Team mccallum UK/ TMUK Safety Management

KNOWSLEY CABLE FIRM FINED OVER SEVERE ELECTRIC SHOCK

adminmccallum — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:56:30 +0000

Knowsley cable firm fined over severe electric shock

Date:: 25 April 2013

A cable manufacturer has been fined after an employee suffered a severe electric shock at its factory in Knowsley. Medics had to resuscitate the worker on the way to hospital when his heart stopped beating as the result of a cardiac arrest. He also sustained serious burns to his arms and hands. Tratos Ltd was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today (25 April 2013) after an investigation found the safety lock on the entrance to a high-voltage testing area at the factory had been removed. Liverpool Magistrates’ Court was told the 28-year-old, from Hindley near Wigan, who does not wish to be named, had been working in an area of the factory used to test cables at voltages of up to 2,000 volts. However workers at the factory had been struggling to shut the door leading to the testing pen after one of the hinges became damaged. They altered the locking mechanism for the door which tricked the safety system into believing it was locked shut. This meant power could be applied to the pen with the door still open. The worker suffered a severe electric shock when he disturbed one of the cables in the testing pen while a current was being fed through it. Tratos Ltd, of School Lane, Knowlsley, was fined £15,000 after pleading guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by failing to ensure the safety of its employees. The company was also ordered to pay £4,206 in prosecution costs. Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Bruce Jones said: “Workers shouldn’t have been able to gain access to the testing pen while electricity was being fed through the cables, but the safety system that prevents this from happening was overridden. “Tratos Ltd’s employees hadn’t been given any information or training on what to do if the testing pen became damaged, and decided to remove the safety mechanism in the door so that they could continue to test cables. “The company should have ensured that effective health and safety management was in place not only to provide adequate supervision but also safe working procedures for employees to follow. Had this happened, the life-threatening injuries suffered by an employee could have been avoided.” Information on electrical safety is available at www.hse.gov.uk/electricity.

Notes to editors

The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk
Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: “It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”
HSE news releases are available at www.hse.gov.uk/press.

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LIFT ENGINEER’S DEATH EXPOSED COMPANY’S SAFETY FAILINGS

adminmccallum — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:54:42 +0000

Lift engineer’s death exposed company’s safety failings

Date:: 15 April 2013
Release No:: LSE/13

A national lift and elevator firm has been sentenced for safety failings that were uncovered after the death of a lift engineer from an electric shock while working at Pentonville prison in North London. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated after Steven Loake, 53, from Archway, died while trying to fix a fault on the chapel lift at Pentonville prison in Holloway on 5 October 2010. The engineer did not isolate the lift from the power supply and was found dead by a prison employee the same day. ThyssenKrupp Elevator UK Ltd (TKE) was today (15 April) fined a total of £100,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £25,748 for breaches of safety legislation identified during the HSE investigation. It was never contended that the breaches directly caused Mr Loake’s death. Southwark Crown Court was told that the cause of the incident was Mr Loake coming into contact simultaneously with a live conductor and metal parts of the lift structure, thus creating a path to earth and giving him a fatal electric shock. Investigators found the lift had not been isolated from the mains and that Mr Loake’s multimeter, an electrical test instrument, had exposed test probes, which can lead to ‘flashovers’ or arcing. HSE found TKE Ltd, which was the maintenance contractor for all prison service lifts in the UK, had failed to provide a safe system of work for its field operatives, who were required to carry out work on live electrical systems. It had not provided sufficient information and instruction concerning work on electrical systems nor supervised employees properly. TKE also failed in its duty to ensure Mr Loake’s work equipment was fit for use. The multimeter was not maintained in good repair and insulation had been stripped back exposing an excessive amount of metal, causing an increased risk of shock and burns. HSE told the court that TKE Ltd was fined £233,000 at Southwark Crown Court for a breach of Section (3)1 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 back in 2010.That case related to the death of a member of the public in March 2003 in an incident involving a lift at the Broadgate Health Club in the City that TKE was responsible for maintaining. ThyssenKrupp Elevator UK Ltd, of Bull Close Road, Nottingham, admitted single breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 at an earlier hearing at Westminster Magistrates. After the case, HSE Inspector John Crookes said: “The company’s failures in providing a safe system of work along with appropriate information and instruction went back more than ten years. The combined effect of these inadequacies was that all TKE’s lift fitters and field operatives were exposed to an unacceptable risk when working with the company’s outdated procedures. “In that sense, Mr Loake’s death, though not directly caused by the failings, can be seen as an example of the ‘accident waiting to happen’. “The extent of the breaches demonstrates that TKE’s performance, as one of the leading companies in the UK lift industry, fell well below the required standard. They should be setting the standard in safety and provide an example to other operators.” For information on safe working with electricity, visit www.hse.gov.uk/electricity.

Notes to editors

The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplacehealth and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement.www.hse.gov.uk
Section 2(1)of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: : “It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”
Regulation 5(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 states: “Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.”
Further HSE news releases are available at www.hse.gov.uk/press.

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ELECTRICAL TESTING FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES

adminmccallum — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 11:05:19 +0000

Electrical Testing for insurance PURPOSES

Introduction Fires attributed to electrical faults continue to feature significantly in Fire Loss Statistics. This in addition to Health & Safety considerations generally, has led to the introduction of Electrical Regulations which require certain precautions be taken in the installation, maintenance and testing of installations and equipment. These guidance notes are designed to give only an insight into the various requirements, with emphasis on the fire hazard. You are urged to consider the Regulation documents in full to appreciate how they may affect you in terms of the risk of death or personal injury from electricity.

Legislation and Regulations The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 These Regulations came into force on 1st April 1990 and are issued under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The Regulations impose duties on persons (duty holders) in respect of systems, electrical equipment and conductors, which includes fixed installations and other equipment such as portable appliances. The Regulations make no specific stipulations on examination and testing, but require all systems to be maintained to prevent “danger” as far as is reasonably practicable. IEE Wiring Regulations The IEE Wiring regulations Current Edition (now issued as BS 7671:2008 :17th. Edition Wiring Regulations) are non statutory regulations. These regulations require tests and inspections of new or altered installations and recommend periodic inspection and testing. Frequency of Inspections Legislation requires that electrical equipment must be maintained so that it remains safe. Legislation or Regulations do not state the specific frequency of inspection and testing. It is a matter of judgement on the part of duty holders to decide what level of maintenance is required to prevent danger. This should be ascertained by conducting Risk Assessments. Fixed Systems and Equipment Guidance on the frequency of examination is contained in several HSE and IEE guidance notes. The most comprehensive are contained in the IEE guidance note 3 and these are summarised as follows: Type of Premises and Maximum Period (years) Between Inspection and testing. General Commercial 5/OR - (If there is a change of occupancy) Educational 5 Hospitals 5 Industrial 3 Buildings Open To The Public Cinemas 3 Leisure Complexes (Ex pools) 3 Places of Public Entertainment 3 Restaurants and Hotels 3 Theatres 3 Special Installations Fire Alarms 1 Launderettes Petrol Filling Stations 1 Temporary Installations 3 months (e.g. construction sites) NOTE 1: BS 5839 specifies 5 years unless the occupancy type is designated as less, as shown above. In most circumstances 5 years should be adequate. Where quoted these frequency intervals are also confirmed in HSE Guidance Notes and in other legislation, e.g. The Cinematography (Safety) Regulations 1955.

Portable Equipment and Appliances It should be noted that there is no requirement for portable appliances to be inspected at specified intervals. The duty holder has the responsibility to decide how often they should be examined and tested, dependent on the kind of equipment, the manner in which it is used, and the frequency of use. Generally portable appliances need more frequent inspection and testing. The timescale chosen should reflect this and frequency of inspection and testing could be typically anywhere between 3 months and 2 years. Inspections and Testing The type of inspection and tests which should be carried out, are detailed in IEE Wiring Regulations and HSE Guidance Notes. A brief summary of the main examinations and tests, which may be carried out during periodic inspections follows. Fixed Systems and Equipment Visual Inspection

Safety
Wear and tear
Corrosion
Damage
Excessive loading (overloading)
Age
External influences (changes in Buildings/occupancy)
Suitability (e.g. of protective devices)

Periodic Tests

Verification of effectiveness of earthing system
Polarity
Earth fault loop impedance
Insulation resistance
Operation of devices for isolation and switching
Operation of residual current devices and over-current circuit breakers

Portable Equipment and Appliances

Inspection for signs of damage or deterioration of: - The casing - Plug pins - Terminals and cable - Anchoring device - Cable sheath - Terminals of the portable apparatus - Appliance controls - Brush gear and commutators
Testing of earth continuity and insulation (if appropriate)

Technical Competence Inspection and maintenance should be carried out by a competent person. For simple visual checks, this can be a suitably trained employee. Otherwise all inspections and tests should be carried out by a qualified competent electrical engineer. A certificate showing details of the installation and the results of the tests should be issued. Key Action Steps References HSE HS(R)25 Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. HSE HSG107 Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment. BS 7671:2008: Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition) IEE Guidance Note 3 to the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations LPC ES1 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989: Compliance for Firms without Electrical Staff

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Darlington firm fined after contractor suffered severe burns following underground cable strike

adminmccallum — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:15:38 +0000

Darlington firm fined after contractor suffered severe burns following underground cable strike Date: 6 February 2013 Release No: NE/009/13 A Darlington firm has been fined after a construction worker suffered severe burns to his face, neck and arms when he struck a buried electricity cable. The 41-year-old of Oakenshaw, County Durham, was installing metal fencing as part of the refurbishment of the car park of Northgate Vehicle Sales Ltd, in Allington Way, Darlington, when the incident happened on 10 November 2010. The company was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation found it had failed in its duty to pass on relevant information to those carrying out construction work, including existing hazards such as buried electricity cables. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard today (6 February) that the installation of the fencing required the worker to dig holes in the ground to insert the base of each fence post. He had been told by the main contractor that there were no buried electricity cables, but this was in fact not true. While using a ground breaker, the tool’s tip pierced through one of two 11kV cables buried around 80cm underground, causing a short circuit that released at least one million watts of energy. This vaporised the breaker’s tip in a cloud of flame and molten metal, causing severe burns of varying depths to his arms and some burns to his face and neck. The court was told Northgate Vehicle Sales Ltd had not provided the relevant information about the site to the contractor before work started. Northgate Vehicle Sales Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 10(1)(b) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and was fined £12,000. The company was also ordered to pay £6,123.55 costs. After the hearing, HSE inspector Jonathan Wills said: “The injuries sustained by the worker could have easily resulted in him losing his life. He suffered severe burns and is still recovering from those injuries following an incident that could have been avoided had Northgate Vehicle Sales Ltd requested service plans and given them to those carrying out the construction work. “The risk of striking underground cables is well known throughout the construction industry and the law says you must take precautions to avoid danger. “There is a wealth of guidance available for contractors and the clients for whom the work is being carried out to help them manage the risks effectively.” The latest figures show that seven people died as a result of contact with electricity or electrical discharge in the workplace in Great Britain in 2010/11 and 88 suffered a major injury. More information about electricity safety in the construction industry can be found on the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/electricity Notes to editors The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training, new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk Regulation 10(1)(b) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 states: Every client shall ensure that every contractor who has been or may be appointed by the client, is promptly provided with pre-construction information in accordance with paragraph (2). (2) The pre-construction information shall consist of all the information in the client’s possession (or which is reasonably obtainable), including – (a) any information about or affecting the site or the construction work; (b) any information concerning the proposed use of the structure as a workplace; (c) the minimum amount of time before the construction phase which will be allowed to the contractors appointed by the client for planning and preparation for construction work; and (d) any information in any existing health and safety file, which is relevant to the person to whom the client provides it for the purposes specified in paragraph (3). (3) The purposes referred to in paragraph (2) are- (a) to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health and safety of persons – (i) engaged in the construction work, (ii) liable to be affected by the way in which it is carried out, and (iii) who will use the structure as a workplace; and (b) without prejudice to sub-paragraph (a), to assist the persons to whom information is provided under this regulation – (i) to perform their duties under these Regulations, and (ii) to determine the resources referred to in regulation 9(1) which they are to allocate for managing the project. Press enquiries Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office. Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by the Regional News Network

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Trucker’s narrow escape after striking overhead power line

adminmccallum — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:13:32 +0000

Trucker’s narrow escape after striking overhead power line Date: 22 February 2013 A Merseyside trucker could have been killed when his vehicle hit an 11,000 volt overhead power line as he tipped fertiliser onto farmland in Maghull, a court has heard. His employer, BP McKeefry Ltd, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation found the firm’s employees had not received adequate training for managing the risks from overhead cables. Sefton Magistrates’ Court in Bootle heard that the 26-year-old from Liverpool had been delivering the fertiliser to Lydiate Hall Farm on Southport Road on 14 March 2011 when the incident happened. He tipped the fertiliser onto the ground and moved his vehicle forward, with the trailer still raised, to empty the remaining contents. As he did this, the corner of the trailer struck an overhead power line approximately seven metres above the ground. The worker, who does not want to be named, jumped from the truck when he heard popping sounds and noticed the tyres on the driver’s side of the vehicle were on fire. He jumped back into the vehicle to move it away after spotting it was touching an overhead cable. The court was told BP McKeefry’s employees’ should have been trained not to raise trailers within at least ten metres of power lines. They should also have known not to re-enter vehicles touching overhead cables until they had been made safe. BP McKeefry admitted a breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by failing to ensure the safety of its employees. The company, of Grove Road in Swatragh, Northern Ireland, was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £3,000 in prosecution costs on 21 February 2013. Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Imran Siddiqui said: “The worker was lucky not to be killed when his vehicle struck an overhead power cable, especially when he later jumped back into the vehicle while it was still in contact with the line. “BP McKeefry specialises in transporting liquid and powder products, such as fertiliser, and so is used to delivering to farms where there may be overhead power lines. “Despite this, the company failed to provide its employees with a suitable procedure for working near overhead cables, or guidance on what to do if they struck one.” Contact with an overhead line may cause the power supply to trip out temporarily but it may become live again automatically, without warning. More information is available at www.hse.gov.uk/electricity. Notes to editors The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: “It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety.” Press enquiries Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office. Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by the Regional News Network

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Firms fined after Bristol man electrocuted

adminmccallum — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:11:16 +0000

Firms fined after Bristol man electrocuted Date: 28 February 2013 A Bristol property development firm has been prosecuted after a plumber was electrocuted while installing a washing machine. Danny Edwards, 23, from Fishponds, Bristol, was killed while working on the appliance in a kitchen at Pollacks House in Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol on 19 March 2008. During the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution of Mr Edwards’ employers Birakos Enterprises Limited, Bristol Magistrates’ Court heard the socket that powered the washing machine was wired incorrectly. It is thought that when father-of-one Mr Edwards was working on the machine, he touched a copper water pipe and the back of the machine simultaneously, causing the massive electric shock. Despite the kitchen’s electrics being signed off as safe by the electrical division of Birakos Enterprises Limited, it was discovered the live and earth wires had been put into the socket incorrectly, meaning the washing machine became electrically live when plugged in. After the hearing, HSE inspector Steven Frain said: “Danny Edwards should have been protected by his employers. Instead he was allowed to work on a machine in which a socket was obviously wired incorrectly. “The fault should have been found during testing but this fault was left unresolved and ultimately led to the death of this young father.” Birakos Enterprises Limited of Clifton Wood House, Clifton Wood Road, Bristol was found guilty of breaching Regulation 4 (1) and 16 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined a total of £125,000 and ordered to pay costs of £50,000. Notes to editors The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to prevent death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training, new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: General duties of employers to their employees. (1)It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees. Regulation 4 (1) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 states: All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger. Press enquiries Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL TESTING AT WORK

adminmccallum — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:06:42 +0000

Safety in electrical testing at work

General guidance

Date of publication:: 2002
ISBN:: N/A
Series code:: INDG354

Download free ^[1]

This booklet provides basic guidance on safe electrical testing and is intended for anyone who runs or manages a workplace where electrical testing is carried out, as well as those doing the actual testing. Specifically, it covers:

how to carry out a risk assessment
the management of electrical tests and the different types of tests
specific test equipment
training for those involved
what the legal requirements are under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY

adminmccallum — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:05:50 +0000

Electrical safety

Electricity can kill or severely injure people and cause damage to property. However, you can take simple precautions^[1] when working with or near electricity and electrical equipment to significantly reduce the risk of injury to you, your workers and others around you. This section provides a summary of those precautions.

Case study

A 19-year-old man was electrocuted and killed when he touched a refrigerated display cabinet in a café. Investigation showed that the 13A plug had been incorrectly refitted to the cabinet’s main lead. This meant the metalwork of the cabinet, which should have been safe to touch, was dangerously live at mains voltage. The man’s sister received two shocks from the cabinet before realising what had happened to her brother.

How to avoid similar accidents

Even wiring a plug incorrectly can have serious consequences. You must ensure that your electrical installation and equipment is safe. Don’t cut corners – electrical installations must be installed by someone who has the necessary training, skills and experience to carry out the work safely.

What are the hazards?

The main hazards of working with electricity are:

electric shock and burns from contact with live parts
injury from exposure to arcing, fire from faulty electrical equipment or installations
explosion caused by unsuitable electrical apparatus or static electricity igniting flammable vapours or dusts, for example in a spray paint booth

Electric shocks can also lead to other types of injury, for example by causing a fall from ladders or scaffolds etc.

What do I have to do?

You must ensure an assessment has been made of any electrical hazards, which covers:

who could be harmed by them
how the level of risk has been established
the precautions taken to control that risk

The risk assessment should take into consideration the type of electrical equipment used, the way in which it is used and the environment that it is used in. You must make sure that the electrical installation and the electrical equipment is:

suitable for its intended use and the conditions in which it is operated
only used for its intended purpose

In wet surroundings, unsuitable equipment can become live and make its surroundings live too. Fuses, circuit-breakers and other devices must be correctly rated for the circuit they protect. Isolators and fuse-box cases should be kept closed and, if possible, locked. Cables, plugs sockets and fittings must be robust enough and adequately protected for the working environment. Ensure that machinery has an accessible switch or isolator to cut off the power quickly in an emergency.

Maintenance

So far as is reasonably practicableThis means balancing the level of risk against the measures needed to control the risk in terms of money, time or trouble. The decision is weighted in favour of health and safety so that the measures are adopted unless they are grossly disproportionate., you must make sure that electrical equipment and installations are maintained to prevent danger. Users of electrical equipment, including portable appliances, should carry out visual checks. Remove the equipment from use immediately and check it, repair it or replace it if:

the plug or connector is damaged
the cable has been repaired with tape, is not secure, or internal wires are visible etc
burn marks or stains are present (suggesting overheating)

Repairs should only be carried out by a competent person (someone who has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to carry out the work safely). Have more frequent checks for items more likely to become damaged (eg portable electrical tools and equipment that is regularly moved, or used frequently or in arduous environments). Less frequent checks are needed for equipment less likely to become damaged (eg desktop computers etc). Visual checks are not usually necessary for small, battery-powered items, or for equipment that works from a mains-powered adaptor (laptops or cordless phones etc). However, the mains-powered adaptor for such equipment should be visually checked. Consider whether electrical equipment, including portable appliances, should be more formally inspected or tested by a competent person. Also think about the intervals at which this should be done. An HSE leaflet Maintaining portable electrical equipment in low-risk environments^[2] can help you decide whether and when to test portable appliances in low-risk environments. Make arrangements for inspecting and testing fixed wiring installations, ie the circuits from the meter and consumer unit supplying light switches, sockets, wired-in equipment (eg cookers, hairdryers) etc, to be carried out regularly so there is little chance of deterioration leading to danger. This work should normally be carried out by a competent person, usually an electrician

When is someone competent to do electrical work?

In this context, a competent person is someone who has the suitable training, skill, and knowledge for the task to be undertaken to prevent injury to themselves and others. A successfully completed electrical apprenticeship, with some post-apprenticeship experience, is one way of demonstrating technical 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.

Key points to remember

Ensure that workers know how to use the electrical equipment safely
Make sure enough sockets are available. Check that socket outlets are not overloaded by using unfused adaptors as this can cause fires
Ensure there are no trailing cables that can cause people to trip or fall
Switch off and unplug appliances before cleaning or adjusting them
Ensure everyone looks for electrical wires, cables or equipment near where they are going to work and check for signs warning of dangers from electricity^[3], or any other hazard. Checks should be made around the job, and remember that electrical cables may be within walls, floors and ceilings (especially when drilling into these locations) etc
Make sure anyone working with electricity has sufficient skills, knowledge and experience to do so. Incorrectly wiring a plug can be dangerous and lead to fatal accidents or fires
Stop using equipment immediately if it appears to be faulty – have it checked by a competent person
Ensure any electrical equipment brought to work by employees, or any hired or borrowed, is suitable for use before using it and remains suitable by being maintained as necessary
Consider using a residual current device (RCD)^[4] between the electrical supply and the equipment, especially when working outdoors, or within a wet or confined place (see HSE’s electrical safety at work site^[5])

Overhead electric lines

Be aware of the dangers of working near or underneath overhead power lines. Electricity can flash over from them, even though machinery or equipment may not touch them
Don’t work under them when equipment (eg ladders, a crane jib, a tipper-lorry body or a scaffold pole) could come within a minimum of six metres of a power line without getting advice. Speak to the line owner, eg the electricity company, railway company or tram operator, before any work begins

Underground cables

Always assume cables will be present when digging in the street, pavement and/or near buildings
Consult local electricity companies and service plans to identify where cables are located

Find out more

HSE’s electrical safety at work site

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SUFFOLK FIRM FINED FOR ELECTRICAL HAZARD

adminmccallum — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:53:49 +0000

Suffolk firm fined for electrical hazard

Date:: 3 January 2013
Release No HSE-E-001/13

^[1]HSE inspectors found a live 400 volt cabling hanging off the wall

A Suffolk plastics manufacturer has been fined after electrical fittings at its production site were found to be dangerous. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) uncovered serious issues with the construction and maintenance of the electrical systems at Techplas in Sudbury on 9 and 10 October 2011 after investigating a separate unrelated issue. Bury St Edmunds Magistrates’ Court heard today (3 January 2013) that HSE inspectors found:

live 400 volt cabling hanging off the wall
a broken socket with live 400 volt cabling coiled on the floor
fused spurs and electric switches hanging off single-core cabling, leaving the live 230 volt wiring inside exposed

Guards had also been removed from a plastic forming machine, exposing heating elements that could become dangerous as soon as the machine was switched on. HSE served three Prohibition Notices on the company ordering urgent improvements to be made. Magistrates were told the electrical systems posed a significant and immediate danger to workers. Techplas Limited, of Unit 1A Milner Road, Chilton Industrial Estate, Sudbury, was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £5,930 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 4 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. After the hearing HSE inspector Saffron Turnell, said: “The state of the electrical systems at Techplas was simply appalling and it is only a matter of luck that nobody had been injured or electrocuted. “Employers have a duty to ensure the workplace is a safe environment and this must include electrical installations, whether or not the work carried out at their premises directly involves electricity. “Ignoring health and safety at work legislation puts workers’ lives at risk and it is only right that HSE takes enforcement action.” For information and advice on electrical safety, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity^[2]

Notes to editors

Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk^[3]
Regulation 4 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 states: “(1) All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger. (2) As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger. (3) Every work activity, including operation, use and maintenance of a system and work near a system, shall be carried out in such a manner as not to give rise, so far as is reasonably practicable, to danger. (4) Any equipment provided under these Regulations for the purpose of protecting persons at work on or near electrical equipment shall be suitable for the use for which it is provided, be maintained in a condition suitable for that use, and be properly used.”

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HSE LAUNCHES SAFETY CLAMPDOWN ON NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CONSTRUCTION SITES

adminmccallum — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 00:16:04 +0000

HSE launches safety clampdown on Northamptonshire construction sites

Date:: 18 February 2013
Release No:: HSE/45/13

Unsafe practices on construction sites across Northamptonshire are to be targeted as part of a national initiative aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health. To support a month-long drive to improve standards in one of Britain’s most dangerous industries, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will visit sites across the county where refurbishment or repair works are taking place. For four weeks from today, Monday, 18 February, they will make unannounced visits to ensure duty holders are managing high-risk activity, such as working at height. They will also check for general good order, assess welfare facilities and check whether suitable PPE, such as head protection, is being used appropriately. During 2011/12 one worker was killed while working in construction in Northamptonshire and a further 24 were seriously injured. Nationally there were 49 deaths and more than 2,800 major injuries. The purpose of the initiative is to remind those working in the industry that poor standards are unacceptable and could result in enforcement action. Richard Lockwood, HSE Principal Inspector for Construction in Northamptonshire, said: “Death and injury continue to result from avoidable incidents and it is largely those engaged in refurbishment and repair work who are failing to step up to the mark. Poor management of risks and a lack of awareness of responsibilities are unacceptable. “In many cases simple changes to working practices can make all the difference, and can even save lives. Therefore if we find evidence that workers are being unnecessarily put at risk we will take strong action. “We are determined to drive the message home that site safety and worker welfare cannot be compromised.” Further information about safe-working in construction can be found online at:www.hse.gov.uk/construction

Notes to editors

The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement.www.hse.gov.uk
During inspections, HSE inspectors will consider whether:
- jobs that involve working at height have been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions are in place
- equipment is correctly installed / assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly
- sites are well organised, to avoid trips and falls
- walkways and stairs are free from obstructions
- work areas are clear of unnecessary materials and waste
- that suitable PPE, including head protection, is provided and worn at all times
The national refurbishment inspection initiative runs from 18 February to 15 March.

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriateRegional News Network press office. Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by the Regional News Network

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HSE LAUNCHES SAFETY CLAMPDOWN ON WELSH CONSTRUCTION SIT

adminmccallum — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 00:11:35 +0000

HSE launches safety clampdown on Welsh construction sites

Date:: 19 February 2013
Release No:: HSE/13

Unsafe practices on construction sites across Wales are to be targeted as part of a national initiative aimed at reducing death, injury and ill health. To support a month-long drive to improve standards in one of Britain’s most dangerous industries, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will visit sites in local authority areas across Wales where refurbishment or repair works are taking place. Between 19 February and 17 March, they will make unannounced visits to ensure duty holders are managing high-risk activity, such as working at height. They will also check for general good order, assess welfare facilities and check whether suitable PPE, such as head protection, is being used appropriately. During 2011/12, two workers were killed while working in construction in Wales and a further 164 were seriously injured (local statistics at end of release). Nationally there were 49 deaths and more than 2,800 major injuries. The purpose of the initiative is to remind those working in the industry that poor standards are unacceptable and could result in enforcement action. Paul Harvey, HSE Principal Inspector for the Wales Construction Division, said: “Death and injury continue to result from avoidable incidents and it is largely those engaged in refurbishment and repair work who are failing to step up to the mark. Poor management of risks and a lack of awareness of responsibilities are unacceptable. “In many cases simple changes to working practices can make all the difference, and can even save lives. Therefore if we find evidence that workers are being unnecessarily put at risk we will take strong action. “We are determined to drive the message home that site safety and worker welfare cannot be compromised.” Further information about safe-working in construction can be found online at:www.hse.gov.uk/construction Fatal and major injuries to workers in the Welsh construction industry broken down by county and local authority:

Country	Local Authority	2010/11		2011/12
Country	Local Authority	Fatal injuries	Non-Fatal Major Injuries	Fatal injuries	Non-fatal major injuries
Wales	Anglesey Unitary Authority	-	6	-	5
	Gwynedd Unitary Authority	-	6	-	8
	Cardiff Unitary Authority	-	21	-	20
	Cardiganshire Unitary Authority	1	2	-	6
	Carmarthenshire Unitary Authority	-	11	-	9
	Denbighshire Unitary Authority	-	4	-	4
	Flintshire Unitary Authority	-	4	1	12
	Monmouthshire Unitary Authority	-	4	-	4
	Pembrokeshire Unitary Authority	-	12	-	5
	Powys Unitary Authority	1	3	-	5
	Swansea Unitary Authority	-	14	-	12
	Aberconwy and Colwyn Unitary Authority	-	8	-	4
	Blaenau Gwent Unitary Authority	-	-	-	10
	Bridgend Unitary Authority	-	5	-	5
	Caerphilly Unitary Authority	-	4	1	9
	Merthyr Tydfil Unitary Authority	-	6	-	4
	Neath and Port Talbot Unitary Authority	-	8	-	8
	Newport Unitary Authority	-	8	-	11
	Rhondda, Cynon, Taff Unitary Authority	1	8	-	13
	Torfaen Unitary Authority	-	2	-	4
	Vale of Glamorgan Unitary Authority	-	6	-	1
	Wrexham Unitary Authority	-	6	-	5
	Total	3	148	2	164

Notes to editors

The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplacehealth and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement.www.hse.gov.uk
During inspections, HSE inspectors will consider whether:
- jobs that involve working at height have been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions are in place
- equipment is correctly installed / assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly
- sites are well organised, to avoid trips and falls
- walkways and stairs are free from obstructions
- work areas are clear of unnecessary materials and waste
- that suitable PPE, including head protection, is provided and worn at all times
The national refurbishment inspection initiative runs from 18 February to 15 March.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY CONFERENCE

adminmccallum — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 00:08:25 +0000

CIEH Health and Safety Conference – 4 March 2013 (15 Hatfields, London)

Date:: February 21, 2013 – 12:14 pm

With the regulatory environment subject to recent change, what does the future hold for health and safety direction and practice? CIEH is holding a one day conference to provide industry and Local Authority professionals with the latest developments in delivering the recommendation for a National Code for LA enforcement. The agenda will explore the impact of the changes for LA health and safety interventions and includes speakers from HSE covering the LA National Code, HSE’s Events Strategy and ‘learning from the Olympic Games’. Further details and booking procedures are available on the CIEH website:http://www.cieh.org/events/health-safety-conference-2013.html

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Balfour Beatty HSE

adminmccallum — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 23:54:27 +0000

Balfour Beatty fined after worker suffers severe injuries Date: 22 February 2013 Release No: HSE/EM/56 A major rail infrastructure company has been fined after a man suffered serious hand injuries in two separate incidents less than a year apart. On 12 May 2009 Keith Hawley, 64, of Chaddesdon, Derby, was manoeuvring a large piece of rail track into a press at Balfour Beatty Rail Track Systems Ltd in Osmaston Street, Sandiacre, when his right hand became trapped between the rail and a conveyor roller. He suffered flesh wounds and a broken finger on that occasion, but on 29 March 2010 the other hand was seriously injured when Mr Hawley became trapped for a second time while carrying out the same work. The little finger on his left hand was severely crushed and his ring finger had to be partially amputated. Nottingham Crown Court heard today (22 February) that an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that on both occasions the machine did not have adequate guarding to protect workers. The court heard that the company was in the process of fitting a guarding system in response to the first incident, but had not completed the task. Balfour Beatty Rail Track Systems Ltd, of Station Road, Redhill, Surrey, was found guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for failing to provide a safe system of work. The firm was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay costs of £41,438. After the hearing HSE inspector Berian Price said: “Both of these incidents were preventable. Guarding could and should have been provided, but there were other systems of work in the company’s operating manuals that could have been used, such as using an overhead crane to move the rail or using a pulling bracket. Instead workers like Keith Hawley were left to their own devices and adopted an unsafe system that exposed them to injury risk. “The fact that this incident happened once was bad enough but for it to have happened a second time, to the same man, is deplorable. Balfour Beatty Rail Track Systems is a large organisation with a lot of resources. They should have acted a lot quicker than they did. Mr Hawley has suffered unnecessarily as a result of their failings.” Notes to editors The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training, new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: “It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.” Press enquiries Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office. Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by the Regional News Network

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ECS Statistics

adminmccallum — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 18:51:38 +0000

Statistics

Electrical Safety Council Core Data Set

Note: this is a working document and subject to review. When more up to date information becomes available, this data set will be updated to reflect this.

