use water on live equipment.
11. Learn first aid and CPR; display shock-treatment charts.

Regulations

• Nepal: the Electricity Act 2049 (1992) and Electricity Regulations 2050 (1993) cover licensing, safety, clearances of lines from buildings and ground, and responsibility for accidents; NEA safety rules and the Nepal Electricity Authority Act apply to utility work.
• International/standards: IEC 60364 (LV installations), IEEE Std 80 (substation earthing), IS 3043 (earthing), IEC 61936 (HV installations), and occupational safety codes (e.g. NFPA 70E).
• Regular inspection and testing of insulation resistance, earth resistance and protective devices is required by these codes.