Electrical Safety (BA4 / BA5) – Legal Requirements
Working on or near electrical installations involves specific and serious risks. For this reason, Belgian law imposes clear obligations regarding electrical safety, qualifications, and training.
These obligations are laid out in the Codex on Well-being at Work and are implemented in practice through the concepts of BA4 (trained person) and BA5 (qualified person).
At Heli Safety Academy, we translate these legal requirements into practical and compliant BA4 and BA5 training programs, tailored to the risks specific to your organization.
What do BA4 and BA5 mean?
The terms BA4 and BA5 refer to the competency levels of individuals working on or near electrical installations:
- BA4 – trained person: someone who has been adequately informed about electrical hazards and the necessary safety precautions
- BA5 – qualified person: someone with the necessary technical knowledge and experience to perform electrical work independently and safely
👉 It’s not about job titles, but about legally defined authorities.
What does the Codex say about electrical safety?
The requirements regarding electrical safety are set forth in Codex Book III – Workplaces and Book IV – Work Equipment, supplemented by the AREI (General Regulations on Electrical Installations).
Under the law, the employer must:
- analyze the risks associated with electricity
- determine who is authorized to perform which tasks
- properly train and inform employees
- formalize and document responsibilities
👉 No one is permitted to perform electrical work without proper training and certification.
Risk analysis as a starting point
The assignment of BA4 or BA5 is based on a risk analysis, which takes into account, among other things:
- type of electrical installations
- type of work (operation, maintenance, repair)
- voltage level
- work environment and external risks
- employee’s knowledge and experience
Based on this, the employer determines:
- whether an employee must be BA4 or BA5
- what qualifications are required
- what tasks are permitted
Training and designation of BA4 / BA5
The Codex states that employees:
- must complete specialized training
- must have sufficient knowledge of risks and procedures
- must respond appropriately in the event of incidents or emergencies
BA4 and BA5 training is required for:
- starting a job in an electrical position
- changes in duties or equipment
- changes in risks
After training, the employer must formally grant and document the authorization.
Which educational programs are legally recognized?
Heli Safety Academy offers training courses that meet legal requirements:
The courses are practical and tailored to real-world work situations.
Upon completion, participants receive a certificate serving as proof of training and competence.
Inspection, Accidents, and Liability
During an inspection or electrical incident, the following is checked:
- a risk analysis is in place
- authorities have been properly assigned
- BA4 and BA5 personnel have received verifiable training
If this is missing, it can lead to:
- serious violations or penalties
- increased employer liability
- serious consequences in the event of accidents
✅ Proper BA4 and BA5 training protects both employees and the organization.
Our Approach at Heli Safety Academy
We support organizations by:
- clearly explain legal requirements regarding electrical safety
- tailor training programs to specific installations and tasks
- provide certificates and documentation as evidence
This way, you can be sure that electrical work:
- be done safely
- be legally compliant
- be defensible in the event of an inspection or audit
👉 Want to know if your employees need to be BA4 or BA5 certified? Check out our trainings or contact us for personalized advice.