Checking the grounding of an electrical system is an essential duty of the employer, in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic (DPR) 462/01. This legislation defines the parties authorised to verify the systems and establishes the periodicity with which this verification must be conducted. However, it is essential to understand the possible penalties for the employer if they do not adhere to these provisions, as well as the responsibilities involved in this important safety operation.
Presidential Decree 462/01 specifies that the employer is required to request the verification of the earthing system every five years, unless it is a construction site, premises used for medical use or environments with a high fire risk, for which a biennial verification is required. In addition, the employer is required to keep and show, when requested, the verification report, issued each time the verification is carried out.
However, the provisions concerning penalties for failure to check earthing systems are not explicitly contained in Presidential Decree 462/01. It is therefore necessary to refer to Legislative Decree (Legislative Decree) 81/08 and subsequent amendments, such as Legislative Decree 106/09, to identify the penalties applicable in the event of non-compliance.
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
When are the sanctions triggered?
The penalties relating to the verification of earthing systems can be activated at different times. They can be imposed during surveillance and control activities, when irregularities or deficiencies in regulatory compliance are detected. In addition, penalties can be applied after accidents or complaints, where it is ascertained that the plant was not properly checked or lacked maintenance.
In this context, it is important to underline the special attention paid to security in the province of Prato. Following the tragedies that have occurred in recent years, special surveillance campaigns have been launched to ensure compliance with the regulations, through the implementation of the Safe Work Plan. In these initiatives, sanctions are essential tools to promote compliance with the rules, including on earthing, and to ensure a safe environment for all workers.
The extent of the penalties
The sanctions can be both administrative and criminal in nature, depending on the seriousness and extent of the crime committed.
Administrative sanctions
Administrative penalties are provided for in the event of failure to periodically maintain earthing systems, lightning protection systems and electrical systems in areas with danger of explosion. The financial penalties vary between €2500 and €6400.
In addition, these penalties may be applied if, during an inspection, the reports of the checks carried out are not available. In these cases, the penalties vary from 500 euros to 1800 euros.
Criminal sanctions
Criminal penalties are provided for in the event of failure to check the earthing systems, failure to assess the risk of lightning, failure to draw up the document for the calculation of the areas with danger of explosion and lack of protection from the risk of contact and overvoltage.
For failure to check the earthing systems in areas at risk of explosion or failure to assess the risk of lightning, shutdown from 3 to 6 months is envisaged. For other violations, such as failure to protect against the risk of contact or failure to check grounding systems, the shutdown can vary from 2 to 4 months.
It is important to underline that the verification of earthing systems must be carried out by bodies authorized by the Ministry of Economic Development, such as CR Inspection, which with its work ensures the impartiality and independence of the judgment.
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