How often is a DGUV test required? The short answer: portable electrical equipment often needs to be tested more frequently than stationary systems. However, the exact testing frequency depends on numerous factors. In this article, we explain in detail which test intervals apply to your electrical systems and devices and how to comply with them.
The most important facts in brief
✓ DGUV 3 inspection intervals are central to the safety of electrical systems and equipment, are based on the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health and the Technical Rules for Industrial Safety and must be determined individually by each company. They can be found in DGUV Regulation 3.
✓ The legal basis for the inspection intervals is derived from several regulations. Section 14 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) stipulates that electrical equipment must be tested regularly to ensure that it is in a safe condition. In addition, the Technical Rules for Operational Safety (TRBS 1201) describe in detail how the tests are to be carried out. The requirements for the "competent person" who carries out these tests are regulated in TRBS 1203.
✓ The test intervals depend on the type of electrical system and the frequency of use; fixed systems are usually tested every four years in accordance with DGUV V3, mobile electrical equipment between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the load.
What is DGUV Regulation 3?
Definition and purpose of DGUV Regulation 3
DGUV Regulation 3 is an important regulation of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), which aims to ensure the safety of employees when handling electrical devices and systems in companies. It specifies how to carry out tests on electrical systems and equipment in order to protect the health and safety of employees. Regular inspections in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3 allow potential hazards to be identified and eliminated at an early stage, which significantly reduces the risk of accidents and ensures a safe working environment.
History and development of DGUV Regulation 3
DGUV Regulation 3 has its origins in the former BGV A3 regulation. In 2014, this regulation was integrated into DGUV Regulation 3 in order to create a uniform and comprehensive regulation for the testing of electrical systems and equipment. Merging these regulations helped to harmonize safety standards and simplify compliance with the regulations. Today, DGUV Regulation 3 regulates both the testing requirements for stationary machines and systems as well as for mobile electrical equipment.
DGUV inspection intervals: significance and influencing factors
Compliance with the inspection intervals in accordance with DGUV regulation 3 (DGUV V3) is not only a legal obligation, but also increases safety in the workplace by detecting and eliminating defects at an early stage. But this raises a question about the DGUV test - how often does it actually have to be carried out? The testing of portable electrical equipment is particularly important and must be carried out more frequently than for fixed installations.
Type of electrical systems and equipment
According to DGUV V3, the inspection intervals are determined by various factors, including the type of system, the frequency of use and the specific environmental conditions. Stationary equipment such as air conditioning systems or sockets generally have an inspection period of 4 years. In contrast, mobile equipment must be inspected more frequently depending on its use and operating conditions - in some cases every 6 months to 2 years.
Field of application
The area of use plays a decisive role in determining how often the DGUV test must be carried out. Devices that are exposed to particular hazards, such as moisture or mechanical loads, require shorter test intervals. In particular, the testing of portable electrical equipment is required every three months in demanding environments, such as on construction sites, in order to ensure safety.
Importance of the risk assessment
The risk assessment is a key tool for determining how often DGUV inspections should be carried out. It determines how often equipment, including mobile devices, must be inspected and adapts the intervals to the specific operational conditions and hazards. A well-founded risk assessment ensures legally compliant protection of employees and compliance with regulations.
DGUV inspection: How often is it required?
The question "DGUV inspection - how often?" distinguishes between stationary and mobile equipment. The E-check plays a decisive role in determining the inspection intervals. It is a recognized, standard-compliant test of electrical systems and devices. For stationary electrical systems, the E-check ensures that they meet the legal requirements.
For portable equipment, the E-check ensures that the inspections are carried out within the recommended intervals and comply with DGUV V3 standards. The term "E-check" is a protected trademark of the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEH) and describes a voluntary inspection of electrical systems and devices. Although it can be aligned with the DGUV V3 specifications, it does not automatically replace the legally required inspections in accordance with DGUV regulation 3. Companies should therefore ensure that the e-check carried out meets all legal requirements in accordance with DGUV V3, BetrSichV § 14 and TRBS 1201.
The DGUV test: How often must stationary electrical systems and equipment be tested?
According to the recommendations of DGUV V3, fixed electrical installations should generally be tested every four years. For systems located in particularly sensitive areas, such as damp or wet operating sites, an annual inspection interval is recommended in order to increase safety. However, it should be noted that these intervals are only intended as a guide. The actual inspection intervals may vary depending on the specific conditions and risks in the business. For this reason, it is advisable to check the inspection intervals regularly and adjust them if necessary to ensure optimum protection.
The DGUV test: How often must portable electrical equipment be tested?
Portable electrical equipment is subject to regular testing in accordance with DGUV regulation 3. The testing intervals vary depending on the area of use and the stress on the equipment. In general, testing is required every 6 months, although every 3 months is recommended on construction sites due to the higher risk. In production facilities and workshops, where a higher level of stress is to be expected, devices and machines must be inspected annually.
As a rule, longer inspection intervals apply to offices, which can be up to 2 years. However, if a low error rate of less than 2% can be demonstrated, it is possible to extend the inspection intervals to up to 24 months, even in office areas, if this is demonstrably justifiable under safe conditions. These flexible regulations make it possible to adapt the inspection intervals to the actual conditions of use and the risk in the respective area.
Inspection intervals after maintenance measures
After every maintenance, repair, recommissioning and after repairs or modifications to electrical systems and equipment, a new test is required to ensure safety. This is regulated in particular in § 5 and § 14 of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV). A new test is required,
- when equipment is put back into operation after a repair or modification
- a new piece of equipment is used in a working environment for the first time
- and safety-relevant changes have been made to the electrical system.
