Electrical Safety & Lockout/Tagout (Elektrofachkraft)

Apply electrical safety and Lockout/Tagout procedures correctly – for qualified electricians in line with DGUV Vorschrift 3. Includes recognised course certificate.

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Electrical Safety & Lockout/Tagout (Elektrofachkraft)

Course Overview of Electrical Safety & Lockout/Tagout (Elektrofachkraft)

Imagine a technician working on a switchgear panel without properly securing the system beforehand. A split-second action. Then an accident. Electrical accidents are among the most common causes of serious workplace injuries in Germany's commercial sector. According to DGUV statistics, thousands of workers are injured by electric current every year and many of these accidents could have been prevented through clear safety procedures.

This is exactly where this course steps in. The Electrical Safety & Lockout/Tagout (Elektrofachkraft) course provides you with the knowledge and practical skills you need to work safely with electrical systems. You will learn how to identify hazards, correctly apply safety procedures, and fulfil your legal obligations as a qualified electrician (Elektrofachkraft) in Germany. Whether you are new to the field or looking to refresh your knowledge as an experienced professional, this course was developed specifically for the German labour market.

The course covers all relevant topics: from the fundamentals of electrical engineering to current DGUV regulations, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and emergency measures. You will also gain a thorough understanding of the requirements for qualified electricians (EFK), electrically instructed persons (EuP), and related qualification pathways. By the end of the course, you will be well prepared for your responsibilities in electrical safety and clearly ahead on the job market.

Electrical Safety & Lockout/Tagout (Elektrofachkraft)

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the fundamental principles of electrical engineering and electrical safety
  • Systematically identify and assess electrical hazards in the workplace
  • Apply the five safety rules correctly and confidently
  • Plan, execute, and document Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures independently
  • Correctly apply German safety laws, DGUV regulations, and technical standards (e.g. VDE, DIN EN)
  • Prepare risk assessments in the field of electrical safety
  • Work safely near or on live electrical systems
  • Lead emergency measures in the event of electrical accidents and provide first aid
  • Understand the legal responsibilities and liability risks of a qualified electrician
  • Understand advanced qualification pathways such as EFKffT and vEFK

Course Curriculum

5 Sections 20 Lectures 5 Hours
  • Electrical Engineering Fundamentals
  • Electrical Hazards & Human Body Interaction
  • Protective Measures & System Design
  • Safe Operating Principles
  • National Safety Laws
  • DGUV Regulations
  • Technical Standards
  • Legal Accountability, Liability & Documentation
  • The Five Safety Rules
  • Electrical Testing & Inspection
  • Safe Work Environments & Energized Work Restrictions
  • Practical Competence: Tools, Equipment & Safe Behavior
  • Energy Isolation & Hazard Identification
  • Lockout/Tagout Program Structure
  • German LOTO Implementation
  • Practical LOTO Scenarios & Case Studies
  • Role-Specific Qualification Paths
  • Risk Assessment & Safety Documentation
  • High-Voltage & Future Technologies
  • Emergency Response, First Aid & Incident Management

Who is this course suitable for?

This course was designed for people who want to work safely and competently with electrical systems, whether as a beginner or an experienced professional.

  • Electrical engineers and electricians looking to deepen their knowledge of DGUV-compliant occupational safety
  • Plant mechanics, industrial mechanics, and maintenance technicians with exposure to electrical engineering
  • Operations and safety officers responsible for electrical safety in the workplace
  • Foremen and supervisors who implement or oversee Lockout/Tagout programmes in their operations
  • Engineers and technical planners in mechanical and plant engineering
  • Career changers and returners who want to build a structured foundation in electrical safety
  • Employers and business owners who need to train their teams in compliance with regulations

Requirements

The entry threshold is deliberately low, this course is accessible to a wide audience:

  • A basic interest in electrical engineering or occupational safety
  • No specific prior knowledge required, the course starts from the basics
  • Good German language skills to understand the course content
  • Computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
  • A willingness to learn and the motivation to act safely in the workplace

Career opportunities

Qualified electrical safety professionals are in high demand in Germany. The shortage of skilled workers in the technical sector means that those with the right qualifications have better opportunities today than ever before.

  • Qualified Electrician (Elektrofachkraft – EFK)
  • Responsible for the safe planning, installation, inspection, and maintenance of electrical systems. One of the most in-demand roles in industry and the skilled trades.
  • Safety Officer (Electrical Safety)
    Takes on operational responsibility for compliance with electrical safety regulations and DGUV standards.
  • Maintenance & Service Technician (Electrical Engineering)
    Carries out regular inspections, tests, and maintenance work on electrical systems and machinery.
  • LOTO Coordinator / Lockout/Tagout Officer
    Plans and oversees the implementation of energy control programmes in industrial and production facilities.
  • Work Scheduler / Technical Planner
    Prepares risk assessments, safety plans, and procedural instructions for electrical work.
  • HSE Manager (Health, Safety & Environment)
    Responsible for the overall occupational safety concept in organisations, with a focus on electrical safety.

Certification information

Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a CPD Quality Standard-accredited certificate for success in Electrical Safety & Lockout/Tagout (Elektrofachkraft), a recognized certificate in the field of health compliance.

Certificate Image

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is a qualified electrician (Elektrofachkraft) and what requirements apply in Germany? +

A qualified electrician is a person who, based on their professional training, knowledge, and experience, as well as knowledge of the relevant standards, can independently assess and safely carry out electrical work. In Germany, the requirements are regulated in DGUV Regulation 3 (formerly BGV A3) and DIN VDE 0105. The qualification is not always tied to a formal vocational training — demonstrated competence and experience are decisive.

02 What does Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) mean and is it mandatory in Germany? +

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure in which energy sources on machines and systems are safely isolated and secured before maintenance or repair work. In Germany, the implementation of energy control measures is required by law, in particular under the Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV) and DGUV Regulation 3. LOTO procedures are the international standard for preventing accidents caused by unexpected restarts.

03 Which standards and regulations must I know as a qualified electrician in Germany? +

As a qualified electrician in Germany, you must be familiar with, among others: DGUV Regulation 3 (electrical systems and equipment), DIN VDE 0100 (installation of low-voltage systems), DIN VDE 0105-100 (operation of electrical systems), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG), and the Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV). This course covers all relevant regulations systematically.

04 Can I complete this course without an electrical engineering background? +

Yes, the course is structured in a way that is understandable even for career changers and technically interested people without a completed electrical qualification. The content begins with the basics and builds up step by step. In practice, however, a relevant vocational qualification or proven professional experience is generally required for full recognition as a qualified electrician.

05 How long does the course take and can I complete it alongside work? +

The course is fully online and can be completed at your own pace, ideal alongside your job. Most participants complete the course within 4–6 weeks with regular study. There are no fixed learning times. You can pause at any time and pick up where you left off.

06 What are the five safety rules and why are they so important? +

The five safety rules are the cornerstone of any safe work on electrical systems. They are: 1. Disconnect (isolate from supply), 2. Secure against reconnection, 3. Verify absence of voltage, 4. Earth and short-circuit, 5. Cover or barrier off adjacent live parts. These rules are enshrined in DIN VDE 0105 and must be strictly observed during all work on electrical systems.

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