Deaths, Injuries and Fires

1. Low voltage electrocutions and fatal electrical burns in GB from low voltage electricity supplies (2010 data) ⁱ

Total: 28
Work related electrocutions: six
Home or leisure electrocutions: 22

2. Electric shocksⁱⁱ:

People receiving a mains voltage electric shock per year (15+): 2.5 million*
Of whom received a serious injury: 350,000**

3. Number of fires of electrical origin in GB in 2010/11 ⁱⁱⁱ :

	All accidental domestic fires	Accidental domestic fires of electrical origin In depth
		Faults	Misuse	Articles too close to heat	Total	Products	Installations
Deaths	268	21	12	15	48	45	3
Injuries	7,776	1,113	1,789	422	3,324	3,125	199
Fires	38,505	7,800	10,532	1,952	20,284	17,720	2,564

4. Major products involved in electrical fires in 2010/11^iv:

Product ⁴	Fires	Injuries	Deaths
Cooking appliances	14,005	2,960	11
Electricity supply – Wiring, cabling, plugs	3,380	314	8
Washing Machines and Tumble Dryers	1,552	74	2
Lighting	930	97	7
Fridge/ Freezer	312	110	4

A DTI report from 1997 estimated that 20% of electrical fires would be prevented by an RCD.

RCD protection

5. Number of homes in UK without adequate RCD protection at the consumer unitv by number and percentage of houses.

All types of housing tenure: 12.9 million (49%)
Owner occupied: 9.7 million (52%)
Private rented: 1.65 million (52%)
Local Authority: 890,000 (38%)
Registered social landlord: 660,000 (30%)

6. Number of homes without adequate RCD protection at the consumer unit by region^vi:

North East: 550,000 – 48.1%
Yorkshire and The Humber: 1,204,000 – 53.8%
North West: 1,643,000 – 53.9%
East Midlands: 848,000 – 44.6%
West Midlands: 980,000 – 42.5%
South West: 1,065,000 – 46.1%
East of England: 1,105,000 – 45.3%
South East: 1,732,000 – 48.6%
London: 1,779,000 – 55.3%

7. Number of owner occupied homes without adequate RCD protection in the consumer unit by region^vii

North East: 411,000 – 54.36%
Yorkshire and The Humber: 878,000 – 56.06%
North West: 1,290,000 – 58.52%
East Midlands: 688,000 – 48.90%
West Midlands: 745,000 – 45.33%
South West: 851,000 – 50.08%
East of England: 876,000 – 49.09%
South East: 1,370,000 – 51.66%
London; 1,053,000 – 57.38%

Tenure and housing stock

Households moving per year by tenure 2007-8^viii:

All tenures: 2.4 million
Private renters: 1 million
Owner-occupiers: 985,000
Social renters: 374,000

8. Housing stock increase, England, 2007-08, Net additions 207,400^ix

New build: 200,300
Change of use: 17,600
Additional dwellings from conversions: 9,000
Demolitions: 20,500

Note: New builds from private investment totalled 144,740^x

9. House sales, England and Wales, 2006-07: 1,807,860^xi

10. Average length of tenure^xii mean (median) 2007-8:

Owner occupiers: 16 years (11.9)
Private renters: 4.5 years (1.5)
Social renters: 12 years (7.8)

ⁱ Deaths are from w86/w87 ICD cause categories as created by the World Health Organisation, this data is derived from two tables – Deaths, by sex, age and cause, Scotland, 2010, published by General Register Office for Scotland and Mortality Data for 2010, England and Wales, published by the Office for National Statistics. ⁱⁱ *4,032 interviews were conducted with adults in Great Britain aged 15+ from 06 to 27 May 2011 via Ipsos MORI’s Capibus, the weekly face-to-face omnibus survey, using a nationally representative quota sample across Great Britain. The results have been weighted to reflect the known profile of the adult population in Great Britain. Based on a confidence interval of +/- 0.9% and the sample size of 4,032 the actual number could vary between c2.1 to 2.8 million. Electric shock is defined as ‘a mains-voltage electric shock rather than a static shock of the type a person might get from a car, for example.’ **Based on a survey of 4,032 adults in Great Britain aged 15+ who have personally experienced an electric shock that resulted in injury while at home or in the garden in the past twelve months including all those who experienced one or more of the following injuries: Severe pain, Skin burn without scarring, Bruising from a fall or severe muscular contraction, Temporary blindness, Heartbeat disturbance, Persistent pain or numbness, Higher blood pressure, Skin burn with scarring, Broken bone(s), Difficulty breathing.’ ⁱⁱⁱ Data supplied by the Department of Communities and Local Government, 15/02/12. On the advice of the Product Safety Division of the ESC, data quoted includes fires from electrical products, but does not include chip/fat pan fires, playing with fire, careless handling of fire or other hot substance, person too close/fell on fire, other accidental, and unspecified categories and are quoted for a single year, rather than multi-year average. ^iv Data supplied by the Department of Communities and Local Government, 11/02/10 ^v ‘Adequate’ refers to 30mA RCD protection to circuits within the consumer unit, excluding protection alongside such as may be found where a TT system is used and fitted with a 100mA RCD to reduce the risk of fire. Taken from BRE data with a 95% confidence, adding together no RCDs, Separate RCDs and Unknown data for England, scaling up by the ratio of number of houses in England (22m) to number in the UK (26m) ^vi From BRE data using the same methodology as in endnoteⁱⁱⁱ ^vii From BRE data using the same methodology as in endnoteⁱⁱⁱ ^viii http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/pdf/1346249.pdf, pp57, table 2.1 (England data) ^ix Housing and Planning Key Facts, Page 1, http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/keyfactsmay2010 ^x Housing and Planning Key Facts, Page 2 http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/keyfactsmay2010 ^xi Communities and Local Government Housing Market Data, table 533, http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/housingstatistics/ ^xiii http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/pdf/1346249.pdf, pp60, table 2.3 (England data)

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

adminmccallum — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:48:49 +0000

Well another year done with and we have tested thousands of companies and had great time s at all the EXPOs and have won exceptional and outstanding awards in our field a contract with some of the UKs largest facilities firms and we are happy with how we deliver our services.

We did after the success of our FREE pat testing service mostly in the East Midlands area and south of England went ahead with the take over bid of a PAT testing company Northants PAT testing Ltd.

This now will help relieve the pressure on our engineers in the West Midlands region.

So what new for 2013

We are now one of the only testing companies to offer a instant onlIne paid for report so you get your report instantly upon payment your reports just a couple of clicks away.

We will be joining the ECA so we will be the only accredited Elecrical testing company to hold accreditation with all the following bodies

NAPIT
NICEIC
BSI
ECA

But we don't pass on high charges for our high quality services we are still the most competitive testing company in the UK and we still offer a match or beat any like for like service.

We will in 2013 be opening office in Scotland, London, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Manchester so we can offer you

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Electrical testing Legal requirements

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:40:13 +0000

Legal requirements

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are the principal legislation relating to electrical testing activities. Regulation 4(3) requires that ‘work on or near to an electrical system shall be carried out in such a manner as not to give rise, so far as is reasonably practicable, to danger’. Regulation 14 places a strict prohibition on working on or near live conductors unless:

(a) it is unreasonable for the equipment to be dead;

(b) it is reasonable for the work to take place on or near the live conductor; and

In addition, employers are required under regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to assess the risks to the health and safety of their employees while they are at work, in order to identify and implement the necessary precautions to ensure safety.

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Competence of Electrical testers

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:38:01 +0000

Competence of testers

In small businesses, skilled electricians or technicians are sometimes employed to look after the day-to-day operation of the electrical systems. If such people are involved in setting up testing arrangements, make sure that they are aware of all aspects of safety relating to testing. Specialist competent advice may be needed to ensure that the testing procedure is safe.

When setting up a testing area, it is important that people who are electrically unskilled or inexperienced are protected from electrical danger at all times. Appropriate precautions will also need to be taken to prevent injury of people who have electrical knowledge and skills. Remember that even a skilled person can make accidental contact with dangerous electrical conductors if they are not protected. Someone’s personal electrical competence should not be relied on as their main protective measure.

The precautions that are taken should be reviewed regularly, to make sure that they are being followed and are still appropriate for the work that is being done. As part of this safety review, employees should be given sufficient instruction and training on how the safe working procedures have been amended. This is especially important where there is a change in design of products being tested which is relevant to how the protection concepts are applied.

It is good practice to give one person the task of reviewing designs and implementing any

changes to safety procedures that are necessary following discussions with the test personnel. A safety review should be carried out when changes are made that may affect testing work, such as changes in production methods, supply arrangements, test methods and instruments, or when personnel changes are made.

Where testing is done by a contractor invited to a site, safe working arrangements must be discussed and agreed before the work starts, preferably at the contract discussion stage. This enables everyone concerned to know who is doing what and who is responsible for what, so that the work can be done safely and without risk to the contractor’s employees, the site employees and others who might be affected. In particular, the person who is responsible for the safe isolation and state of the equipment should be identified and agreed.

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Electrical Testing Training

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:36:07 +0000

Training

All personnel involved in testing should be given specific safety training relevant to the work they are doing. Appropriate training or instruction must also be given to anyone who may attempt to enter test areas and approach test benches.

New training is likely to be necessary whenever any of the following occur:

(a) changes to product design, layout and

installation;

(b) changes to production or working methods;

(d) changes to test personnel and others who

may be affected.

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Electrical Testing Safe systems of work

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:34:20 +0000

Safe systems of work

Details of safe systems of work for testing activities should, wherever it is reasonably practicable to do so, be written down. In order to produce a workable system, all personnel should be involved in the preparation of the safe systems of work. The completed documents, which will need to be reviewed from time to time, should be made readily available to employees.

Where testing is confined to diagnostic testing on electrical distribution systems and equipment (eg switchgear), by electrically competent persons, the contents of the written documents should cover the essential safe working practices. They may not need to cover the inherent background knowledge of such a competent person (this will of course depend on the experience of the competent person).

Test personnel who work in customers’ premises might have to work under different rules, as compared to working at a factory- based test facility. This means that there may need to be two sets of rules. This should be taken into account when producing the safe system of work.

The contents of the written safe systems of work should include, as a minimum, details of:

(a) who is authorised to undertake testing and,

where appropriate, how to access a test area

and who should not enter the area;

(b) where temporary test areas are constructed,

how this is to be done;

isolation is secured;

(d) the correct use of additional protection

measures, for example flexible insulation, that

have to be applied to the equipment under test while its covers are removed. If it is considered necessary to apply the insulation and remove covers while the equipment is live, this risk should also be assessed;

(e) what form of power supply should be used to energise the equipment under test, particularly where use of the wrong method would compromise safety;

(f) what is expected of test personnel regarding the inspection of test equipment before use, and how defects are to be reported;

(g) the correct use of any warning devices that form part of the safety system at designated test areas;

(h) instructions about what action should be taken in an emergency situation.

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Electrical Test equipment

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:32:53 +0000

Test equipment

Where possible, test equipment should be of a proprietary design. In this case the manufacturer should have taken account of its safety per formance during use. Where applicable, test equipment should be manufactured to BS EN 61010.6

Purpose-built test equipment must be designed and constructed to the same standards of safety as proprietary equipment. Where equipment is mains powered, it must be safe to use as a piece of electrical equipment in its own right. In addition, the arrangements for connecting it to the equipment under test must be safe.

Insulation test instruments can generate high voltages at their output and some have an option to limit the output current to a safe level. The generally accepted safe limited current is

5 mA (traditionally 5 mA ac has been used, but since May 2001 new equipment should be

limited to 3 mA ac5). If accidental contact with the output conductors occurs, the risk of injury will be minimised if these current levels are not exceeded. If higher current levels are necessary, special precautions need to be put in place to prevent injury. These include using test probes fitted with control switches, or using interlocked enclosures to prevent access to the dangerous parts, and restricting the testing work to authorised people. The majority of insulation testing can be done within the safe current limits specified above.

The connecting leads of test equipment must be of a design that provides adequate protection from electric shock. The only exception to this is when test lead connections are inside an interlocked enclosure and are connected to and disconnected from the equipment under test, while the source of supply is isolated and measures taken to ensure that any stored energy is dissipated. In this case, the connecting lead conductors become an extension of the conductors being tested and so present the same risk of injury.

Test instruments

The following paragraphs apply mainly to oscilloscopes but can sometimes apply to other instruments, eg signal generators.

Hazardous voltages may arise on the enclosures of Class I (earthed) oscilloscopes, or, in some cases, on certain types of double-insulated, Class II oscilloscopes. The hazardous voltages may arise from the voltages being measured on the equipment under test, or in some cases, from the breakdown of the insulation of the oscilloscope itself. The measurement problems arise because most oscilloscopes have the ‘signal common’ terminals connected to the oscilloscope’s chassis and hence its enclosure and connectors. In a Class I oscilloscope these parts are connected to the supply protective conductor. This means that all measurements must be made to earth which limits the

measurements that can be made by the oscilloscope. A technique has been developed to ‘float’ the oscilloscope (ie remove the connection to the supply protective conductor) which then allows the oscilloscope’s enclosure to float above earth potential (which could be at high voltages for some types of measurement) with obvious possible shock risks. Operation of an oscilloscope with the protective conductor removed means that it is no longer protected against internal insulation breakdown. Another disadvantage with this situation is that it will then be necessary to attempt to create an earth- free area. Such use also defeats the equipment manufacturer’s primary protection concept for Class I protection and should be discouraged.

A number of methods have been developed to allow floating measurements to be made more safely. One method is to supply the oscilloscope via an isolation transformer, so removing the earth reference in the supply and allowing floating measurements. The advantage of this method was that an earth-free area is not required but the disadvantage is that the oscilloscope is not protected against internal insulation breakdown to the chassis. (The oscilloscope’s internal insulation could be over-stressed if high-voltage measurements

are being taken.)

A second method is to use a proprietary isolation monitor (sometimes called a line isolation monitor or an earth (ground) isolation monitor) in the supply to the oscilloscope. This allows the oscilloscope to operate with its protective conductor disconnected but the monitor continuously checks the voltage between the oscilloscope’s enclosure and the supply earth. If the oscilloscope’s enclosure reaches a hazardous voltage, the monitor removes the mains supply to the oscilloscope and usually reconnects the supply protective conductor. A typical operational setting for a monitor would be about 30 volts RMS. The oscilloscope would still be protected against internal insulation breakdown.

The disadvantage is that it can only be used to measure low-level signals because the oscilloscope’s internal insulation could otherwise be over-stressed.

In recent years, developments have led to various devices that can be used in an oscilloscope’s measuring probes which allow the Class I oscilloscope to be earthed to the mains supply, but which isolate the measured voltages to prevent them appearing on the oscilloscope’s enclosure. Modern proprietary devices use various techniques to achieve isolation (eg opto-isolators) and typically allow measurements to be made ranging from millivolts to thousands of volts. Bearing in mind the risks involved, such isolators should be regarded as being reasonably practicable safeguards. The isolation devices come in several forms and may have slightly different names, according to the manufacturer. Some of the common names for these devices are: isolation amplifiers; differential amplifiers; and isolation probes. Correct selection of device, according to the measurements to be made, is important. The user should seek the manufacturer’s advice.

Some manufacturers now offer oscilloscopes with isolated inputs (ie where the measured inputs are isolated from each other and from the oscilloscope’s chassis), up to reasonably high voltage levels (typically 850 V peak ac and dc). Consideration should be given to the use of these as well as to all-insulated, Class II oscilloscopes. Battery-operated oscilloscopes which can be used up to reasonably high- voltage measurement levels are available. These are not referenced to earth.

It is good practice to include an RCD with a rated tripping current of, at most, 30 mA in the power supplies to Class I instruments, soldering irons and any other mains-powered equipment. If isolation transformers are used to supply power to fixed socket outlets as part of a distribution system for test supplies, the sockets should be of a different type to standard sockets, or of the polarised type, to ensure they are only used for the purpose intended.

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adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:30:13 +0000

Protecting the people doing the testing

The measures that are used to protect the people doing the testing need to be effective to prevent them coming into accidental contact with dangerous exposed conductors. This might be either a single-hand contact with a source of energy which has one of its supply conductors

connected to earth, or another area of conducting surface.

Class I equipment is in this category because the mains at source are earth referenced; so is electronic equipment where a large metal surface (or chassis) is connected to the source. There is also a risk of injury from sources of supply which are not earth referenced and where accidental simultaneous contact with both poles of the supply is possible.

Methods of reducing the risk of a shock from simultaneous contact with conductors include:

(a) testing at reduced, non-hazardous voltages

and currents;

(b) using interlocked test enclosures in which

the unit under test is contained;

(d) replacing covers which need not be removed

for the purposes of the test, for example

once supply connections have been made;

(e) creating an area which is as earth free as

practicable;

(f) using isolating transformers connected to the

mains supply;

(g) using 30 mA RCDs.

The following sections provide more detail about each of these protective measures.

Safe voltages and currents

It may be possible to test the equipment by energising it with non-hazardous voltages and current levels. This should always be considered as the first option before deciding to use dangerous voltages and current levels.

Interlocked enclosures

These can vary in size from a small bench- mounted box with an interlocked hinged lid to a large enclosure (large enough for people to enter) equipped with access gates which are secured by interlocks. It is important to ensure that the safety performance of the interlocking system is comparable with that of a switching

device used for isolation purposes. The use of a trapped key (key exchange) system interlocked with the access and the isolator can assist. In general, interlocking using the control system alone is not acceptable; the power supply should be isolated by the interlock system.

In certain circumstances there may be the potential for a stored charge to occur, eg from the use of capacitors. In these circumstances the supply to the equipment under test should be earthed, preferably automatically, before entry is made. If it is not possible to earth the equipment automatically, it should be manually earthed by the use of a suitably insulated earthing tool. Where automatic earthing is used, it is essential to use, in addition, a manual earthing device before making contact with any parts that have previously been made live.

Where large enclosures are used, you must make sure that people cannot be inside the enclosure while there is danger from the equipment being tested.

Temporary insulation

Where there is risk from simultaneous contact with hazardous conductors, do not assume that employees will be able to avoid accidental contact. Consider using temporary insulation which may be in the form of purpose-made screens or insulating sheets or shrouding (rigid or flexible). However, there may be a practical limit on the use of screens when testing compact electronic assemblies.

Earth-free areas

It is difficult to achieve a true earth-free area, since there is a need to ensure that floors and walls will not conduct current which can give rise to shock injury. Suitable insulating materials, including mats, are therefore needed to construct an earth-free area. These parts will then have to be tested at regular intervals to demonstrate that their insulation properties are being maintained.

An area which is as earth free as practicable can be more easily created, but a thorough risk assessment needs to be done to ensure that the testers will not make accidental contact with any earthed conductors. Items such as heating and water pipes and radiators should be enclosed, or the test area should be situated to prevent simultaneous contact by the tester with the item under test and the earthed item. Earth- free areas should have the minimum of exposure of conductive parts. A 30 mA RCD could be used as supplementary protection. Earth-free areas are often used in conjunction with isolating transformers.

Where it is not possible to make an area earth free because it is necessary for the test equipment and/or the equipment under test to be earthed, it is still possible to reduce the extent of the accessible earthed metalwork.

Isolating transformers

Isolating transformers connected in the test supply will prevent the risk of electric shock

if a person touches a single live conductor of the isolated supply while in contact with an earthed conductor.

It should be clearly understood, however, that an isolating transformer cannot prevent an electric shock if someone makes contact simultaneously with both conductors of the supply on the secondary side of the transformer, unless the output voltage is below 50 V ac (120 V dc) in dry conditions and 16 V ac (35 V dc) in wet conditions.13

The integrity of the isolation from earth should be tested regularly, or earth fault monitoring devices should be installed, to ensure that dangerous earth faults are detected.

Residual current devices (RCDs)

These are supplementary protection devices which do not prevent an electric shock, but are able to limit the duration of some shocks by being able to cause rapid disconnection of the electricity supply in the event of a relatively low current flowing to earth, such as may occur during an electric shock. They are, therefore, able to provide a much higher level of protection against the risk of a severe electric shock than could be provided from an unprotected source.

An RCD required to minimise the risk of personal injury should have a rated tripping current of no more than 30 mA and should

not have an adjustable time delay. Although the 30 mA versions are often used, those with lower rated tripping currents (typically, 10 mA or below) are readily available and may be used to provide additional protection where nuisance tripping is not a problem.

Where personal safety depends in part upon the operation of an RCD, the RCD must be tested using the built-in test facility at appropriate intervals (eg portable RCDs before each use, fixed RCDs weekly). In addition, all RCDs

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Setting up safe electrical test areas

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:28:01 +0000

Setting up safe test areas

It is important to make sure that anyone not involved with electrical testing work is kept free from risk. This can be done by confining testing work to a designated test area. In some workshops, it might be possible to set up a permanent workbench and test area, to which only the testers have access. Otherwise, unauthorised people should be prevented from approaching the equipment under test by physical barriers or other demarcation methods which form part of the test area boundary.

A test area can be:

(a) a designated room built as a test area with

special protection features and fitted with secure doors (possibly interlocked, depending upon the degree of risk) to prevent unauthorised access;

(b) an area set aside in a workshop with some form of permanent barrier as a demarcation;

(d) a designated work position within, or at the end of, a production line;

(e) a temporary area set up around equipment

using purpose-built barriers as demarcation; (f) an area around fixed equipment, such as

switchgear, or control gear, where skilled people are carrying out repairs, fault-finding or testing during maintenance work.

In workshops where all employees have been adequately trained and instructed in safety practices and all unauthorised personnel are effectively excluded, local demarcation of the workbench or work area where testing is done may not be necessary. All employees need to be aware that those who are carrying out testing should not be distracted by the interference of others who are not involved with the test in progress.

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Managing electrical testing

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:26:36 +0000

Managing electrical testing

You must provide a safe working environment and establish a safe system of work for your employees. The results of your risk assessment will help to identify the steps you need to take to do this. Employees must co-operate and take reasonable care for their own and other people’s safety while they are at work. The following advice needs to be considered for all activities involving testing.

Personnel

All personnel must:

(a) understand that the risk of electric shock

injury will still remain during the testing process, even with the use of earth-free test areas and/or isolating transformers and/or RCDs;

(b) fully understand the scenarios in which these electric shock injury risks can arise in the particular workplace(s);

Permanent test areas

These areas must:

(a) be under the control of a responsible person; (b) be in an area set apart by barriers to prevent

entry;

entrance;

(d) be accessible during testing only to

authorised staff or people working under

their direct supervision;

(e) have suitable warning lights indicating

that testing is in progress and other warning lights to indicate when it is safe to enter the area (duplicate red and green lights are often used);

(f) have emergency-stop push buttons or equally effective means to cut all test

supplies in the event of emergency. These emergency controls should be prominently identified. (NB: The emergency controls should not remove supplies to the general lighting in the area.)

(g) display an electric shock poster, eg Electric shock: First-aid procedures,7 at prominent locations, showing emergency arrangements, especially telephone numbers;

(h) have good housekeeping arrangements, including adequate clear working space.

Temporary test areas

In some situations it may not be practicable or desirable to remove equipment to a permanent test area, eg because the equipment is too large for the test bay or is located at the customer’s premises. If live testing needs to be carried out, a temporary test area should be set up around the equipment. When setting up a temporary test area, all the precautions listed above for permanent test areas should be taken, unless

it is not practicable to do so, in which case an assessment needs to be made of what precautions are needed to reduce that risk to as low a level as possible.

Remember that simple ‘Go/No go’ plug-in testers will in general only provide a polarity check and an indication that an earth may be present, but not its effectiveness.

Earth-free areas:

Make a test area as earth free as possible, in conjunction with the use of isolated supplies. To achieve this, take the following precautions:

(a) use a test bench made of insulating material

with shrouded legs and framework to prevent the possibility of contact with earth while testing;

(b) remove all pipes, radiators, structural steelwork, metal conduits, earthed electrical appliances, metallic socket outlets etc from within reach of the test bench, or permanently shroud them with insulating material to prevent contact;

(c) where soldering irons and task lighting are needed, they should be extra low voltage, supplied from an isolating transformer complying with BS 615588 to prevent the need for earthed metal at the test area;

(d) if a television or radio aerial socket is needed at the test area, this should be of isolated construction complying with BS 415;9

(e) insulating rubber matting complying with BS 92110 should be provided on the floor, kept clean and dry, and regularly tested, and should be large enough for the test operative to remain on it whether standing or seated during testing (NB: Chair legs may damage the matting.);

(f) if electrostatic discharge wrist straps are provided, these must incorporate a suitable resistance (say 1 Megohm or more). The use of a wrist strap which directly connects the wearer to earth is not permissible. For further advice see BS IEC 61340-5-1: 1998.11

Supplies to equipment under test

Each item of equipment under test should be provided with its own test supply. These supplies should be from designated sockets or terminals

provided with covers interlocked with the supply isolator. The supplies should have suitable system protection against overload and overcurrent in the event of faults, eg fuses. Note that:

(a) where an isolating transformer is used for the supply to the equipment under test this should comply with BS 615588 and a separate transformer should be used at every test bench. If this is not reasonably practicable, the same isolating transformer may be used for supplies to alternate benches, provided the risk of referencing this supply to earth at any bench is properly controlled and the transformer does not then have an unacceptably high leakage current;

(b) the supply from the isolating transformer should be provided from a single socket outlet and clearly marked ‘only for use for making live equipment under test’. No fixed wiring should be connected to the earth terminal of the outlet socket. The face plate of the socket should be made of insulating material. There must be no unnecessarily exposed live parts on equipment under test;

(c) in certain circumstances Class I equipment under test must be effectively earthed unless supplied via an isolating transformer. This will bring with it an increased risk of electric shock which may be minimised by the use of other precautions.

(d) when the equipment under test is Class I, any pre-existing earth fault must be detected and corrected before making the equipment live. In the case of the supply from an isolating transformer, failure to do this will mean that there may be a hazardous shock risk in the event of a simultaneous contact between the enclosure of the equipment and one or both poles of the isolated test supply;

(e) the integrity of the circuit protective conductor (earth) of all portable/transportable Class I equipment must be re-tested after all test-bench work has been completed, to ensure that no earth faults are present before the equipment is used again on a normal mains supply.