The test results must be documented in order to ensure legal certainty. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure that the systems and equipment are functioning properly and to prevent potential hazards. This measure is crucial to guarantee continuous safety in the workplace.
Who has to be inspected in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3?
Responsibility of the employer
As an employer, you are responsible for the safety of your employees, including ensuring electrical safety in the company. DGUV Regulation 3 specifies the inspection intervals for electrical systems and equipment to ensure the safety of employees. It is your duty to ensure that all electrical systems and equipment are regularly and properly inspected in order to avoid potential hazards and ensure the safety of employees.
Compliance with the DGUV V3 test intervals is not only a legal obligation, but also an important contribution to accident prevention and to protecting your workforce from electrical hazards. In addition, a competent person in accordance with TRBS 1203 must be appointed within the company to coordinate the organization and execution of the tests in accordance with DGUV V3.
Duties of employees
Employees are also responsible for electrical safety in the company as part of their duty to cooperate in occupational health and safety. They must ensure that they only use electrical systems and equipment if they are certain that they have been properly inspected. If defects or damage occur to electrical systems and equipment, you are obliged to report these to your line manager immediately. Active participation in compliance with the DGUV V3 regulations makes a decisive contribution to safety in the workplace and helps to identify and eliminate potential hazards at an early stage.
Documentation and communication
All test results must be properly documented and stored. This documentation is important in the event of a claim in order to be able to quickly and transparently justify liability to employers or employees. Clear communication and close coordination between employees, employers and external service providers is essential to ensure compliance with the inspection deadlines and the safety of all electrical systems and equipment in accordance with DGUV V3.
Carrying out the DGUV V3 inspection
The DGUV V3 inspection may only be carried out by a qualified person in accordance with TRBS 1203.
Qualified persons:
Qualified persons who are entrusted with carrying out DGUV V3 inspections must meet certain requirements:
- Completed vocational training in electrical engineering or a comparable qualification such as a technical degree
- Several years of practical experience in testing electrical equipment
- Knowledge of typical damage and its risks
Qualified persons should regularly carry out several DGUV V3 inspections per year and undergo continuous training to keep their specialist knowledge up to date. The qualification of a competent person can be proven by several years of practical work and corresponding training or further training, and this qualification must be documented to ensure professional competence.
Examination procedure:
The DGUV V3 test begins with a visual inspection, during which obvious defects and damage to the electrical systems and equipment are checked. This is followed by measurements of electrical parameters, such as resistance and insulation capability, to ensure that the systems can be operated safely. Finally, a functional test is carried out to ensure that the equipment is working correctly and that all safety mechanisms are functioning properly.
The test report must be filled out completely and professionally in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3 and Section 14 of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health. It should clearly identify the test device and the test results and the original should be kept in a safe place and a copy should be accessible near the system. If defects are identified during the test, recommendations for suitable remedial measures must be made in order to ensure continued electrical safety.
Tips for complying with the DGUV V3 inspection intervals:
Compliancewith the DGUV V3 inspection intervals is crucial for safety in the workplace. In the event of an accident or damage, documentation of the inspection intervals is essential, as it serves both the safety of employees and provides legal protection for the employer.
Create an inspection plan: Create an inspection plan that clearly shows how often DGUV inspections must be carried out. This plan should also include all responsible persons and the detailed steps of the implementation. Although inspection stickers are not mandatory, they can help to organize the next DGUV V3 inspection. A reminder function in the inspection plan ensures that inspections are carried out on time.
Implementing the DGUV V3 inspection intervals:
The following measures should be taken to successfully implement the DGUV V3 inspection intervals:
- Create a list of all equipment subject to mandatory testing.
- Plan and carry out the tests in good time.
- Use testing software to manage and document the tests.
- Inform and train your employees regularly about the requirements and importance of DGUV V3 inspections.
Employee training: Employee training plays a central role in ensuring electrical safety in the company. It is important that employees are well trained and instructed in the safe handling of electrical systems and devices to ensure correct use and handling. Training courses help to raise awareness of electrical safety and promote compliance with inspection obligations and inspection intervals in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3.
Regular training and awareness-raising measures are crucial to ensure that all employees understand the requirements of DGUV V3 and that inspections are carried out properly. A well-informed workforce makes a significant contribution to increasing safety in the workplace and preventing accidents.
Frequently asked questions
What is the DGUV V3 test in short?
The DGUV V3 test refers to the regular testing of electrical safety, which is regulated in DGUV Regulation 3. DGUV stands for the German Social Accident Insurance, an association of accident insurance institutions and employers' liability insurance associations.
Is the DGUV test mandatory?
Yes, testing in accordance with DGUV Regulation 3 is mandatory for all companies in Germany in order to reduce the number of accidents at work and ensure occupational safety.
When is a DGUV 3 inspection necessary?
A DGUV V3 test is necessary if an employer provides electrical equipment, systems or machines.
DGUV inspection: How often does it have to be carried out?
The frequency of the DGUV V3 test depends on the type of electrical equipment, the environmental conditions and the individual risk. The test frequency depends on several factors:
- Fixed electrical installations: Every 4 years as standard, annually if there is an increased risk (e.g. in damp or potentially explosive areas).
- Portable electrical equipment: Between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the frequency of use and the ambient conditions.
- Construction sites: Every 3 months due to heavy use.
- Office environments: Generally every 2 years, an extension can be considered if the error rate is very low.
- After repairs or modifications: A new test is always required.
Attention: These intervals are guidelines. The actual intervals must be determined and documented in a risk assessment.
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