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Electricity is the most versatile and convenient source of energy
known to man.
However, it can be potentially dangerous if the system has not
been properly designed, installed, operated and maintained.
Invariably electrical installations are modified and extended
over time to serve additional equipment and requirements. Frequently
these additions were not anticipated in the original design and
may affect the integrity of the installation.
In addition, electrical installation equipment can deteriorate
in time because of unforeseen adverse environmental conditions.
For more information, the following publications are recommended:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974
- HSE Guidance Note HS(R)25 - Memorandum of Guidance on the
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- HSE Books, P0 Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS
Tel:
01787 881165
- BS7671 1992 Requirements for Electrical Installations, IEE
Wiring Regulations 16th Edition
Inspection and Testing Guidance
Notes
Contact: The Institution of Electrical Engineers,
Savoy
Place, London WC2R OBL.
Tel: 0207 240 1871
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THE LAW The Electricity at Work Regulations (EAW) 1989, made
under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, came into force on
April 1st 1990.
These regulations require all electrical installations in work
places to be designed, constructed and maintained in such a manner
as to be safe to use at all times.
We carry out full duties under the Electricity at Work Regulations
Act to ensure clients are protected and in compliance with Health
& Safety legislation.
Other services we provide include: -
- New Installation Testing
- Periodic Installations Testing
- Witness Testing
- Electrical Survey
- Infrared Surveys
- Monitoring Surveys
- Busbar Testing
- Training
For more information about the services we provide
please contact us by telephone or via our
contact
form.
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Why is it necessary to inspect and test installations?
Inspection
and testing is necessary to identify any damage to, or defects in,
an installation which may give rise to danger, so as to ensure the
safety of persons and livestock from the effects of electric shock
and burns, and property from the effects of fire and heat, arising
from a defective electrical installation. In other words, to ensure
that it is SAFE TO USE.
Who is responsible?
EAW Regulation 3
It is
the responsibility of the employer and in some instances a self
employed person, to ensure that electrical systems are safe.
Employees
have a duty to co-operate with the employer in this respect. “Employer”
in this sense includes those persons charged with the management
of the work place.
What premises do the regulations cover?
All premises
and places where people work, for example: Public buildings - schools
hospitals, sports and leisure centres, museums, cinemas, theatres,
football, cricket and athletic grounds;
Residential - residential
homes for the elderly, hotels and guest houses;
Industrial -
factories, farms and construction sites;
Commercial - offices,
shops and warehouses.
How frequently should electrical installations be periodically
inspected and tested?
Public buildings, sports and leisure
facilities — every year, or as required by the Local Authority conditions
of licence;
Industrial and agricultural - 3 years;
Commercial,
educational and residential (not domestic) - 5 years;
Construction
sites - 3 months, or as frequent as the testing engineer considers
necessary according to the exposure of the installation to deterioration
or damage.
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Who should carry out inspection and testing of electrical
installations?
EAW Regulation 16.
HSE Guidance Note
GS27I
IEE Wiring Regulations
Inspection and Testing shall be carried out by competent persons
who shall have sufficient technical knowledge and experience appropriate
to the type of installation, and an understanding of the test methods
and requirements in order to prevent danger or injury.
Since
the person must make judgements on the appropriate levels and frequency
of testing required, he must have an understanding of the use
of the premises concerned, the operating environment and any relevant
safety standards or licensing requirements that may be applicable
to the premises. The correct instruments must also be used.
How can ECA members help?
The Regulations are
very complex and imply that the testing programme from the initial
assessment of procedures through to the final report is carried
out by technically competent and experienced people.
ECA members
are capable of carrying out this work for you and thus help you
to comply with the EAWI Regulations. They will be willing to discuss
your installations and advise of tile procedures you should adopt.
A Copy of the register of ECA members is available on request.
ECA
members offer a recognised Inspection and Testing Contract and a
Maintenance contract which have been registered with the office
of Fair Trading. They can also offer and advise on a planned maintenance
programme to ensure the efficiency and safety of all electrical
systems and equipment.
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