Risk assessment – test equipment and electricity supplies

All measures used to control risk of electric shock should follow the hierarchy given below:

(a) first and foremost, control as many of the

risks as possible by hardware methods;

(b) secondly, control all other foreseeable risks

by the use of safe systems of work. These must be made known to and fully understood by all staff involved, regularly monitored, and recorded in written form (for reference and to permit refinement or amendment as and when needed); and

(c) finally, use of competent staff who must possess the necessary level of technical knowledge and experience (or be supervised by a competent person) to prevent risk of injury.

If the hardware precautions resulting from the risk assessment include the provision of isolating transformers for the source of supply to mains- powered test equipment, then such provision should normally be made and the isolation transformer should be separate from the equipment under test. An instrument shelf should be provided for that equipment.

Some of the risks associated with the use of test equipment can be reduced, but not eliminated by placing all test equipment on an insulated shelf immediately above the test bench. This will reduce the chance of simultaneous contact between the test equipment and the equipment under test.

When the hardware precautions resulting from the risk assessment do not include the provision of isolated supplies to the mains-powered test equipment, all supplies to test equipment should be protected by 30 mA RCDs. NB: For supplies in excess of 16 A to equipment under test or where the equipment under test has a high leakage current it may not be practicable to use an RCD because of nuisance tripping. For further advice see Section 607 BS 7671.12

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Carrying out a risk assessment for Electrical Testing

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:23:11 +0000

Carrying out a risk assessment

As well as the level of voltage, charge or current and the nature of the environment, there are a number of other factors that need to be considered when you are assessing the risk of injury arising from electrical testing work. A risk assessment should be carried out before testing begins, to help you identify the precautions you need to take.

Some questions to ask when carrying out the risk assessment are:

(a) Can the work be done with the equipment

dead or energised at a safe voltage or current? (b) Is it absolutely necessary for someone to be

working on or near to equipment that is live

at dangerous voltages or current levels? (c) What is the maximum voltage on

conductors that will be exposed during the

work activity?

(d) Are the testers competent? Are they

adequately trained and knowledgeable to do the particular work and ensure that others are not put at risk?

(e) If testers are not considered fully competent, are they adequately supervised?

(f) Whatphysicalsafeguardsshouldbeappliedto the equipment under test to prevent injury, eg the use of temporary or permanent screens?

(g) Is the test instrumentation of safe design? Has it been properly maintained?

(h) Is it necessary to set up a permanent test area separate from the rest of the workplace,

where equipment can be taken for testing? Is it necessary to set up a temporary test area around the equipment?

(i) Are the testers able to supervise the working area sufficiently and at all times to prevent danger to others?

(j) Where testing is part of an ‘after sales service’ how much must be done at customers’ premises? If testing is being done in a customer’s home, what special precautions are required to protect the tester and others?

(k) To what extent should the testers be supervised or accompanied?

(l) If the testers design, manufacture or use any special test equipment, does it meet BS EN 61010-1?6

(m) How big is the unit under test and how much space is required around it to under take the testing in a safe and unconfined manner?

(n) Are all the other workshop employees com petent to avoid danger if there is a need for them to approach the equipment? If not, how can you make sure that they do not do so?

(o) Will the equipment be left unattended while live, for example while being ‘soak tested’?

(p) Does the workbench or separate area require a warning, eg a light, to show that testing is in progress?

(q) Is there a need for additional emergency switching devices for use by other employees to reduce the degree of injury to testers? Can residual current devices (RCDs) be used to provide supplementary protection? (NB: This guidance and the complementary information sheets1–4 refer to RCDs or

30 mA RCDs. See the section relating to residual current devices on page 9 for a fuller explanation.)

(r) Is it possible to reduce the number of available paths to earth to reduce the likelihood of a phase-to-earth shock, eg by the use of barriers, screens and insulating mats?

(s) Is it possible to use unreferenced supplies, eg isolating transformers/batteries to reduce the likelihood of a phase-to-earth shock?

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What is the risk of injury Electrical Testing

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:20:54 +0000

Injury can occur when live electrical parts are exposed and can be touched, or when metalwork which is meant to be earthed becomes live at a dangerous voltage. The likelihood of touching live parts is increased during electrical testing and fault-finding, when conductors at dangerous voltages are often exposed. This risk can be minimised if testing is done while the equipment is isolated from any dangerous source of supply, although this cannot always be done, and care must also be taken to prevent contact with any hazardous internally produced voltages.

The most dangerous injuries are those caused by electric shock. This is because the effects of a shock are largely unpredictable and can easily lead to a fatal injury. However, there is also a risk of burn injuries resulting from arcing when conductors are accidentally short-circuited. A secondary risk can be the harm caused by a person reacting to an electrical injury, for example by falling or being traumatised by

the experience.

Electric shocks occur when contact with a live conductor causes sufficient current to pass through the body to cause an injury. As a rough guide, voltages exceeding 50 V ac or 120 V ripple free dc should be considered hazardous in a dry, unconfined, non-conductive location. These voltage values must be reduced if the location is wet, confined or conductive, so where there is an adverse environment, those in charge of the work and those doing the work should be aware of the probable increase in injury risk.

In some equipment, for example microwave ovens, high voltages of several thousand volts are used and there is a very high risk of fatal injury if the exposed conductors are touched at these voltages. Injury may also be caused by currents as low as 5 mA or by stored charges.

Suitable precautions must be taken to prevent contact with stored charges in excess of 350 mJ.

If the skin is pricked or cut at the point of contact, the shock current (and hence the seriousness of the injury) will be higher. Healthy skin may also become damaged at the time of contact either by the burning effect of the current or by penetration from sharp-ended conductors.

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Electrical injuries

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:15:33 +0000

Electrical injuries

Electrical injuries can be caused by a wide range of voltages but the risk of injury is generally greater with higher voltages and is dependent upon individual circumstances. Torch batteries can ignite flammable substances.

Alternating current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) electrical supplies can cause a range of injuries including:

Electric shock

Electrical burns

Loss of muscle control

Thermal burns

There are posters that give first aid procedures for Electric Shock and Emergency action, including for burns.

More detailed technical information on electrical injury is given in the standard IEC 60479 "Guide to the effects of current on human beings and livestock – Part 1: General aspects".

Electric shock

A voltage as low as 50 volts applied between two parts of the human body causes a current to flow that can block the electrical signals between the brain and the muscles. This may have a number of effects including:

Stopping the heart beating properly

Preventing the person from breathing

Causing muscle spasms

The exact effect is dependent upon a large number of things including the size of the voltage, which parts of the body are involved, how damp the person is, and the length of time the current flows.

Electric shocks from static electricity such as those experienced when getting out of a car or walking across a man-made carpet can be at more than 10,000 volts, but the current flows for such a short time that there is no dangerous effect on a person. However, static electricity can cause a fire or explosion where there is an explosive atmosphere (such as in a paint spray booth).

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Electrical burns

When an electrical current passes through the human body it heats the tissue along the length of the current flow. This can result in deep burns that often require major surgery and are permanently disabling. Burns are more common with higher voltages but may occur from domestic electricity supplies if the current flows for more than a few fractions of a second.

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Loss of muscle control

People who receive an electric shock often get painful muscle spasms that can be strong enough to break bones or dislocate joints. This loss of muscle control often means the person cannot ‘let go’ or escape the electric shock. The person may fall if they are working at height or be thrown into nearby machinery and structures.

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Thermal burns

Overloaded, faulty, incorrectly maintained, or shorted electrical equipment can get very hot, and some electrical equipment gets hot in normal operation. Even low voltage batteries (such as those in motor vehicles) can get hot and may explode if they are shorted out.

People can receive thermal burns if they get too near hot surfaces or if they are near an electrical explosion. Other injuries may result if the person pulls quickly away from hot surfaces whilst working at height or if they then accidentally touch nearby machinery.

A single low voltage torch battery can generate a spark powerful enough to cause a fire or explosion in an explosive atmosphere such as in a paint spray booth, near fuel tanks, in sumps, or many places where aerosols, vapours, mists, gases, or dusts exist.

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Cheltenham demolition firm fined for illegal asbestos removal

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:07:41 +0000

Cheltenham demolition firm fined for illegal asbestos removal

Date:

5 November 2012

A Cheltenham demolition company has been prosecuted after exposing its own workers to dangerous asbestos fibres and illegally removing asbestos waste from a property in Gloucester.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted DA Environmental Services Ltd at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court today (5 Nov) for three breaches of regulations relating to asbestos removal.

The court heard HSE found the firm undertook an asbestos survey before demolishing the building showing it contained a quantity of Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB). The report identified that this would have to be safely removed in a controlled manner before demolition went ahead.

However, during a six-week period in August and September 2011, the building was demolished and asbestos boarding removed by DA Environmental Services' employees, exposing them to potentially significant quantities of asbestos fibres released during the work.

The company did not hold the necessary licence to carry out the asbestos removal and failed to take adequate steps to prevent both exposure to and the spread of asbestos fibres generated by the work. The investigation also found the asbestos debris was not disposed of correctly, potentially extending the risk of exposure and spread of danger into the waste chain.

DA Environmental Services Ltd of Maida Vale Business Centre, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 8, 11 and 16 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. The company was fined a total of £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,452.

Speaking after the prosecution, HSE Inspector Andrew Kingscott said:

"Where material such as asbestos insulating board is identified, it should only be removed by a contractor who holds the necessary licence, in a safe manner and with the necessary control measures. DA Environmental should have appointed an appropriately licensed contractor to remove the materials.

"By undertaking the work themselves they unnecessarily exposed their own workers to the risks associated with significant levels of airborne asbestos fibres and failed to adequately contain their spread.

"Unfortunately, those working in the construction industry are regularly exposed to asbestos materials and the legacy of past exposures is evident in the high numbers of people in the UK who are suffering the fatal effects of uncontrolled exposures to asbestos fibres during their working lives."

Over 3000 people a year die from asbestos related illnesses in the UK. For further information, visit www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos

Notes to editors

The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk

Section 8 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 states "An employer shall not undertake any work with asbestos unless he holds a licence."

Section 11 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 states "Every employer shall prevent the exposure of his employees to asbestos so far as is reasonably practicable."

Section 16 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 states "Every employer shall prevent or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduce to the lowest level reasonably practicable the spread of asbestos from any place where work under his control is carried out."

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Gas fitter’s shoddy work threatened lives

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:06:07 +0000

Gas fitter's shoddy work threatened lives

Date:

2 November 2012

A Brixham gas fitter has been fined after falsely claiming to be registered gas engineer and leaving work he carried out in a dangerous condition.

In a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today (2 November), Torbay Magistrates heard that Sean Collins carried out work on a gas boiler in July and August 2011 at an unoccupied house undergoing renovation in Brixham.

The court was told Collins left the flue of the boiler in a dangerous condition and also removed the gas meter and failed to reinstall it, leaving open-ended gas pipes which could have poured gas into the house.

The matter came to light when the householder could not find the meter and contacted Gas Safe Register.

Further investigations revealed that Collins falsely advertised himself as a member of Gas Safe Register and used the organisation's logo on his on-line publicity material.

Sean Collins, of Penpethy Road, Brixham, pleaded guilty to four offences under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1988 and one breach of Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was fined a total of £3,000 and ordered to pay £3,000 in costs.

HSE Inspector Simon Jones, speaking after the hearing, said:

"All gas engineers must be members of Gas Safe Register by law so customers can be sure they are dealing with someone who is properly trained and qualified to do the job.

"Unregistered installers who carry out gas work could expose people to unacceptable risks that can prove fatal.

"Sean Collins pretended to be Gas Safe registered and was happy to take the homeowner's money, disregarding the serious harm and injury he could have caused. Any business or sole trader who carries out work on any gas appliance without being properly trained and registered is breaking the law and HSE will not hesitate to prosecute."

Paul Johnston, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said:

"Gas work should only be carried out by a suitably qualified and competent Gas Safe registered engineer. Every registered engineer has an ID card that not only confirms they are who they say they are but also shows the kind of work they are qualified to carry out. We always encourage people to ask to see the ID card and to check the details by calling 0800 408 5500 or visiting www.gassaferegister.co.uk before allowing anyone to carry out gas work."

Further information on gas safety can be found on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/

Notes to editors

Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 states: 'No self employed person shall carry out any work in relation to a gas fitting unless they are a member of a class of person approved by the HSE (Gas Safe Register)'.

Regulation 3(7) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 states: 'No person shall falsely pretend to be a member of a class of person required to be approved by the HSE (Gas Safe Register)'.

Regulation 6(2) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 states: 'No person carrying out work in relation to a gas fitting shall leave the fitting unattended unless every incomplete gasway has been sealed with the appropriate fitting or the gas fitting is otherwise safe'.

Regulation 27(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 states: 'No person shall install a gas appliance to any flue unless the flue is suitable and in a proper condition for the safe operation of the appliance'.

Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states: 'It shall be the duty of every self employed person to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that he and other persons who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health and safety.'

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NEWS FROM HSE

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:04:38 +0000

NEWS FROM HSE

HSE's Annual Statistics Published

New figures have been released by HSE for workplace ill health & injury.

Figures published last week show slight falls in a number of key areas of workplace ill-health and injury. View the details on HSE's website : Ill-health & Injury Statistics.

Health and Safety Toolbox – new online resource

The publication 'Essentials of health and safety at work' has been reviewed and an interactive microsite with refreshed guidance has been produced in its place. The new online resource, The health and safety toolbox: How to control risks at work, builds on the basics laid out in Health and safety made simple and provides the next level of advice to help businesses identify, assess and control common risks in their workplace.

Ladder Exchange 2012

From 1 September to 30 November 2012 anyone who buys, uses or has the responsibility of supervising the use of ladders, can take advantage of this year's campaign which enables 'dodgy' ladders to be replaced for brand new ones – at a preferential price – at any of the Ladder Exchange's official partners. Please visit Ladder Exchange

Public consultation – proposals to remove HSE's approval of first aid training providers

HSE is consulting on the proposed removal of the requirement for HSE to approve first aid training and qualifications. HSE is also seeking views on a review of the associated Approved Code of Practice and the content of revised guidance to support employers with the changes. To find out more and take part in the public consultation please visit First Aid Public Consultation.

EVENTS

Health and Safety Event – 29 November 2012, Kettering

A health and safety event – covering asbestos, chemical labelling and packaging, behavioural safety, risk assessment and HSE cost recovery – is to be held on 29 November 2012 at the SATRA Technology Centre in Kettering. The event is hosted by the footwear and leather industries but is open to all. Please forward the details of this event to anyone you think may benefit from attending. For more details, please contact Elaine Davies, elaine.davies@britishfootwearassociation.co.uk.

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Balfour Beatty prosecuted for safety failings at Plymouth Life Centre

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:02:48 +0000

Balfour Beatty prosecuted for safety failings at Plymouth Life Centre

Date:

29 October 2012

Construction giant Balfour Beatty has been fined for safety failings after an unsupported floor deck collapsed during work at the Plymouth Life Centre.

Two workers fell two-and-a-half metres in the incident on 8 July last year, although both escaped with only minor injuries.

Plymouth Magistrates' Court heard today (29 October) that the workers were pouring concrete onto a deck to form the floor of a weights area at the dry dive centre. However, no temporary support was used and the combined weight of the two men and concrete caused it to give way.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Balfour Beatty Construction Scottish and Southern Limited failed to ensure that sufficient steps were taken to protect workers during the construction work that led to the collapse.

The company did not follow its own temporary works procedure and should have checked that the deck was properly supported before allowing the work to commence.

Balfour Beatty Construction Scottish and Southern Ltd, of 24 Ravelston Terrace, Edinburgh pleaded guilty to a single breach of The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. The company was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,347.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Principal Inspector Andrew Kingscott said:

"The two workers were fortunate not to have been seriously injured in this incident, which was entirely preventable had Balfour Beatty followed the proper temporary works procedure.

"The correct procedure would have highlighted the need to use a temporary support, such as stronger steel decking, propping or the construction of a temporary wall."

Information on managing safety in the construction industry can be found on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/construction

Notes to editors

Regulation 28 of The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 states: "(1) All practicable steps shall be taken, where necessary to prevent danger to any person, to ensure that any new or existing structure or any part of such structure which may become unstable or in a temporary state of weakness or instability due to the carrying out of construction work does not collapse. (2) Any buttress, temporary support or temporary structure must be of such design and so installed and maintained as to withstand any foreseeable loads which may be imposed on it, and must only be used for the purposes for which it is so designed, installed and maintained. (3) No part of a structure shall be so loaded as to render it unsafe to any person."

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1. HSE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION INITIATIVE – AUTUMN 2012

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:59:51 +0000

1. HSE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION INITIATIVE – AUTUMN 2012

HSE construction inspectors inspected over 200 construction sites across West and South Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland during the first three weeks of September as part of an intensive inspection regime.

What did we find?

15 Prohibition Notices were issued in Scotland because the proper precautions were not in place for working at height.

14 Prohibition Notices were served in the North East because the proper precautions were not in place for working at height.

Work was stopped on six small construction sites in the Bradford district. Three Prohibition Notices were served after inspectors witnessed workers being put at risk because of poorly planned and inadequate use of working platforms and scaffolding.

How to manage work at height

Jeanette Reuben, HSE’s Head of Unit (Construction) for Scotland, Yorkshire and the North East, said:

“…Straightforward practical precautions are well known in the construction industry. Safe access equipment is readily available for purchase or hire and there is no excuse for workers, and the self employed, to put themselves in a position of danger when working at height…”

Construction Safety Topics – Working at height

Falls and trips in construction – Work at height

Falls from height in the workplace

Types of access equipment

Work at height building maintenance video

2. CONIAC OPEN MEETING 14 NOVEMBER 2012

HSE’s Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) will be holding an open meeting on Wednesday 14 November 2012. The meeting will be held in the City/Cathedral Room at Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London, SE1 9HS. It will begin at 10 am and finish at around 1 pm.

There is no charge for admission to the meeting, but it is necessary to register in advance, as places are limited.

3. PUBLIC CONSULTATION – PROPOSALS TO REMOVE HSE’S APPROVAL OF FIRST AID TRAINING PROVIDERS

Find out more and take part in the public consultation

4. HEALTH AND SAFETY EVENTS

Improve the health and safety of your business by attending a health and safety event near you. Most of the Working Well Together (WWT) events we list are FREE and all provide an opportunity to meet like-minded people, see interesting new equipment and get confidential advice.

Find your nearest WWT Group and get involved.

Places are available at the following Working Well Together (WWT) events

14 November 2012 – FREE Health and Safety Awareness Day, Chorley

16 November 2012 – FREE Working at Height Safety & Awareness Day, Lincoln

27 November 2012 – Asbestos Awareness Training, Stoke-on-Trent

30 November 2012 – Asbestos Awareness Training, Shrewsbury

Plus many more WWT events over the forthcoming year.

Meet HSE at other events around the country

15 November 2012 – The Association for Project Safety (APS), London Region, CPD Event – New CDM Regulatory Package Consultation

20-21 November 2012 – National Painting and Decorating Show, Ricoh Arena, Coventry

5. RECENT PUBLICATIONS

HSE publications and research reports

Health and safety in roofwork (HSG 33)

Research Report RR946 – Age related changes and safety critical work – Identification of tools and a review of the literature

Research Report RR948 – Uptake and quality of health surveillance for hand-arm vibration and noise exposure – A telephone based survey among dutyholders

Newsletters

Health and Safety Newsletter Autumn 2012

The Road Workers’ Safety Forum – RoWSaF Newsletter

Structural-Safety – CROSS Newsletter

6. RECENT ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY

Read details of some recent HSE prosecutions and enforcement action in the construction sector and find sources of relevant advice.

Collapse

5 October 2012 – A Welsh builder has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of gross negligence manslaughter in the case of a three-year-old girl who was killed when a substandard wall collapsed on top of her.

Further information

Construction Safety Topic – Structural Stability

Work at height

3 October 2012 – A Lincolnshire farming business has been fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £14,995 after a building contractor was left paralysed when he fell through a barn roof when replacing damaged roof panels and skylights.

4 October 2012 – A building contractor has been ordered to pay a total of £548,000 after a worker fell through a roof while working on the construction of the Menai Centre in Bangor, Wales.

17 October 2012 – A Knightsbridge facilities and cleaning company has been fined £4000 and ordered to pay £3700.30 in costs after one of its employees fell six metres through a riding school roof. The worker received £1,000 in compensation.

22 October 2012 – A Somerset construction company has been fined £5000 and ordered to pay £8000 in costs after a worker plummeted six metres through a fragile skylight.

22 October 2012 – A Cwmbran builder has been fined £8,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £2,945.30 after an employee was seriously injured in a 2.3-metre fall from the roof of a property near Llandegfedd Reservoir.

24 October 2012 – A Dartford Scaffolding firm was fined £10,000 with £1,000 costs and its director fined £15,000 with £2,000 costs for failing to provide a safe way of working on a fragile roof after a worker fell and suffered serious injuries.

Further information

Construction Safety Topic – Assessing all work at height

Construction Safety Topic – Roofwork

Construction Safety Topic – Fragile surfaces

Excavations

3 October 2012 – A Cornish firm was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £3,793 in costs after a member of the public sustained spinal injuries and a fractured skull after he plunged 15 feet into an open excavation that had been left unprotected by workers.

3 October 2012 – A Nottinghamshire demolition company and one of its employees have appeared in court after a worker suffered severe injuries when he was hit by a falling excavator bucket on his first day on site. The excavator driver was sentenced to 250 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay a £200 contribution towards costs. The case against the company has been committed to Crown Court for sentencing at a later date.

15 October 2012 – An excavator driver has been prosecuted for safety failings after an unsecure bucket fell from the machine he was using and badly injured a worker on a Gloucester building site. The driver was fined £500 and ordered to pay £1,746 in costs. He was also ordered to pay £3,500 in compensation to the worker.

Further information

Construction Safety Topic – Excavations

Construction Safety Topic – Excavators

Construction Safety Topic – Quick Hitches

Construction Safety Topic – Semi-automatic quick hitches

Asbestos

8 October 2012 – A Wokingham business has been fined £28,000 and ordered to pay £22,631 in costs for safety failings after two subcontractors were unwittingly exposed to asbestos fibres at Reading University.

Further information

Construction Health Topic – Asbestos

Asbestos health and safety

Unloading materials

12 October 2012 – A delivery driver was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 in costs after a worker unloading scaffold materials from a flatbed lorry was thrown from the vehicle and hit by its load of boards and tubes when it overturned.

Further information

Unloading a vehicle

7. HEALTH AND SAFETY STATISTICS

New figures have been published for workplace ill health and injury 2011/12

8. FEE FOR INTERVENTION

HSE’s new cost recovery scheme, Fee for Intervention (FFI), came into force on Monday, 1 October 2012.

Further information

Fee for Intervention – what you need to know

Guidance on the application of Fee for Intervention

The post 1. HSE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION INITIATIVE – AUTUMN 2012 appeared first on Team mccallum UK/ TMUK Safety Management.

New figures published for workplace ill health and injury

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:56:43 +0000

New figures published for workplace ill health and injury

Policy Notice

Date:

31 October 2012

Figures published today show slight falls in a number of key areas of workplace ill-health and injury.

The provisional statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that in Britain between April 2011 and March 2012:

22,433 major injuries such as amputations, fractures and burns, to employees were reported – a rate of 89.90 injuries per 100,000 workers – compared with 24,944 in 2010/11. The average for the past five years is 27,170

88,731 other injuries serious enough to keep people off work for four or more days were reported – a rate of 355.5 injuries per 100,000 employees – down from 91,742 the previous year. The average for the past five years is 103,627

An estimated 1.1 million people said they were suffering from an illness caused or made worse by their work, down from 1.2 million in 2010/11. Of these, 452,000 were new illnesses occurring in-year. The average for the past five years was 1.25 million with an average 554,000 new cases each year

173 workers fatally injured – down from 175 the previous year. The average for the past five years was 196 worker deaths per year.

Chair of HSE, Judith Hackitt said:

"Any reduction in the number of people being injured or made unwell by their jobs should be welcomed. Given the challenging economic conditions which many sectors have faced in recent years it is particularly encouraging to see continued reductions in levels of injury and ill health.

" Britain has earned the reputation of being one of the safest places in Europe to work, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. We need to ensure that we all focus on managing the real risks which lead to serious workplace harm.

"HSE remains committed to helping employers understand what they need to do to ensure workers can go home from their jobs safe and well without creating unnecessary paperwork and bureaucracy."

There has also been little change in the industries in which workers are most likely to be injured or made unwell by their jobs – with construction (171.8 major injuries per 100,000 employees), agriculture (241.0 major injuries per 100,000 employees) and waste and recycling (397.6 major injuries per 100,000 employees) among the higher risk sectors.

The toll of injury and ill-health resulted in 27 million working days being lost, an average of 16.8 days per case, with 22.7 million days lost to ill-health and 4.3 million days lost to injuries. These figures are up slightly on 2010/11 when 26.4million working days were lost.

Workplace injuries and ill-health (excluding work related cancer) cost society an estimated £13.4billion in 2010/11.

Notes to editors

The full statistics, including comparisons to previous years, are available online at www.hse.gov.uk/statistics

In 2009, the most recent year for which statistics are available across the EU, the standardised rate of work-related fatal injury excluding traffic accidents, was 0.59 per 100,000 workers in GB, the second lowest in the EU.

The Labour Force Survey is a survey of households living at private addresses in the UK. Its purpose is to provide information on the UK labour market which can then be used to develop, manage, evaluate and report on labour market policies, and includes questions about work-related ill health, which HSE then publishes. The survey is managed by the Office of National Statistics in Britain.

The reporting of health and safety incidents at work is a statutory requirement, set out under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). A reportable incident includes: a death or major injury; any accident which does not result in major injury, but the injured person still has to take four or more days off their normal work to recover; a work-related disease; a member of the public being injured as a result of work-related activity and taken to hospital for treatment; or a dangerous occurrence (which does not result in a serious injury, but could have done).

The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to prevent death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training, new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk

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New figures published for workplace ill health and injury in Scotland

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:55:09 +0000

New figures published for workplace ill health and injury in Scotland

Policy Notice

Date:

31 October 2012

Figures published today show slight falls in a number of key areas of workplace ill-health and injury in Scotland.

The provisional statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that in Scotland between April 2011 and March 2012:

There were 9,551 reported injuries to employees in 2011/12 compared to 10,216 in 2010/11, a fall of seven per cent The average in Scotland for the past five years is 10,775.

The rate of injury for 2011/12 is 425.7 per 100,000 employees, compared with 451 in 2010/11, a fall of six per cent. The five year average in Scotland is 469.8 per 100,000 employees.

64,000 people said they were suffering from an illness caused or made worse by their work, down from 77,000 in 2010/11. The average across Scotland for the past five years was 91,000.

20 workers were fatally injured – up from 14 the previous year. The average for the past five years was 23 worker deaths per year.

HSE head of operations in Scotland, Alistair McNab, said:

"While there has been a welcome drop in injury and ill-health in Scotland, the increase in workplace deaths proves that there is no room for complacency.

"It is important that efforts are concentrated on managing the risks that lead to serious harm in workplaces throughout Scotland. It is unacceptable that Scottish workers are still failing to come home from work safe.

"HSE will continue to work with industry to ensure employers are clear on what their responsibilities are and how they can implement safe working practices."

Notes to editors

The full statistics, including comparisons to previous years, are available online at www.hse.gov.uk/statistics

Press enquiries

All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office

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Efficacy Under 1107/2009: A UK View of Current Developments and Experiences

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:52:32 +0000

Efficacy Under 1107/2009: A UK View of Current Developments and Experiences

Information Update: 19/2012

Issued: 24 October 2012

The Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a one-day conference on Efficacy under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. The conference will be held at the National Science Learning Centre at the University of York on Wednesday 6th February, 2013. The cost of attendance at the day will be £370.00 (plus 20% VAT) per delegate.

The aim of the conference is to provide an update on the efficacy aspects of 1107/2009, and within the context of the wider regulatory framework. The day will include presentations of the efficacy requirements for both new and existing active substances and products, any developing guidance, and how this is being interpreted. There will be a focus on some of the challenges facing both applicants and regulatory authorities in moving from the individual Member State assessment of efficacy under 91/414, to zonal assessments under 1107/2009.

The new regulation came into force in June 2011, and CRD will aim to provide a consolidated view on the current understanding, as well as the UK view on issues where guidance is still under development. The purpose of the day is also to provide a forum for sharing experiences and good practice. With this in mind, there will be an opportunity beforehand for participants to submit specific topics or questions so that the day can be as practical as possible.

Format of the day / Target Audience

The conference will be of interest to anyone involved in the authorisation of Plant Protection Products in the EU and UK, and particularly those involved in the generation and presentation of efficacy data. The conference will be presented by CRD Regulatory Efficacy Specialists, who will be available to answer your questions throughout the day. The conference will comprise platform presentations followed by question and answer sessions.

