ELECTRICAL SERVICES Electrical safety in commercial buildings
Electrical safety is crucial to prevent hazards, ensure compliance and maintain operational continuity. Steve Dunning, managing director at Martindale, looks at some straightforward ways to maintain electrical safety standards in commercial buildings
I
n a commercial property, electricity powers everything from the smallest task to the largest operation. Electricity is commonplace and everywhere. But this constant presence and immediate accessibility can make it easy to underestimate its potential. It is crucial to recognise that without proper maintenance, electrical systems can both fail to perform and become a significant hazard, threatening the safety of occupants and continuity of operations. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state that all employers must make sure their electrical systems are installed and maintained safely to protect the people and property in the workplace. Compromised electrical systems can lead to dangerous scenarios, including injuries, shocks and burns. In more severe instances, electrical issues can escalate into electrical fires, posing threats not only to the property but also to everyone within it.
Regular inspections
Problems may be quietly brewing within your electrical system, even if it appears to be functioning correctly. The vigilance of your workforce is essential in maintaining electrical safety. Individuals present on the premises should be trained to recognise and report any apparent signs of electrical malfunction such as flickering lights, cracked or discoloured outlets, sparks, buzzing sounds and the scent of burning materials. This proactive involvement helps in averting potential electrical incidents. Regular maintenance checks and detailed inspections by professional electricians are also crucial for catching these nascent issues early. Conducting an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at regular intervals will confirm that the electrical systems within a building are secure. It is recommended that business owners schedule an EICR at least once every five years. Such pre-emptive measures allow electricians to identify and address small problems before they escalate into significant safety hazards.
PAT testing
According to The Health and Safety Executive, 25% of reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances, so Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is very important. PAT testing must be conducted by individuals who are adequately trained, as the procedures for testing and inspection of electrical appliances are specific and detailed. The importance of attending training courses for portable appliance testing cannot be overstated; these courses are essential to grasp the complexities of the procedures involved. If an individual who lacks the necessary competence is tasked with PAT and an accident occurs, it could lead to serious liability issues for the employer.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that it is prudent to decide how often each piece of equipment should be inspected. This decision should be documented, inspections conducted as scheduled and the results recorded. The frequency of these inspections should be adjusted based on the quantity and severity of any faults discovered. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is best mastered through practical training provided by seasoned experts. Good courses will offer a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with the equipment. While some organisations may offer online tutorials or video-based training, these methods cannot replace the practical experience gained by physically handling the testing equipment. Most of these courses, typically lasting a day, allow participants to experiment with various levels of PAT testers, ranging from basic models to the most advanced computerized PAT testing machines. Martindale offers on-site PAT training for up to 10 people which includes an important hands-on session that gives delegates the opportunity to test different appliances under supervision.
Safe Isolation
Safe isolation procedures are critical when performing work on electrical systems, ensuring that those working on site are protected from the hazards associated with live electrical systems.
The isolation point must be secured with a unique key or combination, held by the individual performing the work or their designated representative, with a warning notice affixed to the isolation point. However, simply locking off the circuit is only a part of the complete safety protocol. Given that circuits can often be mislabelled, there’s no guarantee that the correct circuit has been isolated, so it is crucial to confirm that the circuit is definitely dead before any work commences. For accurate verification, a dedicated voltage indicator and a proving unit should be used, and all equipment must adhere to the BS EN61243 standards.
Further considerations
Several straightforward measures can also improve electrical safety in commercial buildings. Extension cord use is a good example. Commonly used due to their convenience, extension cords can pose significant risks,
36 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2024
such as electrical shocks and fires, particularly when overloaded. The practice of connecting one extension cord to another should be discontinued immediately. Instead of relying on extension leads, it’s advisable to have a professional electrician install a sufficient number of wall outlets. It is also considered best practice to switch off all appliances and fixtures, including lights, computers and machinery, when not in use, particularly before leaving for the day. Equipment and fixtures left on overnight are vulnerable to power surges, which can cause malfunctions and, in severe cases, lead to electrical fires. Considering that commercial properties are generally empty at night, it is safer to turn everything off. Additionally, investing in a robust fire alarm system with professional monitoring can significantly enhance safety by detecting early signs of a fire and preventing potential damage and harm to both lives and property.
Maintaining electrical safety in commercial
environments is not only a regulatory requirement but a critical practice that safeguards both people and property. By implementing regular inspections, engaging in preventative maintenance such as PAT testing and ensuring that all personnel are vigilant, businesses can maintain operational continuity and protect against the potentially devastating consequences of electrical failures.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54
