News
ESC brings app to Android devices
The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) has
launched an Android version of its Safe Isolation application, building on the success of its original Apple- only app. Regulation 14 of
the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires the supply to be eff ectively isolated while work is carried out on or near electrical equipment (other than in certain specifi c
circumstances), and that suitable safety precautions are taken. Safe isolation is crucial in avoiding serious injury - and even death - from electric shock. To help address this issue,
the ESC created a free app based on its Best Practice Guide No 2 (Guidance on the management of electrical safety and safe isolation procedures for low voltage isolation), delivered in a concise format. Designed to be as easy-to-use as possible, the app off ers a step-by-step approach to achieving safe isolation, using clear illustrations and simple instructions. The ESC Safe Isolation app can either be downloaded from the ESC website at
ww.esc.org.uk, directly from your smartphone, or obtained from Google Play or via Apple’s App Store.
MK Electric onboard for Coldest Journey
MK Electric has helped in the development of a South African research ship that is due to cross Antarctica this winter, with Sir Ranulph Fiennes at the helm. The ice-strengthened ship, SA Agulhas, will leave
London on 6 December, bound for the fi rst ever trans- Antarctic winter expedition – dubbed The Coldest Journey. It contains wiring devices from MK Electric’s Logic Plus range – which are made from a high grade thermoset material with an inherent antimicrobial property – as well as the Sentry range of circuit protection consumer units and Prestige 3D cable management. The Coldest Journey will also attempt to raise
$10m for Seeing is Believing, a global charitable initiative to fi ght avoidable blindness. Jason Ng, marketing communications specialist for MK Electric, commented: ‘We are hugely excited to be a sponsor for a project that is not only scientifi cally groundbreaking, but also raising awareness and support for such a worthwhile cause.’
10 ECA Today November 2012 ECA DIRECT HITS THE STREETS
The ECA Shop has gone from success to success over the last few years, and now has launched the ECA Direct catalogue to complement its online presence and to try to help busy contractors become aware of the products and services available from the ECA. The 65-page, full-colour catalogue was
sent out to more than 10,250 companies in November, including both ECA and ELECSA registered contractors. The catalogue is split into 11 colour-coded sections to enable the busy contractor to fi nd exactly the product they are looking for quickly and easily. The sections include software for
certifi cate generation; design and project estimation; certifi cate pads ,labels, books, tools; isolation and lock off equipment; test and measurement; work wear; and
ruggedised mobile phones. Its primary aim is to off er some of the industry’s Leading quality brands, at exceptional prices. Neil Hayden, the ECA’s commercial manager said: ‘We understand how busy contractors are in these uncertain times, and scouring the internet for deals takes time, and some low cost products look great on the screen, but are often poor quality when viewed in real life. At the ECA, we have taken time to research and test for the best quality and value products, by dealing direct with the actual manufacturers we have cut out the middle- man and leveraged the volume of our membership to drive down the prices.’ If you would like to receive another copy
of the ECA Direct catalogue, or for more information, call 0333 321 8225.
Reshuffle offers potential
The ECA has welcomed the recent
appointment of several new ministers to key government positions, which have the potential to positively impact the electrical and wider construction industry in both the short- and long-term. The appointment of
Mark Prisk as housing minister is particularly welcome, given his previous portfolio as construction minister. Steve Bratt, ECA Group CEO, said: ‘Prisk’s background in construction should mean he will understand the
issues aff ecting our sector. We trust he will introduce measures to get housing projects off the ground and incentivise new building. News that the government is launching a £10bn housing package, unlocking 75,000 stalled homes under construction, is very positive. And we hope it is the shape of things to come.’ Commenting on the
move of John Hayes to energy minister, Bratt said: ‘We hope he will value the role of businesses installing small scale renewables. We look to him to support SMEs by encouraging the adoption of these carbon cutting technologies, which will create vital work opportunities.’ The ECA hopes that
Housing minister Mark Prisk
Matthew Hancock, Hayes’ replacement as skills minister, will support quality industry training. Bratt stated: ‘We understand that he will seek to ensure greater value for money from the skills budget. We support this focus. However, this
must not aff ect funding for courses that deliver the qualifi cations that industry wants. These will ensure we have the top talent to work for years to come and give young people a real chance to build a lifelong career.’ The ECA also anticipates
that the new minister responsible for Building Regulations, Don Foster, will continue to build on the legacy left by his predecessor, Andrew Stunell. Bratt concluded: ‘Stunell showed leadership on linking Building Regulations compliance with carbon reduction. We hope Foster will continue this push, and work with industry bodies like the ECA. These representatives could partner with local authorities to help encourage and ensure that the Building Regulations are properly adhered to. We hope that the new minister will also see merit in our idea to make it mandatory for electrical contracting fi rms to register under a Part P certifi cation scheme.’
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