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It's important to know what these requirements are.
Unfortunately, I'm going to have to quote rules and regulations to you, with lots of numbers, but at least you'll know what to search for if you want more details! The national standard in the UK for Low Voltage systems is BS 7671 (Requirements for Electrical Installations).
BS 7671: 2001 (AMD No 2: 2004) concerns the safety of electrical wiring in buildings (dwellings, commercial, industrial or otherwise).
The latest (17th) edition of BS7671 was released in January 2008 and became effective for all installations designed after 1 July 2008.
One of the more significant changes is (chapter 41) that 30 mA RCDs will be required for socket outlets that are for use by ordinary persons and are intended for general use.
This improves the level of protection against electrical shock in the UK to a level comparable to that in other EU countries.
It may be obvious, but it should be pointed out that if someone has an accident at your place of work as a result of an electrical fault of some kind, your company could be liable if it hasn't followed BS7671:2008 (the 'Regs' as they are commonly known).
The Electricity At Work Regulations 1989 (regulation 4.
2) requires an electrical installation to be adequately maintained to ensure safety.
This can be achieved with a maintenance regime, a periodic inspection, or both.
Regulation 4 (2) of the Electricity at Work regulations (EAWR) 1989 requires: "As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger.
" It is clear that the combination of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Electricity At Work 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.
There is a requirement to inspect and test all types of electrical equipment in all work situations.
Portable appliance testing and fixed wire testing must be considered.
When did your business last carry out these checks? Have you arranged to have them done again in the future? Find yourself a commercial electrician soon, and be safe.
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