Registrations

A programme and full details of the day are available on the events section of the CRD website (please note we reserve the right to amend the content if appropriate, without prior notification).

Given the nature of the event, places will be limited to a maximum of 120 people, and will be issued on a first-come first-served basis.

If you would like to register, please complete and return the application form which can be found on the events section of the CRD website. The closing date for applications is 9th January, 2013.

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Active substance approvals and re-registration requirements – October 2012

adminmccallum — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:48:24 +0000

Active substance approvals and re-registration requirements – October 2012

Regulatory Update 35/2012

Issued: 22nd October 2012

All authorisation holders should note that following approval of an active substance under Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 (formerly inclusion in Annex I of Directive 91/414 EC) they have specific obligations relating to re-registration. Details of the requirements and timelines can be found via the post-inclusion deadline and re-registration page of our website. Please note that since July 2008, we have not sent individual post-inclusion letters to authorisation holders (see Regulatory Update 17/2008 for details).

Active substance approvals

Following consideration at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) a positive opinion was given on 28 September 2012 to approve under Regulation (EC) 1107/2009:

Isopyrazam

Phosphane

If you are a UK authorisation holder for an existing product(s) containing isopyrazam you will be affected by this decision and the following information is relevant to you.

The decision triggers the start of the product re-registration process and you should take action if you wish to ensure continued authorisation for your product(s). You should consult the post-inclusion deadline and re-registration page on our website. The page sets out information about your obligations and the deadlines that you must meet to maintain your existing product authorisations following active substance approval.

Failure to take appropriate action will result in revocation of your relevant national authorisation.Note: This is also relevant for permit holders for parallel imported products and authorisation holders for minor extensions of use (off-labels). The post inclusion deadline and re-registration page on our website also sets out information about your obligations with respect to maintaining your existing product approvals following active substance approval.

Phosphane was approved as a new active substance, and products containing this substance have not been authorised previously in the UK. In order to gain authorisation for phosphane a complete Annex II and III submission would be required. You should also take account of the specific provisions in the approval regulation. You should follow the guidance for re-registration to help you complete your submission.

Other information

Since the previous Regulatory updates were issued, various draft documents have been published (data lists and Inclusion Directives) so we have updated the ‘table of recent deadlines’ to reflect this. Each time we alert you to new inclusions, and the resultant re-registration requirements, we will update the links to the documentation in this table. You should check this table on a regular basis to determine if, for example, lists of protected studies are now available. At this time you may wish to note the following amendments that have been made to the review reports for the following substances:

aclonifen,

quizalofop-P,

etridiazole,

benfluralin, tebufenpyrad

The review reports for these substances have been amended to reflect the submission of various confirmatory data.

calcium carbide,

kresoxim-methyl

The review reports of these substances have been amended to reflect the confirmation of the reference specification.

Contact Details

If you have any questions relating to this Regulatory Update, please contact CRD Pesticides Branch.

Email: applicant-enquiries@hse.gsi.gov.uk

Postal address: Pesticides Branch, Chemicals Regulation Directorate, Mallard House, Kings Pool, 3 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PX, UK

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Wimbledon company fined for dangerous demolition site

adminmccallum — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:37:50 +0000

Wimbledon company fined for dangerous demolition site

Date:

24 October 2012

Release No:

SE/194/12

A Wimbledon construction firm has been prosecuted for endangering workers and the public with unsafe demolition work.

AA Construction (London) Ltd failed to properly plan the work at Quintin Avenue, near Wimbledon Chase tube station, in early February 2011.

Local residents raised concerns that asbestos materials were being smashed up and littering the site, that debris was dropping from height onto the road and footpath; and that the site was insecure despite its close proximity to a local school.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was notified and served three enforcement notices relating to unsafe practices that forced the site to be closed until urgent improvements were made.

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard today (24 October) that the HSE investigation found that numerous precautions could and should have been taken to make the site safe.

The company should have carried out an asbestos survey and produced a health and safety plan and a plan of demolition to ensure the buildings came down in a safe manner. Safe working platforms such as scaffolding could also have been used to prevent people and material from falling or dropping, or buildings could have been demolished remotely. Asbestos should have been removed intact to prevent the release of fibres, segregated and correctly disposed of, and debris should have been progressively cleared allowing for safe access around the site.

AA Construction also employed inexperienced labourers to carry out demolition and asbestos removal, and did not give them sufficient instruction, training, or supervision.

The company, of High Street, Wealdstone, Harrow, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £36,000 plus a £15 surcharge and with £9159 in costs.

After the hearing, HSE Inspector Helen Donnelly said:

"Members of the public rightly raised concerns about the unsafe working practices they witnessed at Quintin Avenue, and I applaud them for doing so.

"AA Construction (London) Ltd took a reckless approach to demolition, which could have resulted in a serious incident.

"Construction projects need to properly planned and safely managed by competent personnel using the right procedures and equipment. That clearly didn't happen here, and I hope lessons have been learned."

Notes to editors

Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states: "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees."

Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work at 1974 states: "Except in such cases as may be prescribed, it shall be the duty of every employer to prepare and as often as may be appropriate revise a written statement of his general policy with respect to the health and safety at work of his employees and the organisation and arrangements for the time being in force for carrying out that policy, and to bring the statement and any revision of it to the notice of all of his employees."

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by the Regional News Network

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Gillingham worker pays price for firm’s safety failings

adminmccallum — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:42:16 +0000

Gillingham worker pays price for firm's safety failings

Date:

24 October 2012

Release No:

SE/193/12

A Dartford Scaffolding firm and its director have been prosecuted for failing to provide a safe way of working on a fragile roof after a worker fell and suffered serious injuries.

Mr James Froud, 22, from Gillingham, was hospitalised for ten days and had to take several months off work whilst wearing a back brace and using crutches as a result of the incident at Siemans Windpower Compound at Ramsgate Port on 12 October last year.

Canterbury Magistrates heard yesterday (23 October) that Mr Froud, a scaffold labourer working for London and South Scaffolding Ltd, was fitting hand rails on a fragile rooftop when he fell seven metres through the skylight.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and found that the company and director Gary Peck were aware of how fragile the roof and skylights were, but failed to take adequate measures to prevent a fall, such as using a mobile elevating work platform to avoid standing on the roof, or using staging fitted with guard rails.

London and South Scaffolding Ltd and Gary Peck both pleaded guilty to four separate breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 for not doing more. The company was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £1,000. Gary Peck was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs.

After the hearing, HSE Inspector Caroline Penwill said:

"Falls from height are the most common cause of workplace fatality and also account for a large number of serious injuries, as was the case here.

"The company and director were aware that the roof and skylights were fragile, but did not take any steps to avoid access to the roof or provide a safe method of work. Had they done so, James' fall could have been prevented.

"Today's prosecution underlines that all work at height must be properly planned, supervised and carried out safely, especially when it involves working on or near a fragile roof.

"Companies and directors need to carefully consider the risks of working at height and identify and implement adequate controls to protect their employees."

The latest HSE statistics show that in 2010/11 20 workers were killed and more than 6,300 others were injured as a result of a fall from height. Further information on working safely and preventing falls can be found online at www.hse.gov.uk/falls.

Notes to editors

Regulation 4(1)(a) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 states: "Every employer shall ensure that work at height is (a) properly planned."

Regulation 4(1)(b) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 states: "Every employer shall ensure that work at height is (b) appropriately supervised."

Regulation 4(1)(c) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 states: "Every employer shall ensure that work at height is (c) carried out in a manner which is so far as is reasonably practicable safe."

Regulation 9(2) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 states: "Where it is not reasonably practicable to carry out work safely and under appropriate ergonomic conditions without passing across or near, or working on, from or near, a fragile surface, every employer shall (a) ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that suitable and sufficient platforms, coverings, guard rails or similar means of support or protection are provided and used so that any foreseeable loading is supported by such supports or borne by such protection; (b) where a risk of a person at work falling remains despite the measures taken under the preceding provisions of this regulation, take suitable and sufficient measures to minimise the distances and consequences of his fall."

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HSE Chair responds to Telegraph article on primary school pupils’ risk assessments

adminmccallum — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:59:37 +0000

HSE Chair responds to Telegraph article on primary school pupils' risk assessments

Article:

"Starting them young" – The Telegraph, 22 October 2012

Response date:

23 October 2012

Dear Editor,

It is sad to read about the children of Dedham Primary School being kitted out in hi-viz jackets and clipboards (Telegraph comment, p25, Oct 23) and asked to undertake risk assessments in the school grounds.

No-one would disagree that young people need to learn about risk, but not like this. The school's actions however well intentioned only succeed in turning health and safety into a parody. It sets the scene for continued misuse of "elf n safety" and overly bureaucratic nonsense for generations to come.

School grounds are low risk environments, where children should be being encouraged to enjoy the outdoors, not see them as a place full of danger.

The Health and Safety Executive is doing its best to encourage working adults to take a more sensible and proportionate approach to managing risk in the workplace. Our message to four and five year old children in the playground is much simpler – get out there and have fun. Perhaps they could build a bonfire with the clipboards!

Yours faithfully,

Judith Hackitt

Chair

HSE

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West Yorkshire council in court after caretaker’s injury

adminmccallum — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:57:00 +0000

West Yorkshire council in court after caretaker's injury

Date:

17 October 2012

Release No:

Y&H/191/12

Bradford Council has been fined for breaching safety regulations after a school caretaker was left with permanent disabilities when he fell through the school hall ceiling five days before his retirement.

The hole from the roof void where Mr O'Hanlon fell at the former Beckfoot School in Bradford

David O'Hanlon, 62, was putting a new light bulb in a roof void of the old Beckfoot School in Bingley so he could empty it safely before demolition. In doing so he stepped on to an unboarded area that gave way beneath him, and fell four metres through the ceiling into the hall below.

Mr O'Hanlon, of Bingley, suffered a fractured hip that required three screws, and a broken heel. He is likely to need a hip replacement and further surgery on his heel to add plates and screws. He has also been told he will suffer from severe arthritis and will not regain full mobility.

The incident, on 22 June 2011, was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which today (17 October) prosecuted Bradford Council for safety failings.

Bradford Magistrates' Court was told that Mr O'Hanlon, a caretaker at the former Beckfoot school for eight years, had decided to take early retirement when it closed. The new Beckfoot school had opened that summer.

He agreed to stay on until 27 June and his last job was to supervise the clearance of the old building and ensure all classrooms were emptied. He decided to put a new light bulb in a roof void that had been used for storage so he could work safely.

However, as he stepped around the rubbish in the ceiling space, his foot went through an unboarded area and he fell through the ceiling. A colleague, who had gone with him to the school, was able to radio for help and give first aid until an ambulance arrived.

Bradford Council pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for failing to ensure the safety of an employee working at height and with fragile surfaces. The council was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £5,667 in costs.

After the hearing HSE Inspector Morag Irwin said:

"This incident was completely avoidable and has essentially dashed Mr O'Hanlon's hopes and expectations for a healthy retirement.

"Bradford Council has a duty to fully assess the risks in a building and ensure its employees are safe as they go about their day-to-day duties. That may mean providing necessary information or training when necessary – in this case relating to working at heights and risk assessment.

"Given that the main purpose was to clear out rubbish before demolition, the sensible decision would have been to leave well alone in the roof void and let the demolition go ahead regardless.

"Work at height remains one of the most significant causes of fatalities and major injuries among employees."

For information and advice about safe working at height, visit www.hse.gov.uk/falls

Notes to editors

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees."

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by the Regional News Network

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First aid at work eBulletin

adminmccallum — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:25:22 +0000

October 2012

HSE eBulletin service sent this bulletin at 23-10-2012 03:19 PM BST

Having trouble viewing this email? View the content as a web page.

First aid at work eBulletin

October 2012 First Aid eBulletin

This eBulletin highlights the current consultation exercise on amending the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, a review of the Approved Code of Practice and the content of associated guidance.

Publication of the Consultation Document on the Amendment to the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981

The consultation on the amendment to these Regulations was published on 22 October 2012 and can be found on the HSE website.

HSE is consulting on the proposed removal of the requirement for HSE to approve first aid training and qualifications and a review of the associated Approved Code of Practice and the content of revised guidance to support employers with the changes. Specifically, HSE seeks views on what guidance would be useful to businesses when assessing what they need in terms of first aid provision for their particular circumstances and in the selection of training providers.

Responses to the consultation are sought by 3 December 2012.

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Consultation on First aid

adminmccallum — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:23:20 +0000

Consultation on First aid

HSE eBulletin service sent this bulletin at 23-10-2012 03:27 PM BST

Having trouble viewing this email? View the content as a web page.

Public consultations eBulletin

Welcome to the HSE Public consultations eBulletin

CD248 – A consultation on the proposed removal of the requirement for the Health and Safety Executive to approve first aid training and qualifications, a review of the Approved Code of Practice and the content of associated guidance

This Consultative Document seeks views on proposals from HSE to amend Regulation 3(2) of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 (S.I. 1981 No. 917) as amended and is intended to build upon the views sought in stakeholder consultation conducted by HSE on the proposed amendment earlier in the year. The amendments are in response to a recommendation in Professor Löfstedt’s report "Reclaiming health and safety for all: An independent review of health and safety legislation", and relate to the regulation of first-aid at work.

These changes are part of HSE’s work to make it easier for businesses and other users to understand what they need to do to comply with health and safety law, and will be of interest to businesses of all sizes and from all sectors.

The consultation was launched on 22 October 2012 and closes on 3 December 2012.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd248.htm?ebul=gd-consult&cr=1/23-oct-12

Information on public consultations is available on HSE's website

This bulletin provides a sample of the wide range of information that can be found under ‘What’s New' on HSE’s website

Please feel free to use this information and pass it on, using your own networks.

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Email was sent to Email Address

www.hse.gov.uk

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Consultation opens on first aid changes

adminmccallum — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:18:17 +0000

Consultation opens on first aid changes

Date:

23 October 2012

Plans to remove the requirement for first aid training providers to be approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have gone out to consultation.

The proposal to amend the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (1981) was made in the independent Löfstedt report into health and safety, and accepted by the Government.

HSE is now seeking views in a six week consultation and its Board will make a recommendation to ministers about how to proceed after considering the responses.

Views are also being sought on whether the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) is useful and provides practical advice on how to comply with the law. HSE is also proposing revised guidance for employers to help them ensure they adopt proportionate first aid arrangements suitable to their workplace.

Andy McGrory, HSE's consultation manager, said:

"We believe this amendment to the First Aid Regulations will give businesses greater flexibility in choosing training and providers that are suitable for their workplace.

"HSE will continue to set the standards for existing training – the one day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and three day First Aid at Work (FAW) courses – which will continue to be the building blocks in all cases where a first aid needs assessment shows that training is necessary."

Employers will still have to ensure that they have an adequate number of trained first aiders as identified in their needs assessment.

The earliest the law could change is April 2013, with new guidance published in the new year and the amended Regulations coming in to force in April 2013.

Notes to editors

In the Löfstedt report, it was recommended that: "The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 should be amended to remove the requirement for HSE to approve the training and qualifications of appointed first-aid personnel". The report noted that "this requirement seems to have little justification provided the training meets a certain standard", noting further that the HSE approval process went beyond the minimum requirement laid out in EU legislation. The full report is available on the Department for Work and Pensions website

The Government response to Löfstedt is also available on the Department for Work and Pensions website

HSE's consultation document on the First Aid changes is available on the HSE website

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Company fined for worker’s fall in Feltham

adminmccallum — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:11:38 +0000

Company fined for worker's fall in Feltham

Date:

22 October 2012

Release No:

L&SE/192/12

A Somerset construction company has been fined after a worker plummeted six metres from a roof he was working on in south-west London.

Wayne Bird, 28, was cleaning dead leaves from the gulleys of a building on the Radius Park in Feltham on 18 January 2011 for Somerset-based company A. R. Berry Design and Build Ltd.

Mr Bird, of Okehampton, Devon, stepped on a fragile skylight, which broke, sending him crashing through to the concrete floor below.

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard today (22 Oct) that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and prosecuted A.R Berry for failing to ensure the safety of its employees.

Mr Bird suffered fractures and severe tendon damage to his left knee and right arm, broke his nose and lost several teeth. He is still unable to straighten his right arm or turn his elbow. As well as receiving on-going medical treatment, he is being treated for the psychological effects of the incident and has been unable to return to work.

The court was told that HSE found the company failed to plan the work properly and did not train their workers to work at height. There was no edge protection in place and, although there were running lines available on the roof, no harnesses had been attached to them to protect the workers.

A.R. Berry Design and Build Ltd of Timberscombe, Minehead, Somerset, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. It was fined £5000 and ordered to pay £8000 in costs.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Zahir Agha, said:

"The dangers of working at height are well-known in the construction industry, as are the measures available to minimise risk and to protect employees.

"There is no excuse for the safety failings made by A.R. Berry Design and Build. Their neglect of safe working at height has devastated a young man's life.

"By planning the work properly, giving their workers sufficient training and monitoring activity, this fall could have been prevented. A.R. Berry should have ensured staff had the right personal protective equipment and been trained in its use.

"There is a much guidance available on working at height and support for firms to assess risks and safely plan work.

Last year more than 6,300 employees suffered major injuries after falling from height at work.

For advice on working safely at height go to www.hse.gov.uk/falls

Notes to editors

The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training, new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 states: "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees."

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by the Regional News Network

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Paper firm fined after death of South Hams worker

adminmccallum — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:10:15 +0000

Paper firm fined after death of South Hams worker

Date:

22 October 2012

An international paper manufacturer has been ordered to pay £260,000 in fines and costs for serious safety failings after a mill worker was crushed between two large rollers running at full production speed.

Family man Richard Zebedee, 45, from Ivybridge died at the Arjo Wiggins site at the Stowford Mill on 28 April 2009. He died after being drawn into poorly-guarded rollers while trying to clear waste material from them.

The incident was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive, which brought a prosecution against Arjo Wiggins Ltd, of Manchester, at Plymouth Crown Court today (Monday 22 October).

The court heard there had been significant production problems on the day of the incident before Mr Zebedee started his shift in the drier area of the mill, with paper breaks and waste material affecting the process.

At one stage in production, Mr Zebedee gained access to the large rollers by opening a gate, which had an unlocked padlock, and used a long-handled tool to clear waste material, known as "broke". At the time, the rollers were running at production speed of 131 metres a minute.

Mr Zebedee was drawn into the rollers and suffered severe crush injuries. Despite the efforts of fellow workers to free him and administer first aid, he showed no signs of life.

HSE found significant failings by the company in guarding the rollers and in the amount of training given to Mr Zebedee. The padlock on the gate was often left unlocked and staff had reported it to management.

In addition, although he had worked at the mill for a year-and-a-half, Mr Zebedee had only started work as a drierman a fortnight before the incident. He had taken part in training after his eight-hour shifts but several items on his training log had not been signed-off.

The investigation also found other staff had been working inside areas of the machine which should not have been accessed.

Arjo Wiggins (Ivybridge) Ltd of Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay £60,000 in costs.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Zebedee's widow, Sarah Zebedee, said:

"Words cannot describe the gap left in our lives by Richard's death. He loved his family and had taken on this job so he could spend more time with his girls. He was much-loved by family, friends and his colleagues. His untimely death has left us all devastated.

"Today's court decision can never bring back Richard but does give us a sense of justice. We hope that this HSE prosecution has given Arjo Wiggins food for thought and that they make sure this can never happen again."

HSE Inspector, Jo Fitzgerald, said:

"Mr Zebedee lost his life in a tragic incident that could have been prevented if basic safety measures had been put in place by the company.

"Fast moving machinery is a well-known hazard and must be properly guarded. Staff must also been given a full level of training when they are expected to work with potentially dangerous machinery.

"In too many companies unsafe practices are tolerated, even if they are not condoned. Managers must take an honest look at how things are done in reality and involve their workforce in identifying problems and improvements."

Further information on machinery safety in the paper industry can be found on the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/paper/machine-interventions.htm

Notes to editors

The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training, new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR (South West)

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HSE NEW 22 October 2012

adminmccallum — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:06:54 +0000

Cwmbran builder fined for worker fall

Date:

22 October 2012

A Cwmbran builder has been fined after an employee was seriously injured in a 2.3-metre fall from the roof of a property near Llandegfedd Reservoir.

Andrew Hosking, 34, broke his left femur and had to be airlifted to hospital following the incident at Glascoed Lane, Glascoed, on 17 October 2011. He has been off work ever since.

Colleague Anthony Skarratts, 20, also fell from the roof, but escaped injury.

Abergavenny Magistrates' Court heard today that the duo were part of a team of workers undertaking a roof installation for Paul Siviter, trading as Paul Siviter General Builder.

They were standing on an old wooden roof beam balanced less than three metres above the ground, in order to receive A-frame trusses from a telehander and assemble them into position.

The beam broke in half and both men fell inwards to the ground below, with Mr Hosking hitting the edge of a disused bath tub beneath. It was this impact that caused his injury.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that although there was scaffolding in place around the exterior of the building, there were no measures in place to prevent workers falling from height within the building, such as birdcage scaffolding or mobile elevated work platforms.

The investigation also found that Paul Siviter's own site-specific risk assessment identified that the work activity would involve working at height above two metres and identified 'appropriate scaffolding' as a necessary precaution to take.

The builder, of Garn Wen Farm, Belle Vue Lane, Cwmbran, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. He was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £2,945.30.

Speaking after the prosecution, HSE Inspector Simon Breen said:

"Mr Hosking sustained a very serious injury and could have died as a result of the fall.

"The dangers of working at height are well known within the construction, yet incidents of this kind occur all too often. The fall could have easily have been prevented had suitable scaffolding, or other measures, been in place for the duration of the work.

"I hope today's prosecution serves as a reminder to all companies who expect their employees to work at height of their legal duties to manage safety and provide the protection required to safeguard them from falls."

Further information about working safely at height can be found on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/falls

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More on the new PAT testing code of practice

adminmccallum — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:52:42 +0000

Published voltimum.co.uk

A new edition of one of the IET’s Codes of Practice aims to stem unacceptable practice in PAT testing, and in this article we look at the changes.

ON 28 NOVEMBER 2011, the Lofstedt report was published, highlighting a significant level of legislative over-compliance by industry. One key issue identified in the report was confusion over PAT testing – widely misunderstood as a requirement to carry out inspection and testing annually, regardless of equipment type, usage or environment. In fact, inspecting or testing annually has never been a requirement, and the new Code of Practice has been updated to emphasise and expand on this.

RISK ASSESSMENT

The fourth edition of the Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment has been written to emphasise the need to ‘risk assess’ the requirement for any inspections and tests. Risk assessments are vital to understanding what can affect any electrical equipment in use, and to be sure of its continued safe use.

Any risk assessment process must be carried out by the duty holder, because he or she is solely responsible for the safety and maintenance of equipment in his or her care. A duty holder may use an outside consultant to advise on the type and frequency of any inspections or tests; however, the duty holder is responsible in all cases, regardless of any consultant’s advice.

In the past PAT testing has, in the majority of cases, been conducted by external contractors. These contractors have then, quite wrongly, set the frequency of the subsequent inspections and tests without consultation or input from the duty holder, and without an adequate – if any – risk assessment.

In many cases, Table 7.1 in the Code of Practice was used or misinterpreted as a definitive frequency chart. This is unnecessarily costing UK businesses a great deal of money each year. It has always been stressed that Table 7.1 is only intended to provide guidance on initial frequencies, and should only be used as a starting point where previous inspection and testing records and risk assessments are not available. Ongoing frequencies should be determined from a risk assessment.

IN THE OFFICE

Interestingly, there is a common misperception that general office areas are high-risk environments. In fact, office areas in general present very low levels of risk, and subsequent risk assessments and frequencies should reflect this. The HSE publication INDG236: ‘Maintaining portable electrical equipment in low-risk environments’, gives further guidance and information on these types of environments. Risk levels are, in practice, also generally low for large sever rooms in data storage, handling and call centres, etc, where, owing to the sensitive and critical nature of the information held, access is limited to persons directly responsible for upkeep and repair.

Continued…

To view the full article from the IET's Wiring Matters Autumn 2012, download the attachment at the end of this article.

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HSE NEWS

adminmccallum — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 07:36:20 +0000

Fatality at Autoclave

An investigation has commenced into the causes of a fatality at Pirelli Tyres Ltd in Carlisle on the 30 September. This involved an autoclave and HSE recommends that all those who have responsibilities for the safe operation of autoclaves compare their existing safety measures with those detailed in HSE Guidance Note PM 73(rev3) Safety Requirements for Autoclaves. They should then decide if any additional measures are necessary.

The Health & Safety Toolbox : How to Control Risks at Work

This new site provides helpful areas of advice, which apply to all workplaces.

Health and safety management should be a straightforward part of managing your business as a whole. It involves practical steps that protect people from harm and at the same time protect the future success of your business. Visit the new site, Health & Safety Toolbox.

Ladder Association Launches Ladder Exchange 2012

SIMPL & the SIMPL Initiative

SIMPL stands for ‘safety in manufacturing plastics’. It is a partnership between industry, Unions and HSE and aims to improve health and safety standards in the plastics industry. There are a number of different industry stakeholders involved in the initiative, from trade associations to training organisations. It is a supportive initiative that aims to identify areas for health and safety improvement in industry and to provide help and tools for companies to use to improve these areas.

The SIMPL partnership has developed a three-year strategy to promote and encourage improvement in health and safety standards in the plastics industry. Companies are encouraged to sign the SIMPL pledge and complete a company action plan. The strategic objectives of the partnership support HSE’s Be part of the solution strategy. The SIMPL strategy covers the time period between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 201 3 .

For more information on SIMPL and the work it proposes, visit the SIMPL page on HSE's Website.

IN THE NEWS

Fine for Liverpool rubber company

A Liverpool rubber manufacturer has been fined for safety failings after an employee seriously injured his hand when it became trapped in machinery. The employee was left with a severe burn to his left hand and a crush injury to his thumb as a result of the incident at Ley Rubber Ltd. For more information on the accident and fine, view HSE's Press Release.

Recycling firm sentenced after worker's death

A recycling company has been ordered to pay £240,000 in fines and costs after a worker was killed at a St Helens factory. JFC Plastics Ltd, previously known as Delleve Plastics Ltd, were prosecuted after the employee died at the company's former premises at the Neills Road Industrial Estate in Bold. More information on the accident and prosecution can be found on HSE's Press Release.

Somerset firm fined after worker crushed under bales

A worker had his lower body crushed when a stack of bales, each weighting a quarter of a tonne, collapsed on him as he sorted waste in a processing shed in Somerset. The worker suffered serious injuries in the incident while working at the recycling and processing yard of Cannington Enterprises Ltd. More information on the accident and subsequent fine cane be read on HSE's Press Release.

HSE provides free guidance covering a wide range of plastics and rubber health and safety topics and issues on the website:

Plastics

Rubber

This bulletin provides a sample of the wide range of information that can be found under ‘What’s New' on HSE’s website.

Please feel free to use this information and pass it on, using your own networks.

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IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment – 4th Edition

adminmccallum — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 12:34:26 +0000

IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment – 4th Edition

This article was published the PAT TESTERS INFO DIRECTORY

The new 4th Edition of the Code of Practice is due to be published in November 2012. This new edition has been written to take account of the Löfstedt report. As part of the Government's plans to reform the health and safety system, an independent review of the health and safety legislation was carried out by Professor Löfstedt. His report, published in November 2011, highlighted an over compliance by industry and recommended that the requirement for portable appliance testing should be further clarified.

The required frequency of portable appliance testing is often misunderstood, leading many to assume that all equipment should be tested annually. Annual testing has never been a requirement of the Code of Practice and this latest edition now emphasises this and also expands on the need to carry out risk assessments to determine the correct maintenance of electrical equipment.

The new CoP also includes clarification of which equipment is covered, additional explanation of the term ‘competent person’ and inclusion of the substitute/alternative test method. In addition there is explanation on the use of test leads and RCD adaptors and extension leads are now covered. New appendices also give a series of pictures to illustrate commonly found faults found on plugs and cables.

There are significant changes to the advice on 'PASS' labels. The CoP now recommends that the PASS label should not include the 'next test due'. The new labels should only include the equipment ID number, test date and inspectors initials.

Electrical equipment supplied in rented accommodation is now covered in the fourth edition, as well as guidance on hired and second-hand equipment.

Guidance on the inspection and testing fixed equipment is now given. The microwave radiation leakage testing section has now been removed from the Code of Practice.

The 4th Edition of the IET Code of Practice is available on pre-order from Amazon. Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment 4th Edition (4th Edt)

So what does this meani to the industry Mr N. Murray From Northants PAT had this statement of his views on this change to the industry.

19th October

The HSE recently released a new guidance document for PAT testing, and it states that electrical appliances do need a formal inspection and/or a PAT Test at regular intervals. This includes all Class 1 items such as computers, kettles, floor cleaners, electric tools, etc.

