What are electrical standards in ensuring safety at construction sites in Vietnam?

What are electrical standards in ensuring safety at construction sites in Vietnam?

In Section 2.16.1 Subsection 2.16 Section 2 National technical regulation on safety in construction QCVN 18:2021/BXD promulgated together with Circular 16/2021/TT-BXD on electrical standards in ensuring safety at construction sites as follows:

2.16.1.1 All electrical systems (including electrical equipment, power lines, accessories) and related works on the construction site and works must comply with the provisions of the law on construction , electricity, Occupational safety and hygiene, other relevant specialized laws and regulations below.

2.16.1.2 Surveys, design, construction, installation, testing, inspection, acceptance, management, use, operation, repair, maintenance and dismantling (if any) for The electrical system must:

a) It is carried out by organizations and individuals that are qualified as prescribed by law (if any) ;

b) Comply with the regulations of QCVN on electrical safety and technology , including : QCVN 01:2020/BCT, QCVN QTD 5:2009/BCT, QCVN QTD 6:2009/BCT, QCVN QTD 7:2009/BCT , QCVN QTD 8:2010/BCT, Regulation on Electrical Equipment dated 11/7/2006 and other regulations related to electrical equipment, industrial protection and fire protection mentioned in this regulation.

2.16.1.3 Before starting and during the construction and installation of the electrical system, the employer is responsible for inspecting and fully implementing the safety regulations related to the construction works mentioned in Clause 1 of this Article 2.1 and other sections of this regulation, in particular, must contain the following contents:

a) Construction, installation and electrical safety measures according to the provisions of Vietnamese standards on electrical safety (see at 2.16.1.2);

b) Specialized industrial protection to ensure safety against the risk of electric shock at the construction site;

c) Rescue plan for accidents or incidents related to electricity.

2.16.1.4 Electrical equipment and electrical systems must have dimensions and characteristics suitable to their technical requirements and working conditions; and must:

a) Sufficient mechanical strength to meet working conditions during construction, installation and operation;

b) Not damaged (or must be protected from damage) by water, dust, temperature effects or chemicals.

2.16.1.5 Electrical equipment and electrical systems must be constructed, installed and maintained to prevent dangerous factors from electric shock, fire and explosion from the outside.

2.16.1.6 The distribution of electricity to each construction area must be done using an isolator. Switches shall be located in an easily accessible place and may only be locked in the “off” position but not in the “on” position.

2.16.1.7 Power supply to electrical equipment shall be made using switchgear; Switchgear must be used even in the event of an emergency.

2.16.1.8 Electrical equipment, electrical sockets, power outlets (outlets) must be marked, labeled to notify, clearly indicated on the purpose and voltage used.

2.16.1.9 Areas with electrical installations must have full information in the form of drawings or clear instructions on the arrangement and installation of electrical equipment and circuits. On site, circuits and equipment shall be identified by labeling or other effective methods.

2.16.1.10 Circuits and electrical equipment using different voltages in the same electrical system must be clearly distinguished by conspicuous signs such as markings and labels in different colors.

2.16.1.11 Appropriate measures shall be taken to prevent electrical systems from accepting currents with voltages higher than their specifications.

2.16.1.12 Lightning protection systems must be installed for electrical equipment and electrical systems based on actual conditions on the construction site and works and technical regulations of electrical equipment as directed by the manufacturer. 

NOTE: For requirements on lightning protection on construction sites, see also regulations in 2.1.10.

2.16.1.13 Telecommunication signal transmission lines must not be arranged together with medium and high voltage lines.

2.16.1.14 In flammable environments or in warehouses containing explosives and flammable liquids, electrical wires and electrical equipment with fire resistance must be used.

NOTE: For fire protection requirements, see also regulations in 2.1.8.

What are the standards on construction sites, construction works, notices and warnings in ensuring safety at construction sites in Vietnam?

At Subsection 2.16.1.15 Section 2.16.1 Subsection 2.16 Section 2 National technical regulation on safety in construction QCVN 18:2021/BXD promulgated together with Circular 16/2021/TT-BXD on the standards on construction sites, construction works, notices and warnings in ensuring safety at construction sites are as follows:

2.16.1.15 On construction sites and works, the following notices and warnings must be arranged in suitable and conspicuous places:

a) Prohibit unauthorized persons (or duties) from entering the electrical equipment room or manipulating or interfering with electrical equipment;

b) Specific instructions on the order to be performed in the following cases: Fire, first aid, resuscitation for people with electric shock;

c) Name and contact method (address, phone or other effective means of communication) of at least 02 (two) persons assigned the task of electrical safety management to notify and contact when electrical accidents, dangerous incidents occurs such as fire, equipment explosion or other incidents.

2.16.1.16 Appropriate notices and warnings should be placed in areas in contact with or close to potentially hazardous electrical equipment.

2.16.1.17 It is the responsibility of the employer to adequately instruct and ensure that all persons using and operating electrical equipment are aware of and understand the hazards that may arise from electrical equipment or from the use of electricity.

Best Regards!