A successfully completed electrical apprenticeship, with some post apprenticeship experience is a good way of demonstrating competence for general electrical work. More specialised work such as maintenance of high voltage switchgear or control system modification is almost certainly likely to require additional training and experience.

[Source: HSE]

Action

The company was prosecuted under The Factories Act 1961 (except section 135), Section 137, Sub Section 1, The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (No 4) paragraph 2, and The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (No 4) paragraph 1, and fined.

Comment

All work equipment should be regularly checked to ensure it is safe to use. A visual check each day, or each time the equipment is used is likely to identify many of the potential electrical faults. Work equipment should also be thoroughly tested regularly. This should be done frequently enough that there is little chance a fault will develop that will lead to danger.

In general, equipment used in harsh environments such as building sites or outdoors will need more regular testing than equipment used in an office environment. It is a good idea to note down your decision on the frequency of testing for each item of equipment and then ensure the tests are carried out. It is also a good idea to note down the results of each test so that deterioration can be spotted as early as possible.

You should regularly review your frequency of testing and change it according to the number and type of defects found.

[Source: HSE]

Over the years, Dale has been involved in many bands and has unfortunately witnessed how injuries can occur when using electrical appliances within the music industry. Due to these events, Dale is keen to stress the importance of safety to groups who perform in pubs and clubs and recommends regular testing of their equipment. Items include, but are not limited to amps, lights, sound systems and equalizers.

Dale believes in keeping music live and in particular helping to make sure musicians and the general public are kept safe. His unparalleled drive and enthusiasm to achieve this is demonstrated by a discounted rate for musical groups and others connected to the music industry including stage lighting.

Please do not hesitate to contact us today for your tailored quote.

Telephone: 01673 860655
Mobile: 0777 351 3371

E-mail: enquiries@hallmarquepat.co.uk

Government statistics show 20% of fires in UK homes is due to electrical faults and in 2008 resulted in 27 deaths and 1000 injuries. Under UK law a landlord, without a regular pat test of appliances, could be found to have failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their tenants. This could lead to the landlord been liable to imprisonment, fines or even their property insurance been invalid.

It is vital a landlord understands their legal obligations when it come to potable appliances and testing in their rented properties. The landlord must make sure that any appliances provided as part of the tenancy agreement are safe.

[Source: landlordexpert.co.uk]

According to government statistics released last month almost a fifth of all fires in UK homes are caused by electrical faults. In 2008 this resulted in 27 deaths and over 1000 injuries. In addition to the risk of house fires almost 14,000 people are injured each year by electrical appliances according to the latest government estimates.

As the number of portable electrical appliances in furnished rented properties continues to increase, from cookers, to TV’s, to stereos and games consoles, portable appliance testing (PAT) is becoming an increasingly important part of a landlords responsibility to ensure their properties are safe and fit for purpose.

Under UK law without regular PAT tests a landlord could be found to have failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their tenants, and leave themselves liable to fines, imprisonment and invalidation of their property insurance.

[Source: residentiallandlord.co.uk]

Even non-fatal shocks can cause severe and permanent injury. Shocks from faulty equipment may lead to falls from ladders, scaffolds or other work platforms. Those using electricity may not be the only ones at risk: poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances can lead to fires which may also cause death or injury to others. Most of these accidents can be avoided by careful planning and straightforward precautions.

What are the Hazards?

The main hazards are:

• contact with live parts causing shock and burns (normal mains voltage, 230 volts AC, can kill);
• faults which could cause fires;
• fire or explosion where electricity could be the source of ignition in a potentially flammable or explosive atmosphere, e.g. in a spray paint booth.

Assessing The Risk

Hazard means anything which can cause harm.

Risk is the chance, great or small, that someone will actually be harmed by the hazard.

The first stage in controlling risk is to carry out a risk assessment in order to identify what needs to be done. (This is a legal requirement for all risks at work.) When carrying out a risk assessment:

• identify the hazards;
• decide who might be harmed, and how;
• evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or more should be taken;
• if you have five or more employees, record any significant findings;
• review your assessment from time to time and revise it if necessary

The risk of injury from electricity is strongly linked to where and how it is used. The risks are greatest in harsh conditions, for example:

• in wet surroundings – unsuitable equipment can easily become live and can make its surroundings live;
• out of doors – equipment may not only become wet but may be at greater risk of damage;
• in cramped spaces with a lot of earthed metalwork, such as inside a tank or bin – if an electrical fault developed it could be very difficult to avoid a shock.
• Some items of equipment can also involve greater risk than others. Extension leads are particularly liable to damage – to their plugs and sockets, to their electrical connections, and to the cable itself. Other flexible leads, particularly those connected to equipment which is moved a great deal, can suffer from similar problems.

Reducing The Risk

Once you have completed the risk assessment, you can use your findings to reduce unacceptable risks from the electrical equipment in your place of work. There are many things you can do to achieve this; here are some.

