L-AUS: Who needs electrical safety training – and how often?

Electricity is invisible, and a mistake can be fatal. That is why Danish rules set requirements for everyone who works on or close to electrical installations that are – or may be – live. In the industry this is often called L-AUS.

What does L-AUS mean?

L-AUS is the Danish abbreviation for live working on low-voltage installations. The term comes from the former Danish rules. The European standard EN 50110-1, which applies today, does not use the abbreviation, but it is still widely used in Denmark for work on or near live installations.

What do the rules say?

The rules are in the Danish installation order (executive order no. 1082 of 2016), chapter 7. In short:

• Risk assessment first: Before work on or near an electrical installation, the electrical risk must be assessed (section 76).
• EN 50110-1 must be followed: The work must be carried out according to the standard, which describes three methods – dead working, live working and working in the vicinity of live parts.
• Sufficiently qualified: Anyone working on or near live installations must be sufficiently qualified to avoid the dangers of electricity (section 77).
• Age limit: Workers must be at least 18. Young people from 16 may, however, carry out measuring and fault-finding on live installations when instructed and supervised by a competent person (section 78).
• Periodic instruction: Employees must be instructed in safe conduct periodically and to the extent necessary (section 79).

Who needs the instruction?

The requirement applies to everyone working on or near live installations – not just electricians. For example:

• electricians and electrical apprentices
• technicians, service fitters and operating staff
• maintenance staff in industry
• other trades working close to live parts

How often must instruction be repeated?

The rules do not say how often. It depends on the tasks and risks, and it is up to the employer to assess. Many companies choose to refresh every year – so the knowledge stays fresh and there is always a recent course certificate if anyone asks for documentation.

Course or local instruction?

The law does not name a specific course. An electrical safety course with a certificate is a simple way to provide and document the general instruction. Instruction in the specific installations and procedures at your workplace must still take place locally, usually as part of the risk assessment before the work.

Sources: Danish installation order (BEK no. 1082 of 12/07/2016), chapter 7, and guidance from the Danish Safety Technology Authority on work on or near installations in operation.