SAFETY IN ENGINEERING FEATURE
WHY HIGH VOLTAGE CONTRACTING IS PROBABLY THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE
Although at first glance high voltage electrical engineering can seem like a daunting sector in which to work, in truth, it can often be one of the safest areas for electrical engineers to operate. Dave Ogden, director at Smith Brothers, explains why
Although perhaps best known for its
work on high voltage engineering projects, Smith Brothers’ multi-faceted portfolio also covers low voltage distribution systems and complex turnkey projects – meaning the company is involved in the construction side of the project too. As a result, risk management is not as simple as ‘black and white’. Health and safety planning begins well
T
his year we’re celebrating 20 years in business at Smith Brothers. From
humble beginnings as a pair of small connection contractors working from the back of a van, founders Richard and John Smith have built a brand which now offers a range of services from LV up to 132,000 volts. Although the firm has had to move with the times and has faced some significant obstacles along the way, whether we’re working on a high or low voltage distribution system, a simple assignment or a complex turnkey project, one thing has always taken precedence above all else – health and safety. As with most areas of the construction
industry, health and safety is at the very top of internal priorities within the electrical engineering arena. The mitigation of risk is heavily audited and there are stringent rules and regulations in place to protect engineers, with a large percentage of project time spent on this alone.
before work commences on site and one of the core elements of ensuring projects are carried out safely is through the completion of risk assessments and method statements (RAMS). Regular RAMS ensure all necessary steps are taken – at each stage and in every aspect of the project – to protect those on the ground. By logically looking at how work is going to be carried out, each job can be properly planned and resourced. Once on site, people who regularly
work in construction will have noticed how heavily protected the electrical works are. The areas in which equipment is housed and upgrades or installations are being conducted are always securely locked, to ensure only trained personnel are granted access. Those admitted must hold a permit to work issued by the authorised party, be thoroughly briefed and have read, understood and signed the associated RAMS documentation and safe work instructions prior to entering.
Workers in the electrical sector need the right credentials too, and there are various industry-recognised certifications a company can hold. For instance, the Electrical Contractor Association (ECA) provides assessment and certification services for those working across all building services, whilst Lloyd’s Register operates a National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) on behalf of UK Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). At Smith Brothers, we’ve worked hard to uphold a series of industry standards and have an enviable health and safety record. As a registered UK company holding BS-ISO 9002, quality is always a high priority. All work is carried out under a risk assessment and method statement as required by law, and as part of our commitment to health, safety, and the environment, we hold OHAS 18001 and BS EN ISO 9001 certification too. All employees/contractors are given a
NERS passport which they must always carry on site, and every member of staff involved in the project should carry a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and/or Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card. Our team is also given continuous trade- specific training, which is rigorously monitored throughout. Smith Brothers hosts a weekly
‘toolbox talk’ session with workers to run through safety requirements in accordance with its RAMS. A typical meeting usually covers what is expected from them, often including topics such as personal protection equipment (PPE) and abrasive wheels. Regular equipment inspections and maintenance, thorough training of staff and the safety precautions taken before and during an assignment all help to minimise hazards. Therefore, the sheer number of regulations and processes in place within the electrical engineering industry probably makes it one of the safest areas of construction.
Smith Brothers
smithbrothersltd.co.uk
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | MAY 2019 21
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 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