Ensure that the electrical installation is safe

• install new electrical systems to a suitable standard, e.g. BS 7671 Requirements for electrical installations, and then maintain them in a safe condition; 
• existing installations should also be properly maintained; 
• provide enough socket-outlets – overloading socket-outlets by using adaptors can cause fires

Provide safe and suitable equipment

• choose equipment that is suitable for its working environment;
• electrical risks can sometimes be eliminated by using air, hydraulic or hand powered tools – these are especially useful in harsh conditions;
• ensure that equipment is safe when supplied and then maintain it in a safe condition;
• provide an accessible and clearly identified switch near each fixed machine to cut off power in an emergency;
• for portable equipment, use socket-outlets which are close by so that equipment can be easily disconnected in an emergency;
• the ends of flexible cables should always have the outer sheath of the cable firmly clamped to stop the wires (particularly the earth) pulling out of the terminals;
• replace damaged sections of cable completely;
• use proper connectors or cable couplers to join lengths of cable – do not use strip connector blocks covered in insulating tape;
• some types of equipment are double insulated, these are often marked with a ‘double-square’ symbol – the supply leads have only two wires – live (brown) and neutral (blue), make sure they are properly connected if the plug is not a moulded-on type;
• protect light bulbs and other equipment which could easily be damaged in use, there is a risk of electric shock if they are broken;
• electrical equipment used in flammable/explosive atmospheres should be designed to stop it from causing ignition – you may need specialist advice.

Carry out preventative maintenance

All electrical equipment and installations should be maintained to prevent danger. It is strongly recommended that this includes an appropriate system of visual inspection and, where necessary, testing. By concentrating on a simple, inexpensive system of looking for visible signs of damage or faults, most of the electrical risks can be controlled. This will need to be backed up by testing as necessary.

It is recommended that fixed installations are inspected and tested periodically by a competent person. The frequency of inspections and any necessary testing will depend on the type of equipment, how often it is used, and the environment in which it is used. Records of the results of inspection and testing can be useful in assessing the effectiveness of the system. Equipment users can help by reporting any damage or defects they find.

Work safely

Make sure that people who are working with electricity are competent to do the job. Even simple tasks such as wiring a plug can lead to danger – ensure that people know what they are doing before they start. Check that:

• suspect or faulty equipment is taken out of use, labelled ‘DO NOT USE’ and kept secure until examined by a competent person;
• where possible, tools and power socket-outlets are switched off before plugging in or unplugging;
• equipment is switched off and/or unplugged before cleaning or making adjustments.

More complicated tasks, such as equipment repairs or alterations to an electrical installation, should only be tackled by people with knowledge of the risks and the precautions needed. You must not allow work on or near exposed live parts of equipment unless it is absolutely unavoidable and suitable precautions have been taken to prevent injury, both to the workers and to anyone else who may be in the area.

Underground power cables

Always assume cables will be present when digging in the street, pavement or near buildings. Use up-to-date service plans, cable avoidance tools and safe digging practice to avoid danger. Service plans should be available from regional electricity companies, local authorities, highways authorities, etc.

Overhead power lines

When working near overhead lines, it may be possible to have them switched off if the owners are given enough notice. If this cannot be done, consult the owners about the safe working distance from the cables. Remember that electricity can flash over from overhead lines even though plant and equipment do not touch them. Over half of the fatal electrical accidents each year are caused by contact with overhead lines. More detailed guidance on avoidance of danger from overhead electric lines is available from HSE.

Electrified railways and tramways

If working near electrified railways or tramways, consult the line or track operating company. Remember that some railways and tramways use electrified rails rather than overhead cables.

PAT Testing is an effective way to ensure that portable appliances are safe for use. Hallmarque PAT ensures that care and attention to detail are paramount as not to miss any potential hazards. Operating in the Lincolnshire area, call today for a free quote 01673 860655 or alternatively e-mail us enquiries@hallmarquepat.co.uk

[Source: HSC]

A visual inspection of portable electrical equipment may sound simple however there are a considerable number of aspects to consider.
Suitability of the equipment and its environment

The equipment that is being testing should be suitable for the environment in which it is used or the nature of the work being undertaken. If the equipment is in a particularly hazardous environment this will more than likely affect the frequency of future PAT inspections due to the increased possibility of damage.

 
Maintenance of equipment
 

To ensure that an electrical appliance is safe to use, below is a list of a few recommended checks.

• Any cabling should be situated as to avoid damage such as cuts
• The source of power for the appliance should be easily accessible
• There should be adequate ventilation for the equipment
• Any liquids / fluids should be situated appropriately as to avoid spillage
• The cord of the appliance should not come under strain
•  Multi-way adaptors and trailing sockets should not be overloaded
• No unprotected cables should be run under carpets

To make certain that a portable appliance is being used and maintained correctly, at a minimum; it is recommended that the user should review and follow instructions provided by the manufacturer.

While some items only require a visual check, where possible, Hallmarque PAT endeavour to check appliances both visually and practically. By running physical tests on the equipment this helps to reduce the risk to the user by highlighting any non visible faults. Electrical appliance testing is an important part of health and safety, helping to ensure that your employees, students, residents or customers are kept safe.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 identifies that both employers and employees have a responsibility with regards to electrical safety. It is the duty of the employer or self-employed person to comply with the provisions of these Regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control.

It shall be the duty of every employee while at work-

 (a) to co-operate with his employer so far as is necessary to enable any duty placed on that employer by the provisions of these Regulations to be complied with; and

 (b) to comply with the provisions of these Regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control.

As an employer, one of the easiest ways to ensure portable appliances within the work place are safe to use is to have them PAT tested.