Who issues the authorization title for temporary workers?
06 January 2025 · 2 min reading time
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See job offersTemporary workers, just like permanent employees, may be required to work on electrical installations as part of their assignment. To ensure their safety and that of others, it is essential that they have electrical authorization, in accordance with the requirements of the Labor Code, which stipulates that only authorized persons can work on these installations. This authorization is issued by the user company, but the process involves several steps to ensure that the temporary worker has the necessary skills. In this article, we will examine who issues this authorization, how it is assigned, and the responsibilities of the employer in this context.
Importance of Authorizing Temporary Workers
Electrical authorization is an official certification that attests that an employee, whether temporary or permanent, has received the necessary training to work safely on or near electrical installations. This authorization helps reduce the risk of accidents related to electricity, a sector where the dangers are particularly significant. In France, legislation requires that only trained and authorized persons can perform certain electrical tasks, whether as part of a temporary assignment or a permanent contract.
Electrical Authorization: When is it Mandatory?
Electrical authorization is necessary when workers, whether permanent or temporary, must work on or near electrical installations in a context presenting electrical hazards. According to the Labor Code, authorization is mandatory as soon as an employee is required to perform tasks that could expose their safety or that of others to the risks of electrocution, fire, or other electrical accidents.
It is notably required in the following situations:
- Live work: When the worker must work directly on live electrical installations (e.g., maintenance, repair).
- Work on de-energized systems but nearby: Even if the installation is de-energized, authorization is necessary if the worker is near live parts.
- Electrical maintenance work: For any assignment involving the handling of electrical appliances, wiring, or circuits.
- Controls and inspections: During the verification of electrical installations or equipment, where a risk of contact with live parts exists.
This authorization ensures that the worker has undergone adequate training, is informed of the risks, and knows how to use the appropriate personal protective equipment. In the absence of authorization, the employer is liable to sanctions, in addition to endangering the safety of workers.
The User Company: Responsible for Authorizing Temporary Workers
When temporary workers are called upon to perform tasks involving an electrical risk, it is the user company that is responsible for issuing the necessary authorization. Indeed, even if the temporary employment agency recruits the employee and places them on assignment, it is the company where they work that determines the required skills and issues the electrical authorization after verifying that the temporary worker has completed the appropriate training.
This approach is essential, as the user company must ensure that the temporary workers it hires are sufficiently trained to perform their tasks safely. It is not just a matter of validating theoretical knowledge, but also of ensuring that employees know how to apply their skills in practical situations.
The Role of the Temporary Employment Agency
Although the temporary employment agency is not responsible for issuing the authorization, it plays an important role in the process. As an intermediary between user companies and workers, the agency must ensure that temporary worker candidates are informed of safety requirements, and in particular the need to obtain authorization for certain assignments. The agency can also direct temporary workers to certified training organizations, but the actual issuance of the certification remains the responsibility of the user company.
Temporary employment agencies also have a crucial role in ensuring the compliance of assignments, particularly by ensuring that administrative documents and certifications are in order before the start of the assignment.
The Training and Evaluation Process
The issuance of electrical authorization to temporary workers takes place after they have undergone specific training, which varies depending on the nature of the tasks they will have to perform. This training includes both theoretical sessions and practical exercises. The objective is to ensure that temporary workers understand electrical hazards, know how to use personal protective equipment (PPE), and apply good safety practices in real-life situations.
Conditions and Prerequisites for Authorizing Temporary Workers
To obtain authorization, the temporary worker must meet several conditions:
- Adequate training: Certified theoretical and practical training is mandatory. It depends on the tasks to be performed (live work, maintenance, etc.).
- Medical fitness: A medical check-up is necessary to verify that the worker is fit to work safely.
- Compliance with standards: The authorization must comply with legal requirements and safety standards (notably the NF C 18-510 standard).
Validity and Renewal
Authorization is generally valid for 3 years. Renewal is necessary after this period, often including refresher training to update the temporary worker's skills in safety matters.
The Content of the Training
The authorization training covers different aspects of electrical risk, including understanding electrical installations, safe work procedures, and emergency management. It also familiarizes workers with the different types of authorization according to the levels of intervention (work on or near live systems). The duration of the training depends on the type of assignment and the required skills.
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