Electrical Safety
Legislative Background
All employers (and the self-employed) are required, under the general provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and more specifically under the requirements of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 to ensure that all equipment in the workplace is "maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair" and that they are "subject to a suitable system of maintenance".
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 provides that "as may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent such danger so far as is reasonably practicable".
This legislation is often viewed by employers and employees alike as, bureaucratic red tape, just another hoop that the authorities want us to jump through to perpetuate jobs for the boys (and Electrical Testers). However, Electrical Testing should be looked upon as a constructive tool. It can be used to organise a planned maintenance management programme, to help eliminate unexpected production hold ups and ultimately reduce breakdown costs.
For electrical equipment and installations, these legislative requirements are met by implementing a maintenance system incorporating routine inspection and testing by a competent person.
Competence
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 provides that "no person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger, or where appropriate, injury, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work".
Recommended Reading
Guidance Note 3 to IEE Wiring Regulations BS7671: Inspection and Testing
