Electrical safety by design

This paper defines and emphasizes the concept of “Safety by Design” and outlines suggestions for consideration and application by designers, engineers, manufacturers and users of low, medium and high voltage power equipment as well as control equipment to enhance the safety of personnel, equipment and facility. The “Safety by Design” concept encourages all concerned to consider and optimize design ideas to complement and supplement the regulatory and code requirements for enhancement of electrical safety at industrial and commercial installations. “Safety by Design” reduces the need to develop, implement and monitor many procedures for administrative controls required to protect personnel from electrical hazards such as arc flash and shock. It facilitates operators and electricians to perform many of their tasks in a safe manner without the burden of special permits and personal protective equipment resulting in cost savings due to reduced time requirements for performing such tasks safely. The “Safety by Design” minimizes risk taking while operating and maintaining electrical facilities. In short, “Safety by Design” may be interpreted as “designing for reduced exposure of injury to personnel”. Emphasis is placed on properly designed and constructed engineering solutions rather than administrative procedures or protective clothing to eliminate, reduce and guard against personnel exposure as the first line of defense against any potential safety risk to personnel