Some equipment should be PAT Tested every 3 months (on Construction sites) and some equipment only every 5 years – whichever applies to you.

We at team McCallum UK Ltd has the same theory that PAT is something that should not be over looked we have seen the consequences of poorly maintained portable appliances plugs with overheated pins, bunt out cables, cut/split cables wrong polarity, loose connections, all of these and more can create a real risk to the safety of people and building the risk of fire is high not to mention the state that bad PAT items can do to the existing fixed hard wire installation so for the recommend test times to go higher is stupid and careless we are not saying that you need to get a professional PAT company but you do need do regular checks on the pat items in your premises.

The thing you have to remember is that it's not going to be the HSE in court for a law suite it will be you. WHY

The fact of the matter is that The code of practice is just that its not LAW it's a set of good practices that we in the industry follow and the test periods is what thay say recommended and not LAW so you and only you can make the correct choice for you company and this can be done by a good risk assessment.

Remember the term reasonably practicable?

What is meant by reasonably practicable?

You may come across it as SFAIRP (“so far as is reasonably practicable”) or ALARP (“as low as reasonably practicable”). SFAIRP is the term most often used in the Health and Safety at Work etc Act and in Regulations. ALARP is the term used by risk specialists, and duty-holders are more likely to know it. We use ALARP in this guidance. In HSE’s view, the two terms are interchangeable except if you are drafting formal legal documents when you must use the correct legal phrase.

So what does this mean well if some one on your premises gets a electric shock or worse was having a PAT test reasonably practicable can you put a price on someone's life?

This is what you need to take care at all time as its NOT the HSE in court it's YOU.

The complete outcome will only be found out when the HSE cuts the red tape and the new code of practice comes out.

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Fixed Wire Testers Needed ASAP

adminmccallum — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:17:48 +0000

We a Team McCallum UK ltd are expanding every day and the need to gain more experienced test embers grows grater and grater as each day passes

We are looking for a team of the most highly skilled electrical testing engineers in the UK nation wide search what you need to be or have is the following.

C&G 2391

C&G 2392

17th Edition amendments 1

have at lest 3 years experience in the field of electrical testing

C&G 2377 pat testing an advantage

city and guilds 2330 level 2,3 or equivalent

If you don't have any of the following do not apply for this post.

EARN UP TO £56,500 PA

Send all CV TO jobs@tmuk.org

See if you have what it takes

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Vince Cable to ‘cut back on red tape’ in health and safety

adminmccallum — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:59:07 +0000

Hundreds of thousands of businesses are to be exempted from health and safety inspections under moves announced by the Government. Legislation will be introduced which ministers say will protect business from "compensation culture"

Why on earth would you cut back on health and safety it there for a reason that reason it to make you safe in your environment this man mr cable is the one to blame when death after death happens as bosses cut back on there health and safety.

I do not see why cutting back on safety would even cross this governments minds just another thing to prove that the conservative are only for the rich and making them richer cut to health and safety means company's have more cash to spend on other thing or even employ more staff but for me what's the point in more staff if they are having the live put at risk by cutting the red tape on health and safety.

health and safety is a important and vital part of mine and your working environment think every time you bring you children into a store, restaurant, play center cinema, or theme park health and safety plays a role in their safety just imagine that that red tape was cut I as many people now that the red tape can be over the top but is putting lives at risk worth cutting it I THINK NOT Mr cable think again you plunker.

The ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association) has warned that business must take care when enforcing the HSE guidance on PAT testing, citing that the guidelines could be misinterpreted and this could ultimately end up creating a dangerous working environment.

Under the guidance, the HSE says that visual checks are often acceptable for both plugs and leads. The belief is this statement will cause firms to neglect the importance of regular PAT testing, which can flag up errors that may not be obvious via visual inspection alone.

Paul Reeve, Head of Business Policy at the ECA and Chartered Fellow of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, has said: “The HSE is keen to show how PAT can be done cost-effectively and we welcome their practical approach. However, businesses still need to be aware of the risk of faulty electrical equipment, and how to manage that risk properly.”

The ECA recommends that all firms and business must be aware of the following:

-A good understanding of the risk from portable electrical equipment, taking into account what the equipment does and, importantly, how it is used.

-On-going, risk-based portable appliance inspection, visual or otherwise, carried out by competent people.

-Knowledge of what to do when inspection finds problems with leads or equipment.

“Electrical inspection remains vitally important to personal safety and fire prevention. Competent electrical contractors can help businesses to get the balance right for a practical, cost-effective approach to PAT which will help to ensure electrical safety at work.”

the HSE has published this documents on electrical testing please reed.

Electrical inspection and testing

HSE and other organisations have produced guidance on electrical safety that is suitable for a wide range of industries and technical competencies. Most of the information produced by the HSE is available for immediate download.

Safety in electrical testing at work

Safety in electrical testing: Products on production lines

Safety in electrical testing: Switchgear and control gear

Safety in electrical testing: Servicing and repair of audio, TV and computer equipment

Safety in electrical testing: Servicing and repair of domestic equipment

Beryllium and You

Electric Storage Batteries

Electrical Safety Council: Selection and use of plug-in socket-outlet test devices

Electrical Safety Council: Guidance on the management of electrical safety and safe isolation procedures for low voltage installations

Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment.

Electrical test equipment for use by electricians.

BSRIA – Safe thermal imaging of electrical systems (up to and including 1000 V a.c.) (AG 17/97)

BSRIA – Guidance and the standard specification for thermal imaging of LV electrical installations (FMS 5/99)

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Electrical Deaths Statistics

adminmccallum — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 15:31:13 +0000

Deaths, Injuries and Fires

1. Low voltage electrocutions and fatal electrical burns in the UK in 2007 from low voltage electricity supplies i Total: 28 Work related electrocutions: nine Home or leisure electrocutions: 19

2. Electric shocksii:

People receiving a mains voltage electric shock per year (18-65): 2.5 million*

Of whom received a serious injury: 350,000**

3. Number of fires of electrical origin in the UK in 2007 iii :

All accidental domestic fires Accidental domestic fires of electrical origin

Faults Misuse Articles too close to heat Total Products Installations

Deaths 267 23 12 14 49 41 8

Injuries 9,066 1,143 1,831 503 3,477 3,250 227

Fires 43,351 7,986 10,960 2,478 21,424 19,101 2,323

4. Major products involved in electrical firesiv:

Product Fires Injuries Deaths

Electric cooking appliances (excluding deep fat fryers) 12,654 2,149 12

Washing machines and tumble dryers 1,425 131 0

Lighting 944 155 4

Space heaters 744 207 10

Televisions 434 212 3

A DTI report from 1997 estimated that 20% of electrical fires would be prevented by an RCD.

RCD protection

5. Number of homes in UK without adequate RCD protection at the consumer unitv by number and percentage of houses.

All types of housing tenure: 12.9 million (49%)

Owner occupied: 9.7 million (52%)

Private rented: 1.65 million (52%)

Local Authority: 890,000 (38%)

Registered social landlord: 660,000 (30%)

6. Number of homes without adequate RCD protection at the consumer unit by regionvi:

North East: 550,000 – 48.1%

Yorkshire and The Humber: 1,204,000 – 53.8%

North West: 1,643,000 – 53.9%

East Midlands: 848,000 – 44.6%

West Midlands: 980,000 – 42.5%

South West: 1,065,000 – 46.1%

East of England: 1,105,000 – 45.3%

South East: 1,732,000 – 48.6%

London: 1,779,000 – 55.3%

7. Number of owner occupied homes without adequate RCD protection in the consumer unit by regionvii

North East: 411,000 – 54.36%

Yorkshire and The Humber: 878,000 – 56.06%

North West: 1,290,000 – 58.52%

East Midlands: 688,000 – 48.90%

West Midlands: 745,000 – 45.33%

South West: 851,000 – 50.08%

East of England: 876,000 – 49.09%

South East: 1,370,000 – 51.66%

London; 1,053,000 – 57.38%

Tenure and housing stock

Households moving per year by tenure 2007-8viii:

All tenures: 2.4 million

Private renters: 1 million

Owner-occupiers: 985,000

Social renters: 374,000

8. Housing stock increase, England, 2007-08, Net additions 207,400ix

New build: 200,300

Change of use: 17,600

Additional dwellings from conversions: 9,000

Demolitions: 20,500

Note: New builds from private investment totalled 144,740x

9. House sales, England and Wales, 2006-07: 1,807,860xi

10. Average length of tenurexii mean (median) 2007-8:

Owner occupiers: 16 years (11.9)

Private renters: 4.5 years (1.5)

Social renters: 12 years (7.8)

i Number of deaths recorded under W86 and W87 categories as reported to the World Health Organisation. Work related deaths from HSE provisional data, given in confidence, for the year 2007. Note: This excludes deaths from contact with High Voltage electrical currents, as recorded under W85, and therefore excludes some fatalities recorded by the Health and Safety Executive.

ii *809 interviews were conducted with adults aged 18-65 from 23 to 29 July 2010 via Ipsos MORI's Capibus, the weekly face-to-face omnibus survey, using a nationally representative quota sample across Great Britain. The results have been weighted to reflect the known profile of the adult population in Great Britain. Based on a confidence interval of +/- 3.5% and the sample size of 809 the actual number could vary between c1.3 and 4 million adults aged 15+. Electric shock is defined as 'a mains-voltage electric shock rather than a static shock of the type a person might get from a car, for example.'

** Data taken from the Electrical Safety Council's 'Public Experience of Electric Shocks' survey, conducted by Ipsos Mori in May and June 2011.

iii Data supplied by the Department of Communities and Local Government, 11/02/10. On the advice of the Product Safety Division of the ESC, data quoted includes fires from electrical products, but does not include chip/fat pan fires, playing with fire, careless handling of fire or other hot substance, person too close/fell on fire, other accidental, and unspecified categories and are quoted for a single year, rather than multi-year average. All fires due to 'Faulty fuel supplies' were included as installation fires. All fires resulting from 'Faulty leads to appliances', 'Faults in appliances', 'Articles and heat too close to a heat source', and 'Misuse of equipment or appliances' have been included as equipment fires, with the exception of those originating in 'Sockets and switches', 'Mains wiring: after meter', 'Mains wiring: before meter', and 'Supply apparatus', which have all been included as installation fires. This gives a total of 19,101 product fires, and 2,323 installation fires.

iv Data supplied by the Department of Communities and Local Government, 11/02/10

v 'Adequate' refers to 30mA RCD protection to circuits within the consumer unit, excluding protection alongside such as may be found where a TT system is used and fitted with a 100mA RCD to reduce the risk of fire. Taken from BRE data with a 95% confidence, adding together no RCDs, Separate RCDs and Unknown data for England, scaling up by the ratio of number of houses in England (22m) to number in the UK (26m)

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WHY ARE PAT TESTING PRICES SO LOW

adminmccallum — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 14:41:19 +0000

WHY ARE PAT TESTING PRICES SO LOW

Hi All today I want to discuss why I believe PAT testing prices are so low and if it can even be done correctly at them prices.

firstly there are many reputable Pat testing companies out there on the market I know I work with over 69% of them so this is not in any ways putting all pat companies down.

Now lets start with the training possess that was made available to any persons wishing to be a pat tester you did not need to be electrically minded or have pat experience just a one day course and that's it your a at tester no training no experience so once every man woman and dog got trained their where hundreds, thousands of PAT TESTERS in the UK at one time you would have paid £3/5 a test but now in some parts of the uk you will pay a little as 40p a test and you have some pat companies claiming to do over 500 tests a day.

If you ask me if this is possible the answer is a immediate NO the are what we call in the industry as sticker merchants they probably don't even have batteries in their tester they just put a sticker on each appliance and away they go of to con the next victim but who is to blame when some gets killed the tester NO you the tester will state it was fine when testing it just like a MOT.

So here is my advice to all you seeking a good reliable test companies as below.

If a tester states he will do more than 250 pat tests with one man say NO
If a tester offers you testing for less than £1 be sure it's done right.
Only use city & guilds qualified testers.
Use a NICEIC or NAPIT approved pat company
Remember there is no direct law that states Pat testing is required so you have the right to say NO
Just because pat testing is cheep and may be a in-convince to your company remember that electrical appliances in bad working order DO KILL, THEY DO START FIRES, THEY DO HARM so always have your PAT testing done correctly by a competent person.

I hope this was useful for you and make the right choice when choosing your pat companies as next time it could be your business on fire or you and your loved ones in hospital or WORSE , CHEEP PAT TESTING IS JUST NOT WORTH IT!

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MAXIMUM EARTH FAULT LOOP IMPEDANCE VALUES FOR OVERCURRENT PROTECTIVE DEVICES IN COMMON USE, FOR FAULT PROTECTION

adminmccallum — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 13:54:21 +0000

MAXIMUM EARTH FAULT LOOP IMPEDANCE VALUES FOR OVERCURRENT PROTECTIVE DEVICES IN COMMON USE, FOR FAULT PROTECTION

For fault protection, the limiting values of earth fault loop impedances, Zs, are given in Tables 41.2, 41.3 and 41.4 of BS 7671, for many commonly-used overcurrent protective devices.

The values given in those tables are the limits that apply under earth fault conditions, when the temperature of the conductors can be expected to be higher than when testing is undertaken (usually under no-load conditions). Consequently, the values of earth fault loop impedance when measured at ambient temperature should be lower than the limits set out in BS 7671.

It is generally accepted that, where the measured earth fault loop impedance of a circuit is not greater than 80% of the relevant limit specified in BS 7671, the impedance can be expected to be sufficiently low under earth fault conditions to meet the relevant limit specified in BS 7671, and for the protective device to automatically disconnect within the time specified.

The following table gives the limiting values of earth fault loop impedance when measured at ambient temperatures up to 20 C. The

limits on measured values are 80% of the values given in BS 7671, rounded down. The boxes marked ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) indicate either that the overcurrent protective device is not commonly available or that, by virtue of its characteristics, the device is not generally appropriate for fault protection.

The impedance values are based on the ‘worst case’ limits allowed by BS 7671 and, in certain cases, where the manufacturer of the protective device claims closer limits of fault current necessary for operation of the device than allowed for by the Standard, the values may be modified accordingly.

Where the measured value of the earth fault loop impedance exceeds the relevant tabulated value below, further investigation will be necessary to evaluate the particular circumstances to confirm that compliance with BS 7671 has been achieved See below link.

http://www.esc.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/industry/faqs/master_EARTHFAULTLOOPtable.pdf

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FREE PAT TESTING

adminmccallum — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:45:24 +0000

Team McCallum UK Ltd I'd proud to announce FREE PAT Testing What that FREE PAT Testing yes that right FREE PAT Testing unbelievable we believe it true

About Free PAT TESTING

You must think free pat testing what's the catch well no catch we give away free pat testing when you book us for your Fixed wire testing but we do have a fair usage policy see below we just cant give away millions of PAT Testing for free.

FWT	Free PAT Tests	FWT	Free PAT Tests
70	215	550	1692
100	307	600	1846
150	461	650	2000
200	615	700	2153.
250	770	750	2307
300	923	800	2461
350	1077	850	2615
400	1230	900	2769.
450	1384	950	2923
500	1538	1000	3077

We work on a sliding scale this table is just to help you see how many average pat tests you get for free.

Every PAT Test after the allocated free amounts will be charged at a standard rate of £0.65p and it is only TMUK who can offer as many accreditations NICEIC, NAPIT BSI ISO 9001 and just think of the potential ££££ savings ££££

So enjoy your FREE PAT Testing

http://www.teammccallumuk.com/free-pat-testing/

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Success for us Nation Wide Electrical Testing

adminmccallum — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 10:55:51 +0000

Success for us Nation Wide Electrical Testing

Sorry i have not posted for a quite a bit but we have been on a hard journey over the past months and are happy with the out come we have gained very good testing contracts we have just won with a partner company witch name i will not disclose because to protect their space but they no who thay are so a big thanks you to them and for both of us congratulations on the £1 Million contract witch will involve PAT and FIXED wire testing on some of the most prestigious companies in the UK Wow

Other News

As well as the above we Team McCallum UK Ltd have cracked with another partner company Electrical testing on one of the UKs largest them parks witch will run for over a 5 year period contracted.

Plus because of the amazing work we have done for the with the combined PAT Testing of our partner companies and the Fixed testing of us we have been granted access to a chain of 40 hotels across the Great Briton with a possible turn over of £378,000 across the two partner companies.

BAD NEWS

Team McCallum UK Have experience a problem with one of it testers and have to let him go we make a point of this to all we will not except bad time keeping abusive and disruptive behavior my companies is with outmost one of the most highly accredited, awarded, we are audited with a BSI ISO 9001 UKAS Standard we get annual inspections by NICEIC, NAPIT and as of September this years will be part of the ECA, Helth and safety audits by SAFE contractor and CHAS, so i ask who can offer quality like that no one that who so will not allow incompetent employees within our organization.

Looking For employment

We are looking for a team of the most highly skilled electrical testing engineers in the UK nation wide search what you need to be or have is the following.

C&G 2391
C&G 2392
17th Edition amendments 1
have at lest 3 years experience in the field of electrical testing
C&G 2377 pat testing an advantage
city and guilds 2330 leval 2,3 or equivalent

If you don't have any of the following do not apply for this post.

Outcome

The future is looking good for the UKs fastest growing testing company

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NEW JOB ELECTRICAL TESTER AND INSPECTOR

adminmccallum — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:28:49 +0000

ELECTRICAL TESTER AND INSPECTOR

Vacancy from

Job No:

DUA/54617

SOC Code:

8133

Wage

£100-£150 DAY RATE

Hours

8 PER DAY, AS AND WHEN REQUIRED

Location

Dudley, West Midlands DY3

Duration

Temporary

Date posted

22 June 2012

Pension details

No details held

Description

This is a self employed vacancy. Electrical inspector and tester needed to carry out national contracts. Must hold 17th edition, 2330 or equivalent electrical certificate 2391 inspection and testing and PAT testing qualification is essential. Must hold a full clean driving licence and have own transport, although vehicle may be provided if not mileage will be paid for own car. You may be required to stay away from home. You will be on call 24 hours. The company has given an assurance that this vacancy enables workers to achieve a wage equivalent to the National Minimum Wage rate. Self-employed people are responsible for paying their own National Insurance contributions and Tax. For information on how benefits are affected and whether entitlement may be lost, speak to a Jobcentre Plus Adviser. Temporary for 13 weeks leading to permanent.

How to apply

You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kevin McCallum at RBS Electrical Services, jobs@tmuk.org.

Employer

RBS Electrical Services

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New Job Bookkeeper Part Time

adminmccallum — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:26:08 +0000

Bookkeeper Part Time

Vacancy from

Job No:

DUA/54618

SOC Code:

4122

Wage

Negotiable depending on experience

Hours

16 per week, to be arranged.

Location

Dudley, West Midlands DY3

Duration

Temporary

Date posted

22 June 2012

Pension details

No details held

Description

Part Time Book Keeper required experience is essential.. Duties to include keeping the books in a family run business ensuring payments are received and paid on time.. Experience of Clear books would be an advantage as would Microsoft Packages. Temporary for 13 weeks leading to permanent.

How to apply

You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kevin McCallum at RBS Electrical Services, jobs@tmuk.org.

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PAT Testing Dudley

adminmccallum — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 09:17:10 +0000

PAT Testing Dudley

The myth is office equipment must be tested by a qualified electrician every year. The reality? No.

The law requires employers to assess risks and take appropriate action. The HSE’s advice is that for most office electrical equipment, visual checks for obvious signs of damage and perhaps simple tests by a competent member of staff are quite sufficient.

Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use.

Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defect can only be found by testing. A relatively brief user check can be a very useful part of any PAT scheme.

However, more formal visual inspection and testing by a competent person may also be required at appropriate intervals.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition.

However, the regulations do not specify what needs to be done, by whom or how frequently (ie they don't make inspection or testing of electrical appliances a legal requirement, nor do they make it a legal requirement to undertake this annually).

There is no legal requirement to label equipment or keep records that it has been inspected or tested. However, this can be a useful management tool for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the maintenance scheme.

The person doing testing work needs to be competent to do it. In many low risk environments, a sensible (competent) member of staff can undertake visual inspections if they have enough knowledge.

However, when undertaking combined inspection and testing, a greater level of knowledge and experience is needed.

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Pat Testing Pontypridd

adminmccallum — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 08:27:19 +0000

Pat Testing Pontypridd

COMMUNITY leaders have joined forces to launch a new street pastors initiative in Pontypridd.

Around 100 people, including representatives from RCT Council, the police and a large number of Pontypridd church groups, attended the unveiling of the scheme at Sardis Road, which hopes to clamp down on rowdiness and drunken behavior on the town’s streets.

Having having a large number of PAT testing engineers based in Wales we can offer a PAT Testing service like no other.

Local Pontypridd business owner states " Team McCallum UK is one of them companies that you can rely on to get the job done on time and their engineers was very polite thank you TMUK,,

The mainstream business operates throughout the UK, from small business to some of the largest brands on the market today and is diverse in its role as an anonymous subcontractor to the PAT, Facilities and Electrical companies across the United Kingdom.

There are many divisions of Team McCallum UK Ltd, Electrical inspection and testing, PAT Testing, Emergency light testing, hazardous and explosive areas testing, and fire safety service.

Team McCallum UK Ltd has achieved accreditations with, Safe Contractor, CHAS, Trust Mark, British Safety Council and is a member of the NICEIC & NAPIT and is ISO 9001:2008 registered with the BSI Group a UKAS accredited organization.

Team McCallum UK Ltd conducts Pat Testing on behalf of its clients throughout the UK. We have locally based specialist Pat Testing engineers who can sometime attend your business the same day. Areas also covered including PAT Testing Pontypridd, PAT Testing Caerphilly, PAT Testing Cardiff, PAT Testing Cwmbran, PAT Testing Aberdare, PAT Testing Pontypool or PAT Testing Newport call 0800 121 8378 today?

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PAT Testing Sunderland

adminmccallum — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 09:49:16 +0000

PAT Testing Sunderland

SUNDERLAND Minster’s’ bells will ring out for the first time in three years to mark official Jubilee day tomorrow.

After a £180,000 fund-raising drive, the Minster’s 10 bells are ready to break the silence when they ring out across the city as part of the celebrations.

Team McCallum UK Ltd (TMUK) was established in 2003 and was in the beginning set up under the name R.b.s Electrical Services and has since grown become one of the UK’s fastest growing testing solutions companies.

Team McCallum UK Ltd is one of the fastest growing testing organizations in the country.

This because we aim to be cost effective, efficient and reliable.

There are many divisions of Team McCallum UK Ltd, Electrical inspection and testing, PAT Testing, Emergency light testing, hazardous and explosive areas testing, and fire safety service.

Team McCallum UK Ltd conducts Pat Testing on behalf of its clients throughout the UK. We have locally based specialist Pat Testing engineers who can sometime attend your business the same day. Areas also covered in the Sunderland area are Pat Testing Consett, Pat Testing Washington, Pat Testing Chester-le-Street, Pat Testing Seaham, Pat Testing Boldon and Pat Testing Houghton-le-Spring. If you want to book a Pat Test today please leave your business details on the quick quote button and someone will be in touch the same day to help with advice for all your Pat Testing needs.

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Black & Decker Coffeemakers Recalled by Applica Consumer Products Due to Injury Hazard

adminmccallum — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 17:25:45 +0000

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO)

Name of product: Black & Decker® Spacemaker™ 12-Cup Programmable Under-the-Cabinet Coffeemakers
Units: About 159,000
Distributor: Applica Consumer Products Inc. of Miramar, Fla.
Hazard: The coffee pot handle can break, causing cuts and burns to the consumer.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 1,276 reports of handles breaking, including 68 reports of burns and/or cuts.
Description: This recall involves Black & Decker® brand 12-cup coffeemakers designed to mount under a cabinet. Available in either white or black models, the words "BLACK & DECKER® SPACEMAKER™" are printed in the top right-hand corner. The coffeemakers have a digital time display in the top left corner and five round buttons above the water reservoir. The 12-cup coffee pots are glass with a molded handle the same color as the machine and a silver metallic bracket running around the glass near the bottom.
The recall includes model numbers SDC740, SDC740B, SDC740BR, SDC740C, SDC740DIS, SDC740R, SDC750, SDC750C and SDC750DIS. The model number is printed on the underside of the coffeemaker, directly below the water reservoir.
Sold at: Major retailers nationwide from July 2008 through May 2012 for about $50-80.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the coffeemakers and contact Applica to exchange their coffee pot for a free replacement.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Applica Consumer Products toll-free at (866) 708-7846 between 8:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. ET, or visit the firm's website at www.acprecall.com.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov.

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products—such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals—contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: SaferProducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 708-7846
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

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The NAPIT Survey

adminmccallum — Sat, 19 May 2012 21:38:16 +0000

Now is the time to change the Electrical Industry!…

Following the news of a tragic loss of a young mother’s life due to poor electrical works the NAPIT Trade Association are planning a political campaign to lobby the Government to recognise full competency within the Electrical Industry.

The terrible consequences of not carrying out verification correctly were highlighted by the death of Emma Shaw, just 22 years old, at her first floor flat in West Bromwich in 2007. The seven-day Inquest into her death at Sandwell Coroners Court concluded, on 20 December 2011, that the cause of death was electrocution and that she had been killed unlawfully. She leaves behind a son who, at the time of her death, was twenty-three months old.

The electrical installation had been left in a dangerous state due to a plasterboard screw having gone through a cable, bridging the line conductor and the metal stud partitioning, making it live. It was said in court that the electrical fault had not been detected because testing was, ‘not carried out to a professional standard if at all’. It was also stated that some test results on the electrical certificate had been fabricated.

The registered electrical company had allowed an electrician’s mate to work alone at the property. This person stated that he had been asked to carry out the inspection and testing of the installation but felt uncomfortable about it. A friend of his tested and approved the wiring. The testing was described in court as, ‘farcical’ by an independent expert. The completion of the test certificate was said to be full of errors yet it had supposedly been checked and “signed off” by the company’s Qualified Supervisor. The company bosses claimed in court that the electrician’s mate was there to assist in testing only but they could not explain why he was allowed to work alone at the flat.

With this in mind NAPIT believe it is time to make changes in the industry and establish an individual competence for all working in the electrical industry.

If you feel strongly about this and wish to support NAPIT in this campaign now is your chance to make a difference and contribute to this short survey!

Please click here to complete the survey

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New Office in Carlisle

adminmccallum — Sun, 06 May 2012 08:45:51 +0000

Team McCallum UK is now looking for New Office in Carlisle or Newcastle so we will be able to carry out Electrical testing in Carlisle, Newcastle and be able to services the northern parts of the UK at a more competitive cost to the customer fixed wire testing in Carlisle, Newcastle is a vital part of your companies health and safety to insure that both you and your employee are in the most safest hands possible the is on avrage in the uk 2.5 million casess of electric shock a year do make shure it’s not you on the reciving end of a law suite because allthoh electrical fixed wire testing is not mandatory it is still your duty as a employer to take every possibles steps to ensure that your work environment is safe and secure. Team McCallum UK Ltd can undertake the Electrical testing in the areas Carlisle, Newcastle or the fixed wire testing Carlisle, Newcastle and take the strain out of your health and safety needs.

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Electrical jokes

adminmccallum — Sat, 05 May 2012 15:28:50 +0000

Electrical Humour Q: What is the definition of a shock absorber? A: A careless electrician! Q: Do you know how an electrician tells if he’s working with AC or DC power? A: If it’s AC, his teeth chatter when he grabs the conductors. If it’s DC, they just clamp together. Q: What did the light bulb say to the generator? A: “I really get a charge out of you!” What Thomas Edison’s Mother might have said to her son: “Of course I’m proud that you invented the electric light bulb. Now turn it off and get to bed!” Sign on on the side of the electrician’s van – “Let Us Get Rid of Your Shorts”. At the electric company: “We would be delighted if you send in your bill. However, if you don’t, you will be.” Q: What is an electrician’s favorite ice cream flavor? A: Shock-o-lot! Q: What do you call a carpenter working in a electrical panel? A: Dead! Q: How do you know when a union electrician is dead? A: The doughnut rolls out of his hand. Two atoms were walking down the street one day, when one of them exclaimed, “Oh no – I’ve lost an electron!” “Are you sure?” the other one asked. “Yes,” replied the first one, “I’m positive.” Q: Why are electricians always up to date? A: Because they are “Current specialists”. Q: How do you pick out a dead battery from a pile of good ones? A: It’s got no spark! Q: What would you call a power failure? A: A current event.

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Resistance

adminmccallum — Sat, 05 May 2012 09:45:04 +0000

Resistance

Resistance

Resistance is the property of a component which restricts the flow of electric current. Energy is used up as the voltage across the component drives the current through it and this energy appears as heat in the component.

Resistance is measured in ohms, the symbol for ohm is an omega .
1 is quite small for electronics so resistances are often given in k and M .
1 k = 1000 1 M = 1000000 .

