Verification of earthing systems: who is responsible for it?

The earthing system is a fundamental element to ensure the safety and proper functioning of electrical systems. The periodic verification of these systems is a mandatory activity that involves various figures and follows precise regulations. In this article, we’ll explore who is responsible for verification, the timelines , and the cases in which it’s needed.

Who is the earthing system check mandatory?

The obligation to check the earthing system concerns all work activities, public and private, that employ at least one worker. This includes a wide range of activities, including shops, offices, industrial warehouses, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, tobacconists, schools, churches, oratories, industries, photovoltaic fields, outdoor lighting systems, construction sites, hospitals, beauty centers, pharmacies, hairdressers, doctors’ surgeries, veterinarians, dentists and many others.
The employer is responsible for requesting verification of earthing systems. It is up to him to ensure that the control periodicities are respected and that the system is subjected to regular maintenance.
In the case of rented work sites, the tenant user has the obligation to have the verification carried out and not the landlord. This is because it is the one who uses the fund who is configured as an employer and also because it is the user who gives the activity its own type from which, for example, he discerns the periodicity of verification (for example, the same warehouse could be used for the storage of metal materials and periodicity 5 years or production with the involvement of flammables and periodicity 2 years).

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

To find out more, you can contact our service contact person, Elisa, at 320 3873962 or at the email segreteria.dpr462@crinspection.it

Reference legislation

The obligation to check the earthing system is governed by Presidential Decree 462/01. It is important to emphasize that the verification of the earthing system should not be confused with the regular maintenance of the electrical systems.
The verification of the earthing system is rather the moment in which the effectiveness of maintenance is measured and is therefore carried out by a body such as CR Inspection which ensures the impartiality and independence of the judgment.
Instead, it concerns the systematic verification of:

Electrical grounding systems
Protective devices against atmospheric discharges
Electrical installations in potentially explosive locations

How is verification performed?

Verification of grounding systems is a methodical process that involves several steps to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Generally, the staff of the Organism performs the following activities during the verification:

Visual inspection: Initially, the technician will conduct a visual inspection of the entire grounding system. This phase allows you to identify any damage, foreign bodies or structural problems that could compromise the effectiveness of the system.
Continuity check: The technician checks that all the components of the earthing system are correctly connected. This includes checking the ground connections of cables, conductors and protective devices.
Resistance measurements: Using special instruments, resistance measurements are made to evaluate the efficiency of the ground connection. These measurements provide crucial insights into the plant’s ability to dissipate unwanted currents.
Regulatory compliance verification: The technician verifies that the documentation of the system is aligned with the requirements of national regulations and/or good practice.
Issue of the inspection report (verification report): After successfully completing the verification, the technician issues an Inspection Report certifying that the earthing system has been verified and complies with current regulations.

Penalties for non-compliant companies

The consistent and diligent implementation of both practices is a legal requirement for companies that must ensure a safe working environment for their workers. The consequent sanctions can be administrative (in the event of an inspection) with penalties of up to 6,400 euros or even criminal (in the event of an accident) with penalties up to imprisonment for the employer and/or plant manager.

Why choose CR Inspection?

CR Inspection, through its organization distributed throughout the Italian territory, is the right and reliable partner for these checks. We offer punctual execution, complete assistance and transparency in costs. Through our highly qualified staff, we are able to provide the periodic and extraordinary inspection services on any type of system.

To find out more, you can contact our service representative, Elisa, at the number 320 3873962 or to the Mail elisa@crinspection.it or write directly to segreteria.dpr462@crinspection.it