Electrical Safety Rules

Details

1-day course

CPD Credit: 7 hours; Competence/s: 1

Course Delivery Options

Course Overview

This course provides an overview of the origin, development, and current standards of legislation, rules, and procedures within the electrical industry, with a particular focus on the Republic of Ireland. It details the key legislative requirements governing electrical work, including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the General Application Regulations 2007.

Course Aim

This course provides participants with essential knowledge and practical understanding of the philosophy behind electrical safety rules, including how these rules are structured and applied in practice. It covers the fundamentals of electrical safety, basic operational principles, and the typical roles and responsibilities involved in electrical work. The course also outlines the processes for planning and executing electrical tasks, and explores the concept of competence, how it is assessed, developed, and maintained. Examples of key procedures and documentation, such as risk assessments, method statements, and permits to work, are also included.

Course Programme

Welcome & Course Overview

Introduction and Background

Module 1: Legislation and Standards

Module 2: Purpose and Philosophy of Electrical Safety Rules

Module 3: Scope and Structure of the Rules

Module 4: Roles and Responsibilities

Module 5: Basic Principles of Electrical Safety

Module 6: Operations, Planning and Execution of Work

Module 7: Competence, Assessment and Authorisations

Module 8: Procedures, Forms and Records

Module 9: Electrical Safe System of Work

Prerequisites

This course is intended for Engineers, Technicians, and other personnel who work with or around electrical systems but are not necessarily involved in HV design or construction. Participants should have a basic electrical background or an understanding of electrical principles.

Learning Outcomes/Objectives      

Upon successful completion of this course, delegates should be able to:

• Understand the requirements, philosophy, and purpose of safety rules governing electrical work.
• Define key concepts within statutory provisions, safety rules, and associated work procedures.
• Describe and explain the roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in electrical work.
• Outline and discuss the fundamental principles of electrical safety.
• Understand the principles and correct sequencing of electrical operations.
• Analyse and evaluate the procedural systems and documentation that support safe electrical work.

Who Should Attend?

Individuals with an electrical background who need a high-level understanding of electrical safety rules, safe systems of work, and the principles governing the safe operation of electrical installations.

Trainer Profile

Pat McGuane

Pat brings over 40 years of high-voltage industry experience, having worked extensively across transmission and distribution utilities. A significant part of his career has been dedicated to training and developing others, where he spent many years leading technical training programmes and supporting the growth of engineers, apprentices, and graduates. His background also includes AIS and GIS substation construction, asset management, and fault response, all of which inform his practical, real-world teaching style.

Pat has wide experience of Safety & Safety regulation relating to Electrical systems, including carrying out a review of ESB’s Safety Rules.

He completed his Electrical Trade Apprenticeship with ESB Networks in Limerick and has built a strong technical foundation through the Department of Education Junior and Senior Trades, City & Guilds Electrical Science 803, and UCD Health & Safety at Work, experience that reflects the depth of knowledge and professionalism he brings to every training environment.