Resistors used in electronics can have resistances as low as 0.1 or as high as 10 M .

Resistors connected in Series

When resistors are connected in series their combined resistance is equal to the individual resistances added together. For example if resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series their combined resistance, R, is given by:

Combined resistance in series: R = R1 + R2

This can be extended for more resistors: R = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 + …

Note that the combined resistance in series will always be greater than any of the individual resistances.

Resistors connected in Parallel

When resistors are connected in parallel their combined resistance is less than any of the individual resistances. There is a special equation for the combined resistance of two resistors R1 and R2:

Combined resistance of two resistors in parallel:	R =	R1 × R2
		R1 + R2

For more than two resistors connected in parallel a more difficult equation must be used. This adds up the reciprocal ("one over") of each resistance to give the reciprocal of the combined resistance, R:

1	=	1	+	1	+	1	+ …
R		R1		R2		R3

The simpler equation for two resistors in parallel is much easier to use!

Note that the combined resistance in parallel will always be less than any of the individual resistances.

Conductors, Semiconductors and Insulators

The resistance of an object depends on its shape and the material from which it is made. For a given material, objects with a smaller cross-section or longer length will have a greater resistance.

Materials can be divided into three groups:

Conductors which have low resistance.
Examples: metals (aluminium, copper, silver etc.) and carbon.
Metals are used to make connecting wires, switch contacts and lamp filaments. Resistors are made from carbon or long coils of thin wire.
Semiconductors which have moderate resistance.
Examples: germanium, silicon.
Semiconductors are used to make diodes, LEDs, transistors and integrated circuits (chips).
Insulators which have high resistance.
Examples: most plastics such as polythene and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), paper, glass.
PVC is used as an outer covering for wires to prevent them making contact.

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Health and Safety Policy Document

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:36:34 +0000

Health and Safety Policy Document

If you employ five or more people you must have a written statement of your health and safety policy to comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The statement must:

state your general policy on health and safety
describe the organisation and arrangements for carrying out your policy
be brought to the notice of all your employees
be revised when appropriate, and all revisions must be brought to the attention of all employees.

Content of the Health and Safety Policy

Your safety policy will be a unique document specific to your company. The length and content will vary according to the size and complexity of the undertaking.

The first section of the safety policy is a simple statement of the employer's commitment to health and safety. You may wish to refer specifically to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act and to other health and safety requirements relevant to your work or industry. You will wish to stress the importance of co-operation from employees and of good communications at all levels within the organisation.

The most senior person should sign and date the statement so as to make clear your commitment to the policy.

The second section will detail the organisation and responsibilities for implementing the policy and will identify who reports to whom and for what.

Key job titles (and/or individuals) should be named and their responsibilities and accountabilities for health and safety clearly defined.

In larger organisations it may be useful to include a management structure diagram to enable employees to see:

How they fit into the system
What their own duties are
Who they should go to for advice
How to report an accident or hazard
Where to obtain first aid or personal protective equipment, etc.

The third section will detail the arrangements put in place to ensure the health and safety of employees, contractors and visitors or members of the public. These will include safe systems of work and safety rules relating to particular work activities, details of emergency procedures, arrangements for risk assessments, training programmes, procedures for accident reporting and first aid, and training and supervision necessary to ensure that the arrangements are always adopted and adhered to.

Employees and/or their representatives should be consulted about the content of individual safety rules and procedures. In this way it is more likely that the policy will be successfully implemented and adhered to.

It is important that people within your organisation are actively involved. Managers, safety advisers, supervisors, safety representatives and employees may all have something to contribute.

Bringing the Policy to the Notice of Employees

The employer has to ensure that the safety policy statement and any other relevant information are brought to the attention of each employee. This can be achieved by:

issuing a copy to each employee
posting copies of the policy on notice boards.

Whatever method is adopted, there must be suitable arrangements for issuing updates when necessary. It would also be advisable to obtain employees' signatures to indicate the receipt and understanding of the policy document.

Benefits

Apart from ensuring legal compliance, having a well-written safety policy, which has the backing of the senior management and is thoroughly put into practice, should lead to:

Better health and safety standards
Reductions in accidents and levels of risk
Improvements in co-operation and working practices
An overall improvement to the general efficiency of the company.

In addition to this, many companies require suppliers to provide copies of policy documents as one measure of establishing competence.

Key Action Steps

Does your statement express a commitment to health and safety and make clear your obligations to your employees?
Does it identify the persons responsible for ensuring that it is implemented and kept under review, and how this will be done?
Does the statement make clear that employee co-operation is vital to the success of the health and safety policy?
Is it signed and dated by the most senior partner or director?
Does it clearly show the allocation of health and safety duties and responsibilities at the different management levels?
Does the policy state who is responsible for:
- Reporting, investigating and recording accidents of all types.
- Fire precautions, fire drills, evacuation procedures.
- First aid.
- Health and safety inspections.
- Management and employee training programmes.
- Ensuring that statutory requirements are complied with. e.g. periodic testing and inspection of lifts and lifting equipment, and notification of reportable accidents to the appropriate health and safety inspector.
- Does it say how employees will be involved in health and safety matters e.g. by being consulted, by being involved in inspections, and by sitting on a safety committee?

A simple method of producing a safety policy for a small business can be found in the HSE document INDG259, An introduction to health and safety, which is available free from HSE Books.

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Calibration Test Record

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:33:19 +0000

Calibration Test Record

Insulation / Continuity	Make	RCD	Make
			Serial
	Serial	Earth Loop Impedance	Make
			Serial

Insulation / Continuity – For use with the calibration check box

Information: Min/Max is plus or minus 5%

RCD/Earth Loop Impedance – for use with dedicated test socket

Date

Continuity 0.5 ohms

Continuity 1 ohm

Continuity 2 ohms

Continuity 10 ohms

Insulation 0.5M ohm

Insulation 2M ohm

Insulation 10M ohm

Insulation 20M ohm

Insulation 50M ohm

Date of last calibration

RCD

x 1/2

RCD x 1

RCD x 5

Earth Loop Impedance

Prospective fault current

Min 0.475

Max 0.525

Min 1.95

Max 1.05

Min 1.9

Max 2.1

Man 9.5

Max 10.5

Min 0.475

Max 0.525

Min 1.9

Max 2.1

Min 9.5

Max 10.5

Min 19

Max 21

Min 47.5

Max 52.5

Known

value

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Terms and Conditions for Fault Finding

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:31:19 +0000

V.A.T. Electricals LTD

Terms and Conditions for Fault Finding

Customer :_____________________________________

Address: __________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Work to be done: __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Fault Finding is chargeable at an hourly rates stated below & starts at time of arrival.

You will be notified of any faults found & estimates of how long to repair & costs of materials ( if required ), or a price to repair the fault may be given and will be in addition to the fault finding

Time of arrival: ______________

Customer signature:

Date:__________

See rates sheet for prices

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Electrical Safety

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:29:24 +0000

INTRODUCTION

Electricity can kill. Each year about 1000 accidents at work involving electric shock

or burns are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Around 30 of

these are fatal. Most of these fatalities arise from contact with overhead or

underground power cables.

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.

This leaflet outlines basic measures to help you control the risks from your use of

electricity at work. More detailed guidance for particular industries or subjects is

listed on pages 6 – 8. If in doubt about safety matters or your legal responsibilities,

contact your local inspector of health and safety. The telephone number of your

local HSE office will be in the phone book under Health and Safety Executive. For

premises inspected by local authorities the contact point is likely to be the

environmental health department at your local council.

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, eg 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

Electrical Units of Measure

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:23:15 +0000

Electrical Units of Measure

The standard SI units used for the measurement of voltage, current and resistance are the Volt [V], Ampere [A] and Ohm [Ω] respectively. Sometimes in electrical or electronic circuits and systems it is necessary to use multiples or sub-multiples (fractions) of these standard units when the quantities being measured are very large or very small. The following table gives a list of some of the prefixes used in electrical formulas and component values Electrical Units of Measure.

Prefix	Symbol	Multiplier	Power of Ten
Voltage	V	1	10⁰
Current	I	1	10⁰
Resistance	Ω	1	10⁰
Capacitance	F	1	10⁰
Inductance	H	1	10⁰
Frequency	Hz	1	10⁰
Power	W	1	10⁰
impedance	Z	1	10⁰
Giga	G	1,000,000,000	10⁹
Mega	M	1,000,000	10⁶
kilo	k	1,000	10³
milli	m	1/1,000	10^-3
micro	µ	1/1,000,000	10^-6
nano	n	1/1,000,000,000	10^-9
pico	p	1/1,000,000,000,000	10^-12

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Electricity & The Electron

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:20:53 +0000

Electricity & The Electron

What is electricity?

Electricity is the flow of charge around a circuit carrying energy from the battery (or power supply) to components such as lamps and motors.

Electricity can flow only if there is a complete circuit from the battery through wires to components and back to the battery again.

The diagram shows a simple circuit of a battery, wires, a switch and a lamp. The switch works by breaking the circuit.

With the switch open the circuit is broken – so electricity cannot flow and the lamp is off.

With the switch closed the circuit is complete – allowing electricity to flow and the lamp is on. The electricity is carrying energy from the battery to the lamp.

We can see, hear or feel the effects of electricity flowing such as a lamp lighting, a bell ringing, or a motor turning – but we cannot see the electricity itself, so which way is it flowing?

Imaginary positive particles
moving in the direction of
the conventional current

Which way does electricity flow?

We say that electricity flows from the positive (+) terminal of a battery to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. We can imagine particles with positive electric charge flowing in this direction around the circuit, like the red dots in the diagram.

This flow of electric charge is called conventional current.

This direction of flow is used throughout electronics and it is the one you should remember and use to understand the operation of circuits.

However this is not the whole answer because the particles that move in fact have negative charge! And they flow in the opposite direction! Please read on…

The electron

When electricity was discovered scientists tried many experiments to find out which way the electricity was flowing around circuits, but in those early days they found it was impossible to find the direction of flow.

They knew there were two types of electric charge, positive (+) and negative (-), and they decided to say that electricity was a flow of positive charge from + to -. They knew this was a guess, but a decision had to be made! Everything known at that time could also be explained if electricity was negative charge flowing the other way, from – to +.

The electron was discovered in 1897 and it was found to have a negative charge. The guess made in the early days of electricity was wrong! Electricity in almost all conductors is really the flow of electrons (negative charge) from – to +.

By the time the electron was discovered the idea of electricity flowing from + to – (conventional current) was firmly established. Luckily it is not a problem to think of electricity in this way because positive charge flowing forwards is equivalent to negative charge flowing backwards.

To prevent confusion you should always use conventional current when trying to understand how circuits work, imagine positively charged particles flowing from + to -.

The post Electricity & The Electron appeared first on Team mccallum UK/ TMUK Safety Management.

Co-operation with contractors – Checklist

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:18:21 +0000

Co-operation with contractors – Checklist

Contract reference/number/title:
Contract Starts:	Ends:
Research centre liaison with contractor: Contract superintending officer:
Contractors liaison with Research Centre:
Research centre Safety Policy statement to contractor:		(date)
Following documents received from contractor: a. Safety Policy Statement (if applicable) b. Risk Assessment (may be completed as co-operative effort) c. Code(s) of practice (Both 5 and 6 should be completed before contract starts)		(date)
Contractor informed of: Fire alarm/emergency procedures Accident reporting procedure Local first-aid/medical facilities Any restriction on access Permit-to-work system Vehicle routes, parking arrangements Security arrangements		(date)
(A record of documents issued under heading 7 should be kept with the record file)		(date)
Assessment made or contractors assessment checked:
Inspections carried out:
Research centre staff informed:

Permission to work document

Staff requisitioning any maintenance work by external contractors have the responsibility to ensure:

a) That any contractors working on Site adhere to the Site Health and Safety policies.

b) That staff are informed in advance of any requirement to disrupt power or water supplies for the requisitioned work to be carried out.

c) That the equipment to be serviced is free from chemical, radiological or biological contamination which might present a Health and Safety hazard to the contractor.

1. To be filled in by staff requisitioning the work.

A representative of the contractor indicated below will be visiting the Site to carry out work within the building on the date indicated. The local contact should be informed by reception of their arrival and the representative asked to complete Part 2 of this form. Completed forms should be retained by the section requesting the work.

Company:

Brief job description:

Location of job:

Date of visit:

Duration of job:

Local contact name:

I confirm that the equipment to be serviced is free from chemical, radiological or biological contamination, which might present a health and safety hazard to the contractor.

Signature

Date:

2. To be read and signed by the visiting contractor’s representative

I have been told that:

a. a copy of the Sites Safety Policy Statement is held at reception.

I have received:

b. information concerning fire alarm, emergency and security procedures

c. the accident reporting procedure

d. a permit to work (if necessary)

I confirm:

a. that my company has a Safety Policy Statement

b. that risk assessments have been carried out for the job requested

c. that the work carried out will conform to identified risk management Procedures.

Name of contractor’s representative:

Signature:

Date:

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Guidance on Health & Safety, Waste Disposal and Pre-qualification for NAPIT Members

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:07:26 +0000

Guidance on Health & Safety, Waste Disposal and Pre-qualification for NAPIT Members

The following is guidance only and is not intended to be definitive. For further information please contact:-

You Council Environmental Dep’t for Waste and Environmental issues
The Health & Safety Executive – or your H & S staff/consultant
Constructionline – for pre-qualification
CHAS – For Registering as a Health & Safety aware business which supports the Constructionline pre-qualification process

Health & Safety practices:

NAPIT expects businesses to have relevant and appropriate Health and safety Policies. Checks will be undertaken that will not impose undue burdens on NAPIT or member firms or individuals. These will cover:

confirmation of appropriate employer’s and public liability cover, either as part of on-site inspections or annual membership renewal
checks on the existence of an active written health & safety policy where appropriate, or other simple checks as may be undertaken where appropriate

Many larger clients now expect contractors to have established and tested Health & Safety systems. Membership of a scheme such as CHAS (Construction Health & Safety) see www.chas.gov.uk for details. NAPIT is working with CHAS to establish a relationship that benefits Members by finding a cost effective and accessible route to registration and we will report any developments as and when possible.

Waste Disposal Practices

All businesses are expected to comply with the relevant Acts for the region e.g. Sections 33 and 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Businesses must:-

Prevent the unauthorized or harmful disposal of its waste
Prevent the unauthorized or harmful disposal of its waste by another person
On the transfer of waste to secure-
- That the transfer is only to an authorised person or to a person for authorised transport purposes; and
- that there is transferred such written description of the waste as will enable the other person to avoid the unauthotrized or harmful disposal of the waste, and to comply with their duty of carePlease assess your handling of waste using the following questions. NAPIT’s Inspectors may ask you these questions:-

Pre-Qualification

Additionally, there is a huge advantage for contractors who work for large clients if their CHAS registration is coupled with Constructionline registration. This is pre-qualification service that saves a huge amount of time and makes your details available to a large variety of client organisations which will only employ Constructionline/CHAS members. Again NAPIT has developed a good relationship with Constructionline and is working on behalf of Members in this area.

You should be registered with their Local Authority to transfer or transport waste and should demonstrate that waste is only taken to authorised sites – can you do so?

If you store waste you may be required to have a waste management license, have you checked and are you exempt?

What are your arrangements for ensuring that you comply with legal requirements and duty of care for waste storage and waste disposal?

What are your arrangements for ensuring that your sub-contractors comply with regulations and their duty of care?

NAPIT encourages re-cycling wherever this can be legally and reasonably achieved in a safe manner.

For further information about your particular needs your local Environmental Health Services at your Local authority will be able to offer expert advice.

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Safe Isolation Procedures

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:02:54 +0000

Guidance on Safe Isolation Procedures

Every year, people working on construction sites suffer electric shock and burn injuries some of which,

tragically, are fatal. Members should be aware that some of these accidents are a direct consequence of

electrical contractors not implementing safe isolation procedures. An example of one such fatal incident

that occurred recently in Scotland is provided in the box below.

An electrician working on a new-build construction project

installed the 3-phase and neutral distribution board shown in the

photograph. He energised the supply to the distribution board

before the circuits connected to it were complete, to provide a

supply to a socket outlet.

He was connecting the supply cables to a wall-mounted timer

unit, with the phase conductor connected to the circuit breaker at

the top left hand side of the busbar assembly. The circuit breaker

had not been securely isolated and was ON as he stripped the

insulation from the end of the cable. He touched the live copper

conductor of the cable and was electrocuted.

The distribution board was manufactured to a high standard of

safety. However, if he needed to energise the board before it was

complete, he should first have replaced the cover and switched

off and locked the circuit breakers supplying unfinished or

incomplete circuits. He should also have ensured that circuits

were not connected into circuit breakers until after they were

complete and had been tested.

This brochure has been produced in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and its

purpose is to provide practical guidance on low voltage safe isolation procedures during construction

projects and is aimed at preventing these types of incidents, and protecting employees and other workers

against serious or fatal electrical injuries. The guidance is particularly relevant to circumstances where work

is being carried out in the presence of other trades, and to sites where more than one electrician is employed,

although the principles will apply generally.

Terms and Conditions

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 sets out the general health and safety duties of employers,

employees and the self-employed. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which were made under the

Act, require precautions to be taken against the risk of death or personal injury from electricity in work

activities. Duties are placed on employers to ensure, among other things, that employees engaged in such

work activities on or near electrical equipment implement safe systems of work, have the technical

knowledge, training or experience to carry out the work safely, and are provided with suitable tools,

test equipment and personal protective equipment.

Employees are required to co-operate with their employer to enable the requirements of the Regulations to

be met; this includes complying with any instructions given on matters such as safe systems of work.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to make a suitable

and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety both of their employees and of other persons

arising out of, or in connection with, the conduct of their undertakings. Where five or more persons are

employed, the employer must record the significant findings of the risk assessments.

Terms and Conditions

Guidance on devising safe working practices for work on electrical equipment is provided in the Health

and Safety Executive (HSE) booklet entitled Electricity at Work – Safe Working Practices (HSG85).

It provides information on isolation procedures when working on both Low Voltage (LV) and High Voltage

(HV) systems. This brochure covers LV systems only; extra precautions need to be taken when working

with HV equipment and circuits, and reference should be made to the detailed guidance provided in

HSG85 and other publications.

To comply with Regulation 13 of the Electricity at Work Regulations, precautions need to be taken on

equipment that has been made dead. As explained in HSG85, this includes securing the means of

disconnection in the OFF position, putting a notice or label at the point of disconnection, and proving

dead at the point of work using proprietary voltage detectors.

To comply with Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations, dead working should be the normal

method of carrying out work on electrical equipment or circuits. Live working should only be carried out

in particular circumstances where it is unreasonable to work dead, such as some fault finding and testing,

where the risks are acceptable, and where suitable precautions can be taken against injury. The pressure to

carry out live work is becoming more common in areas such as construction sites, high-cost manufacturing

and in retail outlets operating twenty-four hours per day. The requirements of the Regulations still apply

in such situations and live working should only be carried out when justified using the criteria explained

in HSG85.

Terms and Conditions

It is essential from the outset that effective management and control of the system, apparatus and

equipment used on site is achieved and maintained, thereby ensuring that the hazards and risks which

can arise are minimised.

An authorised person should be appointed, with responsibility for the supervision of the installation of

switchgear, equipment, cables, jointing, etc. throughout the contract. The authorised person should also

have responsibility for the safe working practices of the operatives, as well the control of appointed

sub-contractors; sub-contractors must provide appropriate method statements and risk assessments for

their works.

The authorised person may delegate (in writing) his authority in total or for specific tasks and procedures

to competent persons having appropriate training and competence in the performance of these tasks and

procedures.

Once switch-rooms and risers are made available by the main contractor for the services installation to

proceed, and before installation of equipment commences, it should be ensured that suitable doors are

fitted to all switch-rooms and riser entrances and that heavy duty locks, or padlocks, and keys are provided.

Also ensure that access doors are locked when not working in these areas. Plant and materials should

not be stored in electrical switch-rooms or electrical risers.

Always try to avoid energising any outgoing electrical distribution services until the distribution switchgear

and all connected circuits are complete and have been inspected and tested. If live services are required

by others, distribution boards and circuits should only be energised following a written request from the

main contractor or agent and with the agreement of the authorised person for the installation. Once

distribution services are energised, where necessary implement the safe isolation procedures explained in

the rest of this brochure.

Before energising any final circuit (i.e. lighting, power, etc.) it should be checked that the wiring system

within the area has been completed and equipment, including luminaries and accessories, fitted. This check

should ensure that earthing arrangements and protective conductors including equipotential bonding are in

place, and that the final circuit is tested as far as possible.

If the service in question is energised for the testing and commissioning of equipment/system, it must be

switched OFF and locked upon completion of this work, unless stated otherwise on the written instruction

and agreed with the authorised person.

When live services are provided prior to final commissioning, warning signs should be displayed on

each item of live switchgear, plant and along cable routes that pass through the work areas in exposed

positions. This is particularly important where switchgear and cables are exposed to damage that may be

caused by other trades or the environmental conditions.

Persons or trades entering completed and energised areas, working under instructions from the main

contractor or client agent, must be made aware of the extent of the live services within the respective

areas by the electrical contractor, main contractor or client agent.

Terms and Conditions

For work on LV electrical equipment or circuits, it is important to ensure that the correct point of isolation

is identified, an appropriate means of isolation is used and the supply cannot inadvertently be reinstated

while the work is in progress. Caution notices should also be applied at the point(s) of isolation, and the

conductors must be proved to be dead at the point of work before they are touched.

A fundamental principle is that the point of isolation should be under the control of the person who is

carrying out the work on the isolated conductors.

The means of isolation can be an adjacent local isolation device such as a plug and socket,

switch-disconnector, circuit breaker, fuse etc, as appropriate, which is under the direct control of the

competent person carrying out the work. These devices can be used without further precautions provided

there is no foreseeable risk that the supply could be reinstated by others.

When there is no such local means of isolation or there is a risk of reinstatement of the supply as

above, the circuit or equipment to be worked on should be securely isolated by one of the following

methods.

Isolation using a main switch or distribution board (DB) switch-disconnector

Isolation of equipment or circuits using the main switch or DB switch-disconnector is the preferred

method. The point of isolation should be locked off using a unique key or combination retained by

the person carrying out the work. In the case of multiple isolations on a DB, a multi-lock hasp can be

used to prevent access to a main isolator until such time that all persons working on a system have

completed their work and removed their padlocks from the hasp.

If locking-off facilities are not provided on the relevant switch then a locked DB door or locked

switch-room door is acceptable provided the key or combination is unique, and is retained by the person

doing the work. Again, multi-lock hasps can be used to control multiple isolations, although a key box

or similar system may be needed to retain and control access to the main door key.

Where it is intended that more than one person will be working on circuits supplied from a DB,

(i.e. multiple isolations) and a multi-lock hasp cannot be used to secure the main point of isolation,

individual isolation of each circuit by one or more of the methods shown below is recommended,

to prevent inadvertent reinstatement of the supply. The principle is that each person carrying out

such work should have control of their own point(s) of isolation and not rely on others to prevent

inadvertent energisation.

Isolation of individual circuits

Where it is not practical to isolate a distribution board, individual circuits supplied from it can be isolated

by one of the methods described below, depending on the type of protective device used. However, bear

in mind the overriding advice to avoid energising any outgoing electrical distribution services, preferably

until the distribution switchgear and all connected circuits are complete and have been inspected and the

relevant tests carried out.

If any items required to carry out the procedures recommended below are not manufactured for the DB in

question or cannot be obtained through retail/trade outlets, it is acceptable to disconnect the circuit from

the DB as long as the disconnected tails are made safe by being coiled or insulated. Suitable labelling of the

disconnected conductors is important to prevent the supply being re-instated, particularly if other

electricians are present.

It should be remembered that work carried out inside a live DB is regarded as live working when there is

access to exposed live conductors. In this case the appropriate precautions should be taken as described in

HSG85 with respect to Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations.

i. Isolation of individual circuits protected by circuit breakers

Where circuit breakers are used the relevant device should be locked-off using an appropriate locking-off

clip with a padlock which can only be opened by a unique key or combination. The key or combination

should be retained by the person carrying out the work.

Note

Some DBs are manufactured with ‘Slider Switches’ to disconnect the circuit from the live side of the circuit

breaker. These devices should not be relied upon as the only means of isolation for circuits as the wrong

switch could easily be operated on completion of the work.

ii. Isolation of individual circuits protected by fuses

Where fuses are used, the simple removal of the fuse is an acceptable means of disconnection. Where

removal of the fuse exposes live terminals that can be touched, the incoming supply to the fuse will need to

be isolated. To prevent the fuse being replaced by others, the fuse should be retained by the person carrying

out the work, and a lockable fuse insert with a padlock should be fitted as above. A caution notice should

also be used to deter inadvertent replacement of a spare fuse. In addition, it is recommended that the

enclosure is locked to prevent access as stated above under ‘Isolation using a main switch or distribution

board (DB) switch-disconnector’.

Note

In TT systems, the incoming neutral conductor cannot reliably be regarded as being at earth potential.

This means that for TT supplies, a multi-pole switching device which disconnects the phase and neutral

conductors must be used as the means of isolation. For similar reasons, in IT systems all poles of the

supply must be disconnected. Single pole isolation in these circumstances is not acceptable.

Electrical Permits-to-Work

An electrical permit-to-work must be used for work on HV systems that have been made dead, and can

be useful in certain situations for LV work. These permits are primarily a statement that a circuit or item

of equipment is isolated and safe to work on. They must not be used for live working as this can cause

confusion. Details on the use of these permits, including an example form, are given in HSG85.

Terms and Conditions

In all instances where there is a foreseeable risk that the supply could be reinstated as above, an

appropriate “caution” notice should be placed at the point of isolation. For DBs with ‘multiple

isolations’ a single suitably worded notice on each DB, such as the example shown below, would suffice:

CAUTION: THIS DISTRIBUTION BOARD HAS A NUMBER OF CIRCUITS THAT ARE

SEPARATELY ISOLATED. CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN REINSTATING THE

SUPPLY TO AN INDIVIDUAL CIRCUIT THAT IT HAS BEEN CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED.

Following isolation of equipment or circuits and before starting work it should be proved that the parts

to be worked on and those nearby, are dead. It should never be assumed that equipment is dead because

a particular isolation device has been placed in the off position.

The procedure for proving dead should be by use of a proprietary test lamp or two pole voltage detector as

recommended in HSE Guidance Note GS38, Electrical test equipment for use by electricians. Non-contact

voltage indicators (voltage sticks) and multi-meters should not be used. The test instrument should be

proved to be working on a known live source or proprietary proving unit before and after use. All phases

of the supply and the neutral should be tested and proved dead.

Terms and Conditions

New installations

New installations can be a particular hazard as some of the circuits or equipment may require to be modified

after the installation has been energised. It is therefore important that every protective device is correctly

identified at each distribution board before any energising takes place, and safe isolation procedures, such as

locking-off circuit breakers as described above, are adopted, particularly where a number of electricians are

working on the same installation.

The practice of placing PVC insulating tape over a circuit breaker to prevent inadvertent switch-on is

not a safe means of isolation.

Neutral conductors

Care should be taken when working on neutral conductors of circuits. The practice of ‘borrowing’ neutrals,

i.e. making use of the neutral of one circuit for use on another circuit, is not permitted by BS 7671.

This dangerous practice, however, is not uncommon. Lighting and control circuits are the most common

examples where this practice is found. In these circumstances the neutral conductor can become live when

the conductor is disconnected, if a load is connected to that circuit.

It is also difficult to identify specific neutral conductors in ‘bunches’ of single core cables, e.g. where

enclosed in trunking or conduit, and care should be taken when severing such cables that the correct

conductor has been identified. If doubt exists, live working measures, such as the use of eye protection,

electricians insulating gloves, insulated tools etc, should be employed until the circuit has been proved dead.

Proving dead unused or unidentified cables

Where there is uncertainty regarding isolation when removing unidentified cables or proving dead an

‘unused’ cable, particularly where insufficient conductor is exposed to enable the use of test probes, those

conductors should be assumed to be live until positively proven to be dead and any work carried out on

them should employ live working practices until the conductors are proved dead.

Clamp meters can be used as a means of identifying cables by testing for current flow in the conductors.

Non-contact voltage indicators (voltage sticks) can also be useful in these situations to test for voltage

where cables without a metallic sheath are to be identified. However, once insulation is pared using live

working practices to reveal the underlying conductors, contact voltage detectors should be used as the

means of proving dead.

The employer must ensure that all employees involved in work on electrical equipment are competent and

are instructed on safe systems of work, have been issued with written rules and instructions, and have access

to, and use, appropriate locking-off devices, caution notices, a proprietary voltage detector and, where

appropriate for the type of voltage detector being used, a proving unit.

The post Safe Isolation Procedures appeared first on Team mccallum UK/ TMUK Safety Management.

