A residual current device, or safety switch, protects you from the most frequent cause of electrocution - a shock from electricity passing through the body to the earth. It can also provide some protection against electrical fires.
RCDs are electrical safety devices designed to immediately switch off the supply of electricity when electricity leaking to earth is detected at harmful levels. They offer high levels of personal protection from electric shock.
Workplace injuries and fatalities can be prevented by the use of properly installed and maintained residual current devices.
The managing electrical risks at the workplace code of practice has more information about the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of non portable and portable RCDs.
You may need to seek technical advice from a competent person about the kinds of RCDs that are right for your workplace.
electrical equipment that is moved between jobs in ways that could result in damage to the equipment, for example electric welders, electric cement mixers, portable bench saws and extension cords.
If you are a person with management of a workplace, you must make sure that RCDs used at work are tested regularly by a competent person to make sure they are working effectively.
The managing electrical risks at the workplace code of practice provides more information about electrical work and risk controls.