Are you aware of the hidden dangers?

Electrical faults may result in injury to employees and are a major cause of fires. Whilst installations appear to be in good condition, with no obvious faults, it is essential to establish procedures that ensure safe electrical installations are maintained through periodic inspections using calibrated equipment. Failure to produce up-to-date inspection certificates could even make an insurance claim more difficult.

Establish a scheduled test and inspection programme.

All Wiring should be tested and inspected by a National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) or Electrical Contractor’s Association (ECA) approved contractor, at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or such other periods as recommended.

Following each scheduled test and inspection, remedial work should be carried out as necessary and an appropriate certificate issued.

Be aware of your responsibility under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to maintain safe electrical installations.

We will be happy to visit your premises to advise you on the appropriate testing regime.

The Law

The current regulations for electrical installations are BS 7671: 2001 Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations 16^th Edition).  Compliance with these regulations and the subsequent issue of certificates of conformity are not a specific requirement, but are invariably needed by your insurance company.

However, there is a statutory duty of care under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 for all electrical installations in work places to be maintained as to be safe and to prevent danger.  It is likely therefore that in the event of an accident the authorities will look at the wiring regulations as the benchmark for standards that should be adopted.

Compliance with the above regulations, and following other guidance referred to below, will go some way to satisfying your obligations under the existing regulations.

Telephone us on 01707 654600