Multimeters

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:58:05 +0000

Multimeters

Liquid-Crystal Display
(LCD)

Multimeters are very useful test instruments. By operating a multi-position switch on the meter they can be quickly and easily set to be a voltmeter, an ammeter or an ohmmeter. They have several settings (called 'ranges') for each type of meter and the choice of AC or DC. Some multimeters have additional features such as transistor testing and ranges for measuring capacitance and frequency.

Choosing a multimeter

The photographs below show modestly priced multimeters which are suitable for general electronics use, you should be able to buy meters like these for less than £15. A digital multimeter is the best choice for your first multimeter, even the cheapest will be suitable for testing simple projects.

If you are buying an analogue multimeter make sure it has a high sensitivity of 20k /V or greater on DC voltage ranges, anything less is not suitable for electronics. The sensitivity is normally marked in a corner of the scale, ignore the lower AC value (sensitivity on AC ranges is less important), the higher DC value is the critical one. Beware of cheap analogue multimeters sold for electrical work on cars because their sensitivity is likely to be too low.

Digital Multimeter
Photograph

Digital multimeters

All digital meters contain a battery to power the display so they use virtually no power from the circuit under test. This means that on their DC voltage ranges they have a very high resistance (usually called input impedance) of 1M or more, usually 10M , and they are very unlikely to affect the circuit under test.

Typical ranges for digital multimeters like the one illustrated:
(the values given are the maximum reading on each range)

DC Voltage: 200mV, 2000mV, 20V, 200V, 600V.
AC Voltage: 200V, 600V.
DC Current: 200µA, 2000µA, 20mA, 200mA, 10A*.
*The 10A range is usually unfused and connected via a special socket.
AC Current: None. (You are unlikely to need to measure this).
Resistance: 200 , 2000 , 20k , 200k , 2000k , Diode Test.

Digital meters have a special diode test setting because their resistance ranges cannot be used to test diodes and other semiconductors.

Analogue multimeters

Analogue meters take a little power from the circuit under test to operate their pointer. They must have a high sensitivity of at least 20k /V or they may upset the circuit under test and give an incorrect reading. See the section below on sensitivity for more details.

Batteries inside the meter provide power for the resistance ranges, they will last several years but you should avoid leaving the meter set to a resistance range in case the leads touch accidentally and run the battery flat.

Typical ranges for analogue multimeters like the one illustrated:
(the voltage and current values given are the maximum reading on each range)

DC Voltage: 0.5V, 2.5V, 10V, 50V, 250V, 1000V.
AC Voltage: 10V, 50V, 250V, 1000V.
DC Current: 50µA, 2.5mA, 25mA, 250mA.
A high current range is often missing from this type of meter.
AC Current: None. (You are unlikely to need to measure this).
Resistance: 20 , 200 , 2k , 20k , 200k .
These resistance values are in the middle of the scale for each range.

It is a good idea to leave an analogue multimeter set to a DC voltage range such as 10V when not in use. It is less likely to be damaged by careless use on this range, and there is a good chance that it will be the range you need to use next anyway!

Sensitivity of an analogue multimeter

Multimeters must have a high sensitivity of at least 20k /V otherwise their resistance on DC voltage ranges may be too low to avoid upsetting the circuit under test and giving an incorrect reading. To obtain valid readings the meter resistance should be at least 10 times the circuit resistance (take this to be the highest resistor value near where the meter is connected). You can increase the meter resistance by selecting a higher voltage range, but this may give a reading which is too small to read accurately!

On any DC voltage range:
Analogue Meter Resistance = Sensitivity × Max. reading of range
e.g. a meter with 20k /V sensitivity on its 10V range has a resistance of 20k /V × 10V = 200k .

By contrast, digital multimeters have a constant resistance of at least 1M (often 10M ) on all their DC voltage ranges. This is more than enough for almost all circuits.

Measuring voltage and current with a multimeter

Select a range with a maximum greater than you expect the reading to be.
Connect the meter, making sure the leads are the correct way round.
Digital meters can be safely connected in reverse, but an analogue meter may be damaged.
If the reading goes off the scale: immediately disconnect and select a higher range.

Multimeters are easily damaged by careless use so please take these precautions:

Always disconnect the multimeter before adjusting the range switch.
Always check the setting of the range switch before you connect to a circuit.
Never leave a multimeter set to a current range (except when actually taking a reading).
The greatest risk of damage is on the current ranges because the meter has a low resistance.

Measuring voltage at a point

When testing circuits you often need to find the voltages at various points, for example the voltage at pin 2 of a 555 timer IC. This can seem confusing – where should you connect the second multimeter lead?

Measuring voltage at a point.

Connect the black (negative -) lead to 0V, normally the negative terminal of the battery or power supply.
Connect the red (positive +) lead to the point you where you need to measure the voltage.
The black lead can be left permanently connected to 0V while you use the red lead as a probe to measure voltages at various points.
You may wish to fit a crocodile clip to the black lead of your multimeter to hold it in place while doing testing like this.

Voltage at a point really means the voltage difference between that point and 0V (zero volts) which is normally the negative terminal of the battery or power supply. Usually 0V will be labelled on the circuit diagram as a reminder.

Analogue Multimeter Scales
These can appear daunting at first but remember
that you only need to read one scale at a time!
The top scale is used when measuring resistance.

Reading analogue scales

Check the setting of the range switch and choose an appropriate scale. For some ranges you may need to multiply or divide by 10 or 100 as shown in the sample readings below. For AC voltage ranges use the red markings because the calibration of the scale is slightly different.

Sample readings on the scales shown:
DC 10V range: 4.4V (read 0-10 scale directly)
DC 50V range: 22V (read 0-50 scale directly)
DC 25mA range: 11mA (read 0-250 and divide by 10)
AC 10V range: 4.45V (use the red scale, reading 0-10)

If you are not familiar with reading analogue scales generally you may wish to see the analogue display section on the general meters page

Measuring resistance with a multimeter

To measure the resistance of a component it must not be connected in a circuit. If you try to measure resistance of components in a circuit you will obtain false readings (even if the supply is disconnected) and you may damage the multimeter.

The techniques used for each type of meter are very different so they are treated separately:

Measuring resistance with a DIGITAL multimeter

Set the meter to a resistance range greater than you expect the resistance to be.
Notice that the meter display shows "off the scale" (usually blank except for a 1 on the left). Don't worry, this is not a fault, it is correct – the resistance of air is very high!
Touch the meter probes together and check that the meter reads zero.
If it doesn't read zero, turn the switch to 'Set Zero' if your meter has this and try again.
Put the probes across the component.
Avoid touching more than one contact at a time or your resistance will upset the reading!

Measuring resistance with an ANALOGUE multimeter

The resistance scale on an analogue meter is normally at the top, it is an unusual scale because it reads backwards and is not linear (evenly spaced). This is unfortunate, but it is due to the way the meter works.

Set the meter to a suitable resistance range.
Choose a range so that the resistance you expect will be near the middle of the scale. For example: with the scale shown below and an expected resistance of about 50k choose the × 1k range.
Hold the meter probes together and adjust the control on the front of the meter which is usually labelled "0 ADJ" until the pointer reads zero (on the RIGHT remember!).
If you can't adjust it to read zero, the battery inside the meter needs replacing.
Put the probes across the component.
Avoid touching more than one contact at a time or your resistance will upset the reading!

Analogue Multimeter Scales
The resistance scale is at the top, note that it reads
backwards and is not linear (evenly spaced).

Reading analogue resistance scales

For resistance use the upper scale, noting that it reads backwards and is not linear (evenly spaced).

Check the setting of the range switch so that you know by how much to multiply the reading.

Sample readings on the scales shown:
× 10 range: 260
× 1k range: 26k

Testing a diode with a multimeter

The techniques used for each type of meter are very different so they are treated separately:

Diodes

a = anode
k = cathode

Testing a diode with a DIGITAL multimeter

Digital multimeters have a special setting for testing a diode, usually labelled with the diode symbol.
Connect the red (+) lead to the anode and the black (-) to the cathode. The diode should conduct and the meter will display a value (usually the voltage across the diode in mV, 1000mV = 1V).
Reverse the connections. The diode should NOT conduct this way so the meter will display "off the scale" (usually blank except for a 1 on the left).

Testing a diode with an ANALOGUE multimeter

Set the analogue multimeter to a low value resistance range such as × 10.
It is essential to note that the polarity of analogue multimeter leads is reversed on the resistance ranges, so the black lead is positive (+) and the red lead is negative (-)! This is unfortunate, but it is due to the way the meter works.
Connect the black (+) lead to anode and the red (-) to the cathode. The diode should conduct and the meter will display a low resistance (the exact value is not relevant).
Reverse the connections. The diode should NOT conduct this way so the meter will show infinite resistance (on the left of the scale).

Testing a transistor with a multimeter

Testing an NPN transistor

Set a digital multimeter to diode test and an analogue multimeter to a low resistance range such as × 10, as described above for testing a diode.

Test each pair of leads both ways (six tests in total):

The base-emitter (BE) junction should behave like a diode and conduct one way only.
The base-collector (BC) junction should behave like a diode and conduct one way only.
The collector-emitter (CE) should not conduct either way.

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OHMS LAW

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:52:01 +0000

OHMS LAW


The symbol font is used for some notation and formulae. If the Greek symbols for alpha beta delta do not appear here [ a b d ] the symbol font needs to be installed for correct display of notation and formulae.
E G I R P	voltage source conductance current resistance power	[volts, V] [siemens, S] [amps, A] [ohms, W] [watts]	V X Y Z	voltage drop reactance admittance impedance	[volts, V] [ohms, W] [siemens, S] [ohms, W]

Ohm's Law

When an applied voltage E causes a current I to flow through an impedance Z, the value of the impedance Z is equal to the voltage E divided by the current I.

Impedance = Voltage / Current

Z = E / I

Similarly, when a voltage E is applied across an impedance Z, the resulting current I through the impedance is equal to the voltage E divided by the impedance Z.

Current = Voltage / Impedance

I = E / Z

Similarly, when a current I is passed through an impedance Z, the resulting voltage drop V across the impedance is equal to the current I multiplied by the impedance Z.

Voltage = Current * Impedance

V = IZ

Alternatively, using admittance Y which is the reciprocal of impedance Z:

Voltage = Current / Admittance

V = I / Y

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Pat Testing: Legal Requirements

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:48:38 +0000

Pat Testing: Legal Requirements

The legislation of specific relevance to electrical maintenance is the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The Health & 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 Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 states:

"Every employer shall make suitable and sufficient assessment of:

(a) the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst at work, and
(b) the risks to ensure the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him or his undertaking."

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 states:

"Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair."

The PUWER 1998 covers most risks that can result from using work equipment. With respect to risks from electricity, compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 is likely to achieve compliance with the PUWER 1998.

PUWER 1998 only applies to work equipment used by workers at work. This includes all work equipment (fixed, transportable or portable) connected to a source of electrical energy. PUWER does not apply to fixed installations in a building. The electrical safety of these installations is dealt with only by the Electricity at Work Regulations.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 states:

"All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger."

"As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger."

"'System' means an electrical system in which all the electrical equipment is, or may be, electrically connected to a common source of electrical energy and includes such source and such equipment"

"'Electrical Equipment' includes anything used, intended to be used or installed for use, to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, measure or use electrical energy."

Scope of the legislation

It is clear that the combination of the HSW Act 1974, the PUWER 1998 and the EAW Regulations 1989 apply to all electrical equipment used in, or associated with, places of work. The scope extends from distribution systems down to the smallest piece of electrical equipment.

It is clear that there is a requirement to inspect and test all types of electrical equipment in all work situations.

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

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Resistors

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:44:50 +0000

Resistors

Example: Circuit symbol:

Function

Resistors restrict the flow of electric current, for example a resistor is placed in series with a light-emitting diode (LED) to limit the current passing through the LED.

Connecting and soldering

Resistors may be connected either way round. They are not damaged by heat when soldering.

The Resistor Colour Code
Colour	Number
Black	0
Brown	1
Red	2
Orange	3
Yellow	4
Green	5
Blue	6
Violet	7
Grey	8
White	9

Resistor values – the resistor colour code

Resistance is measured in ohms, the symbol for ohm is an omega .
1 is quite small so resistor values are often given in k and M .
1 k = 1000 1 M = 1000000 .

Resistor values are normally shown using coloured bands.
Each colour represents a number as shown in the table.

Most resistors have 4 bands:

The first band gives the first digit.
The second band gives the second digit.
The third band indicates the number of zeros.
The fourth band is used to shows the tolerance (precision) of the resistor, this may be ignored for almost all circuits but further

This resistor has red (2), violet (7), yellow (4 zeros) and gold bands.
So its value is 270000 = 270 k .
On circuit diagrams the is usually omitted and the value is written 270K.

Small value resistors (less than 10 ohm)

The standard colour code cannot show values of less than 10 . To show these small values two special colours are used for the third band: gold which means × 0.1 and silver which means × 0.01. The first and second bands represent the digits as normal.

For example:
red, violet, gold bands represent 27 × 0.1 = 2.7
green, blue, silver bands represent 56 × 0.01 = 0.56

Tolerance of resistors (fourth band of colour code)

The tolerance of a resistor is shown by the fourth band of the colour code. Tolerance is the precision of the resistor and it is given as a percentage. For example a 390 resistor with a tolerance of ±10% will have a value within 10% of 390 , between 390 – 39 = 351 and 390 + 39 = 429 (39 is 10% of 390).

A special colour code is used for the fourth band tolerance:
silver ±10%, gold ±5%, red ±2%, brown ±1%.
If no fourth band is shown the tolerance is ±20%.

Tolerance may be ignored for almost all circuits because precise resistor values are rarely required.

Resistor shorthand

Resistor values are often written on circuit diagrams using a code system which avoids using a decimal point because it is easy to miss the small dot. Instead the letters R, K and M are used in place of the decimal point. To read the code: replace the letter with a decimal point, then multiply the value by 1000 if the letter was K, or 1000000 if the letter was M. The letter R means multiply by 1.

For example:

560R means 560
2K7 means 2.7 k = 2700
39K means 39 k
1M0 means 1.0 M = 1000 k

Real resistor values (the E6 and E12 series)

You may have noticed that resistors are not available with every possible value, for example 22k and 47k are readily available, but 25k and 50k are not!

Why is this? Imagine that you decided to make resistors every 10 giving 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and so on. That seems fine, but what happens when you reach 1000? It would be pointless to make 1000, 1010, 1020, 1030 and so on because for these values 10 is a very small difference, too small to be noticeable in most circuits. In fact it would be difficult to make resistors sufficiently accurate.

To produce a sensible range of resistor values you need to increase the size of the 'step' as the value increases. The standard resistor values are based on this idea and they form a series which follows the same pattern for every multiple of ten.

The E6 series (6 values for each multiple of ten, for resistors with 20% tolerance)
10, 15, 22, 33, 47, 68, … then it continues 100, 150, 220, 330, 470, 680, 1000 etc.
Notice how the step size increases as the value increases. For this series the step (to the next value) is roughly half the value.

The E12 series (12 values for each multiple of ten, for resistors with 10% tolerance)
10, 12, 15, 18, 22, 27, 33, 39, 47, 56, 68, 82, … then it continues 100, 120, 150 etc.
Notice how this is the E6 series with an extra value in the gaps.

The E12 series is the one most frequently used for resistors. It allows you to choose a value within 10% of the precise value you need. This is sufficiently accurate for almost all projects and it is sensible because most resistors are only accurate to ±10% (called their 'tolerance'). For example a resistor marked 390 could vary by ±10% × 390 = ±39 , so it could be any value between 351 and 429 .

Resistors in Series and Parallel

For information on resistors connected in series and parallel please see the Resistance blog page,

Power Ratings of Resistors

Electrical energy is converted to heat when current flows through a resistor. Usually the effect is negligible, but if the resistance is low (or the voltage across the resistor high) a large current may pass making the resistor become noticeably warm. The resistor must be able to withstand the heating effect and resistors have power ratings to show this.

Power ratings of resistors are rarely quoted in parts lists because for most circuits the standard power ratings of 0.25W or 0.5W are suitable. For the rare cases where a higher power is required it should be clearly specified in the parts list, these will be circuits using low value resistors (less than about 300 ) or high voltages (more than 15V).

The power, P, developed in a resistor is given by:

P = I² × R
or
P = V² / R

where:

P = power developed in the resistor in watts (W)
I = current through the resistor in amps (A)
R = resistance of the resistor in ohms ( )
V = voltage across the resistor in volts (V)

Examples:

A 470 resistor with 10V across it, needs a power rating P = V²/R = 10²/470 = 0.21W.
In this case a standard 0.25W resistor would be suitable.
A 27 resistor with 10V across it, needs a power rating P = V²/R = 10²/27 = 3.7W.
A high power resistor with a rating of 5W would be suitable.

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Series and Parallel Connections

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:41:02 +0000

Series and Parallel Connections

Connecting Components

There are two ways of connecting components:

In series

so that each component has the same current.

The battery voltage is divided between the two lamps
Each lamp will have half the battery voltage if the lamps are identical.

In parallel

so that each component has the same voltage.

Both lamps have the full battery voltage across them.
The battery current is divided between the two lamps.

Most circuits contain a mixture of series and parallel connections

The terms series circuit and parallel circuit are sometimes used, but only the simplest of circuits are entirely one type or the other. It is better to refer to specific components and say they are connected in series or connected in parallel.

For example: the circuit on the right shows a resistor and LED connected in series (on the right) and two lamps connected in parallel (in the centre). The switch is connected in series with the two lamps.

Lamps in Series

If several lamps are connected in series they will all be switched on and off together by a switch connected anywhere in the circuit. The supply voltage is divided equally between the lamps (assuming they are all identical). If one lamp blows all the lamps will go out because the circuit is broken.

Christmas Tree Lights

The lamps on a Christmas tree are connected in series.

Normally you would expect all the lamps to go out if one blew, but Christmas tree lamps are special! They are designed to short circuit (conduct like a wire link) when they blow, so the circuit is not broken and the other lamps remain lit, making it easier to locate the faulty lamp. Sets also include one 'fuse' lamp which blows normally.

If there are 20 lamps and the mains electricity voltage is 240V, each lamp must be suitable for a 12V supply because the 240V is divided equally between the 20 lamps: 240V ÷ 20 = 12V.

WARNING! The Christmas tree lamps may seem safe because they use only 12V but they are connected to the mains supply which can be lethal. Always unplug from the mains before changing lamps. The voltage across the holder of a missing lamp is the full 240V of the mains supply! (Yes, it really is!)

Lamps in Parallel

If several lamps are connected in parallel each one has the full supply voltage across it. The lamps may be switched on and off independently by connecting a switch in series with each lamp as shown in the circuit diagram. This arrangement is used to control the lamps in buildings.

This type of circuit is often called a parallel circuit but you can see that it is not really so simple – the switches are in series with the lamps, and it is these switch and lamp pairs that are connected in parallel.

Switches in Series

If several on-off switches are connected in series they must all be closed (on) to complete the circuit.

The diagram shows a simple circuit with two switches connected in series to control a lamp.

Switch S1 AND Switch S2 must be closed to light the lamp.

Switches in Parallel

If several on-off switches are connected in parallel only one needs to be closed (on) to complete the circuit.

The diagram shows a simple circuit with two switches connected in parallel to control a lamp.

Switch S1 OR Switch S2 (or both of them) must be closed to light the lamp.

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SI Units

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:37:46 +0000

SI Units

The International System of Units (abbreviated SI from the French phrase, Système International d'Unités) is the most widely used system of units. It is the most common system for everyday commerce in the world.

Unlike the units used previously, SI units all use a base reference of 10, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the ‘Metric System’.

There are a variety of different SI Units used within the Electrical and Construction industries. The following is a list of the most frequently used:

SI Unit Quantities and symbol	Measured in and symbol

Current (I)	ampere (A)
Potential/Pressure (v)	volt (v)
Resistance (R)	Ohm (Ω)
Resistivity (ρ)	Ohms/metre (Ω /m)
Temperature (T)	Kelvin (ºK or K)
Mass (k)	Kilogram (kg)
Force (F)	Newton (N)
Magnetic flux (Φ)	Weber (Wb)
Magnetic flux density (B)	Tesla (T)
Period (T)	Seconds (s)
Frequency (f)	Hertz (Hz)
Power (P)	Watt (w)
Energy (E)	Joule (j)
Time (T)	Seconds (s)
Length (L)	Metres (m)
Area (A)	Metres squares (m²)
Weight	Newton (N)

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Standard Testing methods

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:35:52 +0000

Standard Testing methods

SCOPE

To verify as far as is reasonably practicable within the limits of this specification that the electrical

installation is in a safe condition and thereby complies with the fundamental requirements of BS

7671:2008, IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition and the Electricity at Work Regulations

(1989)/Electricity at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991.

PURPOSE OF PERIODIC INSPECTION AND TESTING

To provide, so far as is reasonably practicable for:

(i) The safety of persons and livestock against the effects of electric shock and burns

(ii) Protection against damage to property by fire and heat arising from an installation defect

(iii) Confirmation that the installation is not damaged or deteriorated so as to impair safety

(iv) The identification of installation defects and non-compliances with the requirements of the

Regulations which may give rise to danger.

TECHNICAL

Following careful scrutiny of the installation the inspection and testing will be carried out in

accordance with the recommendations of IEE Guidance Note 3. and BS7671.

VISUAL INSPECTION

To carry out a thorough visual inspection of the electrical installation where practicable with regard

to the following

(a) Safety

(b) Wear and tear

(d) Damage

(e) Excessive loading (overloading)

(f) Age

(g) External influences

(h) Suitability

TESTING

To supplement the visual inspection with such electrical testing as considered necessary for

Protection against;

(a) Electric shock.

(b) Electric burn.

(d) Electrical arcing or explosions initiated or caused by electricity.

METHOD

The inspecting engineer will work with the local users of the installation to ascertain the best times

to power down individual distribution boards during his scheduled time on site.

This disruptive element of the inspection will be for short periods of time at each distribution board. When accesses not available for a distribution board to be powered down, insulation resistance will be verified by testing some of the circuits within that board that will not disrupt the business.

When performing insulation resistance tests, the inspecting engineer will take care to ensure that

any sensitive electronic equipment is safely isolated prior to test. If this is not practicable then

these sensitive areas will not be subjected to this test.

Any limitations to the inspection will be highlighted to the contact daily and included in the report.

(The more limitations a report contains means the suitability of the report to ascertain the safety of

the installation for continued use is placed in question, we would request you allow the inspecting

engineer as much access as possible to perform the inspection)

REPORTING

A full periodic report based upon the model form in Appendix 6 of BS 7671 will be produced

including the following:-

i) Circuit details for 100% of circuits with results of all tests conducted.

ii) All defects categorised into NICEIC standard priority coding.

DEFECTS AND COMMENTS

The following fault reports detail all defects and non-compliances that were identified during the

Inspection and test.

Each defect has been identified with a priority from 1 to 4.

1: Requires urgent attention

2: Requires improvement

3: Further investigation

4: Does not comply with the current IEE Wiring Regulations. (This does not necessarily imply that

the electrical installation inspected is unsafe.)

EXTENT OF THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

COVERED BY THIS REPORT

Extent of the Electrical Installation Covered by this Report

Distribution Boards & Final Circuits

a) 100% of distribution boards have undergone a thorough visual inspection.

b) 100% of distribution boards have been tested for earth loop impedance and prospective short circuit current.

c) Approximately 10% of lighting circuits have been tested for insulation resistance.

d) Approximately 20% of power circuits have been tested for insulation resistance.

e) 10% of final ring circuits tested for insulation have had their conductors tested for continuity where it was practicable.

Lighting

a) A light fitting in each circuit tested for insulation resistance, has received a thorough internal inspection.

b) 100% of lighting circuits tested for insulation resistance have been given an earth loop impedance test at the furthest point in the circuit wherever it was possible.

c) An additional sample of 5% of all light fittings has been given an earth loop impedance test.

Mains Socket Outlets

a) 100% of sockets have received a thorough external inspection.

b) 100% of socket outlets have been tested for earth loop impedance and polarity.

Fixed Appliances (Not operated from control panels)

a) 100% of fixed appliances have received a thorough external inspection, whilst 10% have

been internally inspected, this included convector heaters fed from fused spurs.

b) 100% of fixed appliances have been tested for earth loop impedance.

c) 10% of fixed appliances have been tested for insulation resistance.

Fixed Appliances (Operated by control panels)

a) 100% of control panels have received a thorough internal inspection where it was possible.

b) Earth loop impedance tests were performed at each control panel, and at each appliance fed from that panel where it was possible.

c) A 10% sample of electrical terminations inside the control panels have been checked for tightness.

RCDs (Residual Current Devices)

100% of RCDs have been tested for tripping time at half rated, full rated, and five times rated tripping current, across positive and negative cycles.

Main Switchgear & Circuits

20% of all circuits (sub mains) from main switchgear to local distribution or dedicated plant has been inspected for the following:-

a) Insulation resistance.

b) Main switchgear has been internally inspected.

c) Cable sizes have been checked for current carrying capacity.

d) Circuit protection devices have been checked for discrimination.

e) Earth loop impedance & prospective short circuit current have been measured as close to the origin of the earth supply as possible.

General

100% of circuit wiring have where possible and relevant been visually inspected.

Technical Notes

a) Where earth loop impedance test results are above that specified in IEE Wiring Regulations,

CPC/50 volt drop calculations have been carried out where it was practicable.

b) 100% of fixed appliances/plant not subject to an insulation test, may have been given an earth loop impedance test using a different R1 (phase conductor) from that used to supply the appliance itself.

Limitations & Exclusions

Testing and inspection has been undertaken where it was reasonable and practical to do so, without dismantling the fabric of the building.

Areas and systems that were not considered are:-

a) Heating and ventilation equipment and controls.

b) Security, fire and door entry systems.

c) Refrigeration Equipment.

d) Any circuits incorporating solid state controls.

e) Point of Sale Equipment.

f) Inaccessible sockets for refrigeration.

g) Any circuits witch is above 3 meters when access equipment is not provided.

For any circuit that is outside the limits tests will be carried out at nearest points i.e. light switches /FCUs

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Transformers

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:32:13 +0000

Transformers

To better understand the following formulas review the rule of transposition in equations.
A multiplier may be removed from one side of an equation by making it a division on the other side, or a division may be removed from one side of an equation by making it a multiplier on the other side.

1. Voltage and Current: Primary (p) secondary (s)
Power(p) = power (s) or Ep x Ip = Es x Is

A.	Ep =	Es x Is Ip	B.	Ip =	Es x Is Ep

C.	Is =	Ep x Ip Es	D.	Es =	Ep x Ip Is

2. Voltage and Turns in Coil:
Voltage (p) x Turns (s) = Voltage (s) x Turns (p)
or Ep x Ts = Es x Ip

A.	Ep =	Es x Ip Ts	B.	Ts =	Es x Tp Ep

C.	Tp =	Ep x Ts Es	D.	Es =	Ep x Ts Tp

3. Amperes and Turns in Coil:
Amperes (p) x Turns (p) = Amperes (s) x Turns (s)
or Ip x Tp = Is x Ts

A.	Ip =	Is x Ts Tp	B.	Tp =	Is x Ts Ip

C.	Ts =	Ip x Tp Is	D.	Is =	Ip x Tp Ts

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Twin & earth cable

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:29:28 +0000

Twin & earth cable

In modern domestic properties in the UK, the main electric lighting circuits are separate from the power ring main circuit. Each house should ideally have at least two lighting circuits; each protected by a 5 amp fuse or 6 amp trip in the consumer unit. A single 5/6 amp circuit can cope with up to twelve 100 watt lamps, it is usual in a multi-storey house, to have at least one lighting circuit for each floor even if the number of lamps are less than 12 on each level.

Unlike the ring power circuit, the lighting circuit does not form a loop returning to the consumer unit. The consumer unit is normally connected to the first lamp, which in turn is connected to the second lamp and so on.

Two way lighting circuits are common throughout the home. The most popular place is between the hall and landing, other places where a two way switch might be used are bedrooms, where there is a switch by the door and another by the bed.

There are different ways to connect up two way lighting circuits, one way is to use a three core & earth cable between the two light switches.

The cable used is a 1sq mm PVC twin core and earth rated for up to 12 amps. It consists of a red insulated core for live, black insulated core for neutral with a bare earth conductor between them. The three conductors are laid side by side within a PVC sheath. When connecting the cable, the exposed earth connector must be covered with a sleeve coloured yellow and green (to denote that it's an earth).

The cores should be sleeved with the appropriate colour brown / red for live and black / blue for neutral.

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Voltage & Current

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:25:22 +0000

Voltage & Current

Voltage and Current are vital to understanding electronics, but they are quite hard to grasp because we can't see them directly.

Voltage is the Cause, Current is the Effect

Voltage attempts to make a current flow, and current will flow if the circuit is complete. Voltage is sometimes described as the 'push' or 'force' of the electricity, it isn't really a force but this may help you to imagine what is happening. It is possible to have voltage without current, but current cannot flow without voltage.


