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What do I need to Know?
The Electricity at Work Act 1989 states that all electrical systems and equipment used in the working environment should be in a safe condition.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 puts the ’duty of care’ upon both the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This includes the self-employed.
The Health and Safety Executive recommend that in order to comply with the regulations an electrical inspection and testing programme should be undertaken at all places of work.
The Institute of Engineering and Technology have compiled the IET Wiring Regulations in accordance with BS 7671.
BS 7671 is the national standard in the United Kingdom for electrical installation and the safety of electrical wiring in domestic, commercial, industrial, and other buildings. The standard is maintained by the Joint IET/BSI (British Standards Institution) Technical Committee JPEL/64, the UK National Committee for Wiring Regulations. Although the IET and BSI are non-governmental organisations and the Wiring Regulations are non-statutory, they are referenced in several UK statutory instruments, and in most cases, for practical purposes, have legal force as the appropriate method of electric wiring.
I am the Duty Holder what do I need to do?
The only way of ensuring that your duties are performed and that adequate records are being kept is by carrying out Periodic Electrical Testing and Inspection (Fixed Wire Testing) in accordance with BS7671. By implementing this practice you can be assured that your legal obligations in so far as electrical safety is concerned have been addressed.
What could happen if we don't do it?
Health and Safety legislation is criminal law in the UK. Over 1,000 accidents involving electrical safety are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) annually, notably 7% of which result in fatality. In the event of fire or injury, non-compliance could result in your insurance policy being invalidated if fixed electrical testing is not compliant with recommended guidelines.
Aside from the threat of prosecution in the event of injury or death, the safety of employees, colleagues and visitors is reason enough to test and inspect your premises electrical systems.
Fixed Wire Testing
A periodic inspection can reveal a great deal of information about the condition of the wiring, safety systems and any developing faults.
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Portable Appliance Testing
The Health & Safety Executive states that 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances. PAT reduces the risk of accidents.
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Thermal Imaging
Thermal Imaging has evolved into one of the most valuable diagnostic tools used for predictive maintenance.
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