FIRE SAFETY Word on the WI Tim Beardsmore from electrical s


Compliance Services explains how re of electrical systems and equipment the bu


The impact that an industrial fire can have on a business is far reaching – with operations, profits and the company’s reputation all being adversely affected. Faulty mains powered and portable electrical equipment, excessive overloading, and deterioration of electrical installations can all present the risk of fire and explosion.


Fire risks occur because in many electrical faults there is a short circuit or loose connection. In these cases, the current flowing increases dramatically, which in turn causes overheating of wires and components in the device, and also in wires in the supply leading to the device.


The law places a number of legal duties on employers to regularly maintain any electrical equipment and ensure that “all reasonable and practicable steps to prevent danger from electrical systems” are taken to avoid injuries or deaths that may arise from electrical faults in the workplace. Without the correct certification not only is the employer putting their employees at risk but they are likely to experience disruption to business operations. In addition, in the event of an insurance claim an insurer is unlikely to cover costs resulting from an electrical fault.


The good news for the employer or facilities manager, however, is that control measures can be put in place to dramatically reduce the risk of fire due to electrical faults in the workplace. Detailed risk assessment that is documented is crucial as is regular maintenance. A qualified and competent electrician can help by delivering a formal programme of electrical testing and inspection. They can also advise on other specialist


10


aspects of control such as the use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and thermal imaging surveys (in addition to normal electrical condition reporting).


Overheating is one of the major factors causing electrical distribution equipment to fail and hot spots are common as airflow is prevented from reaching concealed areas within the enclosure. Hot spots can also be a result of loose and corroded wiring, component failure and unbalanced loads. Hot spots inside distribution equipment can be located only through advanced infrared imaging techniques. Thermal imaging, or thermography, is a cost-effective and valuable diagnostic testing tool that will highlight excessive loadings and phase imbalances where, if uncorrected, failure will occur and possibly result in fire from overheating. Instant fault diagnosis and early stage remedial action can lead to the avoidance of existing faults developing into more serious and costly problems. It is becoming more common for insurance companies to request a regular thermal imaging survey to identify and predict any deterioration in electrical systems and equipment in order to reduce the risk of fire.


Many commercial and industrial electrical systems have an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source or mains power fails. A UPS is often used to protect safety or business critical systems and equipment that require a constant supply of electrical power. Failure or fluctuations in this power supply can have significant impacts including the potential for harm to occupiers of the building, the loss of data and business interruption. The UPS is typically powered by a battery installation and facilities managers need to be aware of the risks of working with energised electrical equipment. Electrical hazards exist through the stored energy found in batteries, which can be released quickly


www.tomorrowshs.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18