Safe handling of the electrical cabinet in an emergency
As part of our internal training programme, an important briefing was recently held by our master electrician. Topic: What should I do in the event of an electrical fault? – especially if I, as a non-electrotechnically trained person, have access to a control cabinet in exceptional cases.
Why this training?
As well maintained as our technology is, unexpected electrical faults can occur in our day-to-day production operations. In order to be able to react correctly in an emergency, we have specifically trained employees who are on site in such situations and have to initiate initial measures. One thing is paramount here: safety.
Principle: electricity is life-threatening
Our master electrician has made it clear:
Electrical systems may only be opened and worked on by specialised personnel.
Clear restrictions and rules of behaviour apply to untrained personnel, but these can help to prevent major damage in an emergency – without putting yourself in danger.
What is allowed?
Employees may in exceptional cases:
- Open the doors of electrical switch cabinets if this can be done safely (e.g. for visual inspection when a fault is triggered).
- Check status indicators (e.g. LED lights) to roughly assess the situation.
- Switch off clearly labelled operating elements such as a main switch if this can defuse a hazardous situation (e.g. in the event of smoke development).
The following always applies: Only look – do not intervene.
What is not allowed?
Untrained personnel must never:
- Touch live parts or remove covers in the switch cabinet
- Using tools on electrical systems
- Pull or replace fuses
- Try to rectify faults yourself
Important: Keep calm & inform specialised personnel
In the event of an emergency:
- Keep calm
- Switch off the power (only if safely possible)
- Inform specialised personnel (e.g. our master electrician)
- Secure area – warn others
Conclusion: acting responsibly protects everyone
With this training, we want to sensitise our employees and make them capable of acting in an emergency – within clearly defined limits. Because despite all our operational readiness:
👉 Self-protection comes first.
👉 Electricity is a matter for professionals.
We would like to thank all participants for their commitment and our master electrician for the clear, practical instructions!