Voltage and Current The switch is closed making a complete circuit so current can flow.	Voltage but No Current The switch is open so the circuit is broken and current cannot flow.	No Voltage and No Current Without the cell there is no source of voltage so current cannot flow.

Voltage, V

Connecting a voltmeter in parallel

Voltage is a measure of the energy carried by the charge.
Strictly: voltage is the "energy per unit charge".
The proper name for voltage is potential difference or p.d. for short, but this term is rarely used in electronics.
Voltage is supplied by the battery (or power supply).
Voltage is used up in components, but not in wires.
We say voltage across a component.
Voltage is measured in volts, V.
Voltage is measured with a voltmeter, connected in parallel.
The symbol V is used for voltage in equations.

Voltage at a point and 0V (zero volts)

Voltage is a difference between two points, but in electronics we often refer to voltage at a point meaning the voltage difference between that point and a reference point of 0V (zero volts).

Zero volts could be any point in the circuit, but to be consistent it is normally the negative terminal of the battery or power supply. You will often see circuit diagrams labelled with 0V as a reminder.

You may find it helpful to think of voltage like height in geography. The reference point of zero height is the mean (average) sea level and all heights are measured from that point. The zero volts in an electronic circuit is like the mean sea level in geography.

Zero volts for circuits with a dual supply

Some circuits require a dual supply with three supply connections as shown in the diagram. For these circuits the zero volts reference point is the middle terminal between the two parts of the supply.

On complex circuit diagrams using a dual supply the earth symbol is often used to indicate a connection to 0V, this helps to reduce the number of wires drawn on the diagram.

The diagram shows a ±9V dual supply, the positive terminal is +9V, the negative terminal is -9V and the middle terminal is 0V.

Connecting an ammeter in series

Current, I

Current is the rate of flow of charge.
Current is not used up, what flows into a component must flow out.
We say current through a component.
Current is measured in amps (amperes), A.
Current is measured with an ammeter, connected in series.
To connect in series you must break the circuit and put the ammeter acoss the gap, as shown in the diagram.
The symbol I is used for current in equations.
Why is the letter I used for current? … please see FAQ.

1A (1 amp) is quite a large current for electronics, so mA (milliamps) are often used. m (milli) means "thousandth":

1mA = 0.001A, or 1000mA = 1A

The need to break the circuit to connect in series means that ammeters are difficult to use on soldered circuits. Most testing in electronics is done with voltmeters which can be easily connected without disturbing circuits.

Voltage and Current for components in Series

Voltages add up for components connected in series.
Currents are the same through all components connected in series.

In this circuit the 4V across the resistor and the 2V across the LED add up to the battery voltage: 2V + 4V = 6V.

The current through all parts (battery, resistor and LED) is 20mA.

Voltage and Current for components in Parallel

Voltages are the same across all components connected in parallel.
Currents add up for components connected in parallel.

In this circuit the battery, resistor and lamp all have 6V across them.

The 30mA current through the resistor and the 60mA current through the lamp add up to the 90mA current through the battery.

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Circuit & Wiring Diagrams.

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:22:41 +0000

Circuit & Wiring Diagrams.

Circuit diagrams are a means of graphically showing components & the interconnections required for the operation of a circuit. Their aim should be to show the operation of the circuit as clearly as possible. It should be noted that circuit diagrams do not necessarily show the best physical layout of the components or their connections.

A simple series circuit is shown below.

When drawing circuit diagrams in electrical engineering it is necessary to use symbols to denote the various components. In the UK we use the internationally agreed British Standard graphical symbols. These symbols have the advantage that anyone examining a diagram can recognise the symbols used without the need to refer to a new list of symbols each time a new drawing is encountered.

A selection of British Standard graphical symbols is shown in the following Table. A complete list of graphical symbols for electrical & electronic diagrams can be found in the British Standard, BS3939.

Symbol	Description	Symbol	Description
	Primary or Secondary cell		Battery
	Positive polarity		Negative polarity
	Fixed resistor, general		Fixed resistor, fixed tapings
	Variable resistor; general		Resistor with pre-set adjustment
	Potent-iometer		Heater
	Signal lamp, general symbol		Filament lamp
	Discharge lamp, general		Neon lamp
	Earth		Electric bell, general symbol
	Electric buzzer		Siren
	Speaker		Horn
	Fuse		Capacitor: general symbol

Symbol	Description	Symbol	Description
	Polarised capacitor, general		Polarised capacitor, electrolytic
	Variable capacitor		Winding general symbol
	Winging With core		Transformer
	Motor		Generator
	Voltmeter		Ammeter
	Ohmmeter		Wattmeter
	Galvan-ometer		Oscilloscope
	Time switch		Clock
	Switch, Normally Closed		Switch, Normally Open
	Direct current		Alternating current

Junction

Diode

Light Emitting Diode

Photodiode

Light Dependent Resistor

Transistor,

npn type

Transistor,

pnp type

The simple series circuit shown previously shows conductors as lines with the five components; switch, resistor, cell, fuse & filament lamp in series with each other. In order to construct more complicated circuits, the lines representing the conductors may have to branch out or even cross over each other.

A British Standard convention is used to avoid confusion as to whether the lines actual join, or only cross. The table below shows how conductors cross & meet at joints.

Symbol

Description

Symbol

Description

Conductors crossing

but not joined

Junction of

conductors

Double junction of conductors (a)

Double junction of conductors (b)

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Impedance & Reactance

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:20:25 +0000

Impedance & Reactance

Impedance

Impedance, Z =	V
	I

Resistance, R =	V
	I

V = voltage in volts (V)
I = current in amps (A)
Z = impedance in ohms ( )
R = resistance in ohms ( )

Impedance (symbol Z) is a measure of the overall opposition of a circuit to current, in other words: how much the circuit impedes the flow of current. It is like resistance, but it also takes into account the effects of capacitance and inductance. Impedance is measured in ohms, symbol .

Impedance is more complex than resistance because the effects of capacitance and inductance vary with the frequency of the current passing through the circuit and this means impedance varies with frequency! The effect of resistance is constant regardless of frequency.

The term 'impedance' is often used (quite correctly) for simple circuits which have no capacitance or inductance – for example to refer to their 'input impedance' or 'output impedance'. This can seem confusing if you are learning electronics, but for these simple circuits you can assume that it is just another word for resistance.

Four electrical quantities determine the impedance (Z) of a circuit:
resistance (R), capacitance (C), inductance (L) and frequency (f).

Impedance can be split into two parts:

Resistance R (the part which is constant regardless of frequency)
Reactance X (the part which varies with frequency due to capacitance and inductance)

For further details please see the section on Reactance below.

The capacitance and inductance cause a phase shift* between the current and voltage which means that the resistance and reactance cannot be simply added up to give impedance. Instead they must be added as vectors with reactance at right angles to resistance as shown in the diagram.

* Phase shift means that the current and voltage are out of step with each other. Think of charging a capacitor. When the voltage across the capacitor is zero, the current is at a maximum; when the capacitor has charged and the voltage is at a maximum, the current is at a minimum. The charging and discharging occur continually with AC and the current reaches its maximum shortly before the voltage reaches its maximum: so we say the current leads the voltage.

Reactance, X

Reactance (symbol X) is a measure of the opposition of capacitance and inductance to current. Reactance varies with the frequency of the electrical signal. Reactance is measured in ohms, symbol .

There are two types of reactance: capacitive reactance (Xc) and inductive reactance (X_L).

The total reactance (X) is the difference between the two: X = X_L - Xc

Capacitive reactance, Xc

Xc =	1	where:	Xc = reactance in ohms ( ) f = frequency in hertz (Hz) C = capacitance in farads (F)
	2 fC

Xc is large at low frequencies and small at high frequencies.
For steady DC which is zero frequency, Xc is infinite (total opposition),
hence the rule that capacitors pass AC but block DC.
For example: a 1µF capacitor has a reactance of 3.2k for a 50Hz signal,
but when the frequency is higher at 10kHz its reactance is only 16 .
Inductive reactance, X_L

X_L = 2 fL	where:	X_L = reactance in ohms ( ) f = frequency in hertz (Hz) L = inductance in henrys (H)

X_L is small at low frequencies and large at high frequencies.
For steady DC (frequency zero), X_L is zero (no opposition),
hence the rule that inductors pass DC but block high frequency AC.
For example: a 1mH inductor has a reactance of only 0.3 for a 50Hz signal,
but when the frequency is higher at 10kHz its reactance is 63 .

Input Impedance Z_IN

Input impedance (Z_IN) is the impedance 'seen' by anything connected to the input of a circuit or device (such as an amplifer). It is the combined effect of all the resistance, capacitance and inductance connected to the input inside the circuit or device.

It is normal to use the term 'input impedance' even for simple cases where there is only resistance and the term 'input resistance' could be used instead. In fact it is usually reasonable to assume that an input impedance is just resistance providing the input signal has a low frequency (less than 1kHz say).

The effects of capacitance and inductance vary with frequency, so if these are present the input impedance will vary with frequency. The effects of capacitance and inductance are generally most significant at high frequencies.

Usually input impedances should be high, at least ten times the output impedance of the circuit (or component) supplying a signal to the input. This ensures that the input will not 'overload' the source of the signal and reduce the strength (voltage) of the signal by a substantial amount.

Output Impedance Z_OUT

The equivalent circuit of any output

The output of any circuit or device is equivalent to an output impedance (Z_OUT) in series with a perfect voltage source (V_SOURCE). This is called the equivalent circuit and it repesents the combined effect of all the voltage sources, resistance, capacitance and inductance connected to the output inside the circuit or device. Note that V_SOURCE is usually not the same as the supply voltage Vs.

It is normal to use the term 'output impedance' even for simple cases where there is only resistance and the term 'output resistance' could be used instead. In fact it is usually reasonable to assume that an output impedance is just resistance providing the output signal has a low frequency (less than 1kHz say).

The effects of capacitance and inductance vary with frequency, so if these are present the output impedance will vary with frequency. The effects of capacitance and inductance are generally most significant at high frequencies.

Usually output impedances should be low, less than a tenth of the load impedance connected to the output. If an output impedance is too high it will be unable to supply a sufficiently strong signal to the load because most of the signal's voltage will be 'lost' inside the circuit driving current through the output impedance Z_OUT. The load could be a single component or the input impedance of another circuit.

The load can be a single component or
the input impedance of another circuit

Low output impedance, Z_OUT << Z_LOAD
Most of V_SOURCE appears across the load, very little voltage is 'lost' driving the output current through the output impedance. Usually this is the best arrangement.
Matched impedances, Z_OUT = Z_LOAD
Half of V_SOURCE appears across the load, the other half is 'lost' driving the output current through the output impedance. This arrangement is useful in some situations (such as an amplifier driving a loudspeaker) because it delivers maximum power to the load. Note that an equal amount of power is wasted driving the output current through Z_OUT, an efficiency of 50%.
High output impedance, Z_OUT >> Z_LOAD
Only a small portion of appears across the load, most is 'lost' driving the output current through the output impedance. This arrangement is unsatisfactory.

The output resistance of a voltage divider

Voltage divider

Equivalent circuit of a voltage divider

Voltage divider with an LDR

Voltage dividers are widely used in electronics, for example to connect an input transducer such as an LDR to a circuit input.

For successful use the output impedance of the voltage divider should be much smaller than the input impedance of the circuit it is connected to. Ideally the output impedance should be less than a tenth of the input impedance.

In the equivalent circuit of a voltage divider the output impedance is just a resistance and the term 'output resistance' could be used. R_OUT is equal to the two resistances (R1 and R2) connected in parallel:

Output impedance, R_OUT =	R1 × R2
	R1 + R2

The voltage source V_SOURCE in the equivalent circuit is the value of the output voltage Vo when there is nothing connected to the output (and therefore no output current). It is sometimes called the 'open circuit' voltage.

Voltage source, V_SOURCE =	Vs × R2
	R1 + R2

In most voltage dividers one of the resistors will be an input transducer such as an LDR. The transducer's resistance varies and this will make both V_SOURCE and R_OUT vary too. To check that R_OUT is sufficiently low you should work out its highest value which will occur when the transducer has its maximum resistance (this applies wherever the transducer is connected in the voltage divider).

For example: If R1 = 10k and R2 is an LDR with maximum resistance 1M , R_OUT = 10k × 1M / (10k + 1M) = 9.9k (say 10k ). This means it should be connected to a load or input resistance of at least 100k .

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Electric Shower Cable Sizes

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:15:59 +0000

Electric Shower Cable Sizes

Instantaneous Electric Shower

Electric Shower Cable Sizes

The electrical supply

Part P of the Building regulations applies any electrical installation must be carried out (or checked) by a suitably qualified electrician.

Generally a separate permanently connected supply must be taken from the Consumer Unit to the shower via a double pole switch. The protection at the Consumer Unit, the double pole switch and the interconnecting cable must all be adequate for the current drawn by the Shower Unit. The switch can be ceilings mounted pull cord type within the shower area or a wall mounted switch outside of the shower area.

Typical cable sizes and protection device for different sized showers are:

Maximum Shower Rating (kW)	Maximum load (A)	Recommended Minimum Cable Size (Twin core and earth mm²)	Maximum size of Protective Device (A)
6.0	26	6	32
6.5	29	6	32
7.0	31	6	32
7.5	33	10	40
8.0	35	10	40
8.5	37	10	40
9.0	39	10	40
9.5	42	10	45
10.0	44	10	45
10.5	46	16	50
11.0	48	16	50

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IP Classification Codes

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:57:21 +0000

IP Classification Codes Basis of IP Rating System International Standard IEC 60529 outlines an international classification system that describes the sealing characteristics of electrical equipment. The classification system defines the level of protection provided by enclosures to prevent the ingress of foreign objects and moisture into the electrical equipment. The classification system uses the “IP” code, or “Ingress Protection” code, to define the level of seal. The IP code uses a system of two numerical digits to define the level of both foreign object and moisture protection. Although the IP classification is primarily used for establishing the level of seal in electrical equipment, it is adapted herein for determining the level of seal in passive electrical components. Degrees of Protection (Foreign Bodies) – 1st Digit The first digit of the IP code indicates the degree of protection against solid foreign objects from entering the electrical device. The table below outlines the level of protection against foreign objects for each level. Degrees of Protection (Moisture) – 2nd Digit The second digit of the IP code indicates the degree of protection against the ingress of various forms of moisture (e.g. drip, spray, submersion, etc.) into the component. Tests to determine the level of protection are carried out with fresh water and do not take into account the use of solvents. IP Level 1st Digit Description of Protection Level 0 Not protected 1 Protected against solid foreign objects of 50 mm diameter and greater 2 Protected against solid foreign objects of 12,5 mm diameter and greater 3 Protected against solid foreign objects of 2,5 mm diameter and greater 4 Protected against solid foreign objects of 1,0 mm diameter and greater 5 Protected from the amount of dust that would interfere with normal operation 6 Dust tight IP Level 2nd Digit Description of Protection Level 0 Not protected 1 Protected against vertically falling water drops 2 Protected against vertically falling water drops when enclosure is tilted up to 15 ° 3 Protected against water sprayed at an angle up to 60 ° on either side of the vertical 4 Protected against water splashed against the component from any direction 5 Protected against water projected in jets from any direction 6 Protected against water projected in powerful jets from any direction 7 Protected against temporary immersion in water 8 Protected against continuous immersion in water, or as specified by the user

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Polarity

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:50:37 +0000

Polarity The object of the test is to ensure that all fuses, MCBs and switches are connected in the phase conductor only and that all socket outlets are correctly wired. The test is carried out with the supply disconnected using an ohmmeter as follows: 1 switch off the supply at the main switch 2 remove all lamps and unplug all equipment 3 fix a temporary link between phase and earth on the consumer’s side of the main switch as 4 test between the common terminal and earth at each switch connection 5 test between the live pin and earth at each socket outlet 6 remove the link when the test is completed. Relevant criteria tell us that a satisfactory test result would be a very low resistance value, approaching zero ohms for each test. When all the tests are completed and proved satisfactory, the supply may be switched on. Functional testing is then carried out to ensure the correct operation

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Insulation Resistance

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:47:26 +0000

The object of the test is to verify the “quality” of the insulation and that the insulation resistance has a very high value. The test is made at the consumer unit with the supply disconnected using an insulation resistance meter which supplies a voltage of 500 V. Pilot indicator lamps, discharge lighting and electronic equipment must be temporarily disconnected before this test begins to avoid false readings and possible damage to equipment as a result of the test voltage. Relevant criteria tells us that a satisfactory test result would be a minimum resistance value of 0.5MΩ but if values of less than 2MΩ are recorded then this might indicate a latent but not yet visible fault in the installation which would require further investigation. A new installation would typically have an insulation resistance value of infinity (symbol ).

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Continuity of Ring Final Circuit Conductors

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:44:26 +0000

Continuity of Ring Final Circuit Conductors This test is carried out with the supply disconnected using an ohmmeter and verifies the continuity of the phase neutral and protective conductors. It also verifies that the conductors are all connected in a … Continue reading →

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Continuity of Protective Conductors (CPCs)

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:35:31 +0000

Continuity of Protective Conductors (CPCs) The objective of the test is to ensure that every circuit protective conductor is correctly connected and has a very low resistance. The test is made with the supply disconnected from the consumer’s earthing terminal to the farthest point of each CPC using an ohmmeter continuity tester. The resistance of the long test lead is subtracted from the test readings to give the resistance value of the CPC. 240 Introduction to Electrical Installation Work Relevant criteria tell us that a satisfactory test result would be resistance values in the order of 1M Ω or less.

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Electrical Installation, Inspection and Testing

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:29:15 +0000

Electrical Installation, Inspection and Testing Having fixed everything securely and completed the electrical installation, it must be inspected and tested before being put into operation. The process of inspection is a visual thing. The installation must be carefully scrutinised before being tested to ensure that it is safe to be made electrically “alive”. The process of testing implies the use of instruments to obtain readings. The test results must be compared with “relevant criteria” to make sure that they are satisfactory (Regulation 713-01-01). The tests required by the Regulations BS:7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations, must be carried out in the order given below so that safety systems are tested first. If any test indicates a failure to comply, then that test and all preceding tests must be repeated after the fault has been rectified.

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MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE MEASURED EARTH FAULT LOOP IMPEDANCE

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:10:08 +0000

APPENDIX 2 — MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE MEASURED EARTH FAULT LOOP IMPEDANCE (The tables in this appendix are as Appendix 2 of the On-Site Guide.) The Tables provide maximum permissible measured earth fault loop impedances (Zs) for compliance with BS 7671 where conventional final circuits are used. The values are those that must not be exceeded in the tests described in Section 2.7.14 at a test ambient temperature of 10 °C to 20 °C. Table 2E provides correction factors for other ambient temperatures. When the cables to be used are to Table 5 and Table 6 of BS6004 or table 7 of BS7211, or are other thermoplastic (pvc) or Isf cables to these British Standards and if the cable loading is such that the maximum operating temperature is 70 οC, then Tables 2A, 2B and 2C give the maximum earth fault loop impedances for circuits with: (a) protective conductors of copper and having from 1 mm2 to 16 mm2 cross-sectional area, (b) where the overcurrent protective device is a fuse to BS 88-2.1, BS 88-6, BS 1361 or BS 3036. For each type of fuse, two tables are given: - where the circuit concerned feeds socket-outlets and the disconnection time for compliance with Regulation 413-02-09 is 0.4 s, and - where the circuit concerned feeds fixed equipment only and the disconnection time for compliance with Regulation 413-02-13 is 5 s. In each table the earth fault loop impedances given correspond to the appropriate disconnection time from a comparison of the time/current characteristic of the device concerned and the equation given in Regulation 543-01-03. The tabulated values apply only when the nominal voltage to Earth (Uo) is 230 V. Table 2D gives the maximum measured Zs for circuits protected by circuitbreakers to BS EN 60898, RCBOs to BS EN 61009 and circuit-breakers to BS 3871. Note: The impedances tabulated in this Appendix are maximum measured values at an assumed conductor temperature of 10 ° C. These values are lower than those in the tables in BS 7671, which are design figures at the conductor normal operating temperature.

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Electrical Certificates

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:00:04 +0000

Electrical Certificates Appendix 6 of BS 7671 allows the use of three forms for the initial certification of a new installation or for an alteration or addition to an existing installation as follows: multiple signature Electrical Installation Certificate single signature Electrical Installation Certificate Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. Examples of typical forms are given in Section 5. Multiple signature Electrical Installation Certificate The multiple signature certificate allows different persons to sign for design, construction, inspection and testing, and allows two signatories for design where there is mutual responsibility. Where designers are responsible for identifiably separate parts of an installation, separate forms would be appropriate. Single signature Electrical Installation Certificate Where design, construction, inspection and testing are the responsibility of one person a certificate with a single signature may replace the multiple signature form. (See the ‘short form’ of Section 5). Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate This certificate is to be used only for minor works that do not include the provision of a new circuit, such as an additional socket-outlet or lighting point to an existing circuit.

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Purpose of initial verification

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:55:45 +0000

Initial verification, in the context of Regulation 711-01-01, is intended to confirm that the installation complies with the designer’s intentions and has been constructed, inspected and tested in accordance with BS 7671. This Section makes recommendations for the initial inspection and testing of electrical installations. Chapter 71 of BS 7671 states the requirements for ‘INITIAL VERIFICATION’. As far as reasonably practicable, an inspection shall be carried out to verify: (i) all fixed equipment and material is of the correct type and complies with applicable British Standards or acceptable equivalents (ii) all parts of the fixed installation are correctly selected and erected (iii) no part of the fixed installation is visibly damaged or otherwise defective. Inspections Inspection is an important element of inspection and testing, and is described in Section 2.6 of this Guidance Note. Tests The tests are described in Section 2.7 and 3.10 of this Guidance Note. Results The results of inspection and tests are to be recorded as appropriate. The Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations (EAW) recommends records of all maintenance including test results be kept throughout the life of an installation – see guidance on EAW Regulation 4(2). This can enable the condition of equipment and the effectiveness of maintenance to be monitored. Relevant Criteria The relevant criteria are, for the most part, the requirements of the Regulations for the particular inspection or test. The criteria are given in Sections 2 and 3 of this Guidance Note. There will be some instances where the designer has specified requirements which are particular to the installation concerned. For example, the intended impedances may be different from those in BS 7671. In this case, the inspector should either ask for the design criteria or *CD GN3 Inspection & Testing, inc 16th Edition 2001 Amd No 1 12 forward the test results to the designer for verification with the intended design. In the absence of such data the inspector should apply the requirements set out in BS 7671. Verification The responsibility for comparing inspection and test results with relevant criteria, as required by Regulation 713-01-01, lies with the party responsible for inspecting and testing the installation. This party, which may be the person carrying out the inspection and testing, should sign the inspection and testing box of the Electrical Installation Certificate or the declaration box of the Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. If the person carrying out the inspection and testing has also been responsible for the design and construction of the installation, he (or she) must also sign the design and construction boxes of the Electrical Installation Certificate, or make use of the single signature Electrical Installation Certificate.

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Electrical Record keeping

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:52:29 +0000

Electrical Record keeping: Records of all checks, inspections and tests, including test results, should be kept throughout the working life of an electrical installation. This will enable deterioration to be identified. They can also be used as a management tool … Continue reading →

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Electrical Alterations and additions

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:50:35 +0000

Electrical Alterations and additions Every alteration or addition to an existing installation must comply with the Regulations and must not impair the safety of the existing installation. When inspecting and testing an alteration or addition to an electrical installation, the existing installation must be inspected and tested so far as is necessary to ensure the safety of the alteration or addition, including for example: protective conductor continuity earth fault loop impedance. Whilst there is no obligation to inspect and test any part of the existing installation that does not affect and is not affected by the alteration or addition, observed departures are required to be noted in the comments box of Electrical Installation Certificates (single signature or multiple signature) and Minor Works Certificates.

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Electrical Testing The client

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:49:11 +0000

Electrical Testing The client 1.3.1 Certificates and Reports Following initial verification of a new installation or changes to an existing installation, an Electrical Installation Certificate, together with a schedule of inspections and a schedule of test results, is required to be given to the person ordering the work. In this context “work” means the installation work not the work of carrying out the Inspection and Test. Likewise, following the periodic inspection and testing of an existing installation, a Periodic Inspection Report, together with a schedule of inspections and a schedule of test results, is required to be given to the person ordering the inspection. Sometimes the person ordering the work is not the user. It is necessary for the user (e.g. employer or householder) to have a copy of the inspection and test documentation. It is recommended that those providing documentation to the person ordering the work recommend that the forms be passed to the user including any purchaser of a domestic property. 1.3.2 Landlords and tenants A landlord is required to provide a tenant with an electrical installation in good condition and repair. The landlord should maintain the installation in a condition suitable for the use intended, and ensure that repairs are undertaken by a competent person. A tenant has a duty to ensure that those parts of the installation that are his or her responsibility are maintained in a safe condition, and to ensure that repairs are carried out only by a competent person

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Required competence Electrical Testing

adminmccallum — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:45:28 +0000

Required competence Electrical Testing The inspector carrying out the inspection and testing of any electrical installation must, as appropriate to his or her function, have a sound knowledge and experience relevant to the nature of the installation being inspected and tested, and to the technical standards. The inspector must also be fully versed in the inspection and testing procedures and employ suitable testing equipment during the inspection and testing process. It is the responsibility of the inspector: 1) to ensure no danger occurs to any person, livestock or damage to property 2) to compare the inspection and testing results with the design criteria 3) to take a view on the condition of the installation and advise on remedial works 4) in the event of a dangerous situation, to make an immediate recommendation to the client to isolate the defective part.

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Team mccallum UK/ TMUK Safety Management

KNOWSLEY CABLE FIRM FINED OVER SEVERE ELECTRIC SHOCK

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Notes to editors

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Notes to editors

ELECTRICAL TESTING FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES

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Darlington firm fined after contractor suffered severe burns following underground cable strike

Trucker’s narrow escape after striking overhead power line

Firms fined after Bristol man electrocuted

SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL TESTING AT WORK

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General guidance

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

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Case study

How to avoid similar accidents

What are the hazards?

What do I have to do?

Maintenance

When is someone competent to do electrical work?

Key points to remember

Overhead electric lines

Underground cables

Find out more

SUFFOLK FIRM FINED FOR ELECTRICAL HAZARD

Suffolk firm fined for electrical hazard

Notes to editors

HSE LAUNCHES SAFETY CLAMPDOWN ON NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CONSTRUCTION SITES

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Press enquiries

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Notes to editors

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONFERENCE

CIEH Health and Safety Conference – 4 March 2013 (15 Hatfields, London)

Balfour Beatty HSE

ECS Statistics

Statistics

Electrical Safety Council Core Data Set

Deaths, Injuries and Fires

1. Low voltage electrocutions and fatal electrical burns in GB from low voltage electricity supplies (2010 data) i

2. Electric shocksii:

3. Number of fires of electrical origin in GB in 2010/11 iii :

4. Major products involved in electrical fires in 2010/11iv:

RCD protection

5. Number of homes in UK without adequate RCD protection at the consumer unitv by number and percentage of houses.

6. Number of homes without adequate RCD protection at the consumer unit by regionvi:

7. Number of owner occupied homes without adequate RCD protection in the consumer unit by regionvii

Tenure and housing stock

9. House sales, England and Wales, 2006-07: 1,807,860xi

10. Average length of tenurexii mean (median) 2007-8:

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Electrical testing Legal requirements

Competence of Electrical testers

Electrical Testing Training

Electrical Testing Safe systems of work

Electrical Test equipment

Setting up safe electrical test areas

Managing electrical testing

Carrying out a risk assessment for Electrical Testing

What is the risk of injury Electrical Testing

Electrical injuries

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Gas fitter’s shoddy work threatened lives

NEWS FROM HSE

Balfour Beatty prosecuted for safety failings at Plymouth Life Centre

1. HSE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION INITIATIVE – AUTUMN 2012

New figures published for workplace ill health and injury

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Efficacy Under 1107/2009: A UK View of Current Developments and Experiences

Active substance approvals and re-registration requirements – October 2012

Wimbledon company fined for dangerous demolition site

Gillingham worker pays price for firm’s safety failings

HSE Chair responds to Telegraph article on primary school pupils’ risk assessments

West Yorkshire council in court after caretaker’s injury

First aid at work eBulletin

1. Low voltage electrocutions and fatal electrical burns in GB from low voltage electricity supplies (2010 data) ⁱ

2. Electric shocksⁱⁱ:

3. Number of fires of electrical origin in GB in 2010/11 ⁱⁱⁱ :

4. Major products involved in electrical fires in 2010/11^iv:

6. Number of homes without adequate RCD protection at the consumer unit by region^vi:

7. Number of owner occupied homes without adequate RCD protection in the consumer unit by region^vii

9. House sales, England and Wales, 2006-07: 1,807,860^xi

10. Average length of tenure^xii mean (median) 2007-8: