Electrical faults can lead to fires, which can cause casualties or even deaths at work. In the UK there are about 12,500 electrical fires every year. Even if no one is hurt in a fire, the cost to the business of disruption, fire damage and expensive insurance claims can put many organisations out of business. If you don’t comply with the legislation your insurance company will not cover the cost of any claims.
The aim of the Health and Safety legislation is to avoid damaging electrical fires in the first place by imposing duties on employers, directors and managers to prevent dangerous working conditions because of poorly maintained electrical systems and keep risks to a minimum. Many incidents can be avoided if adequate and regular electrical inspections are carried out by a qualified electrician. After an inspection has been completed, the electrician will provide the business with a written Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR which list any required or recommended actions or maintenance plans so that you know your organisation is fully safe and compliant with the legislation. The recommended frequency of the inspection varies according to the workplace, but industrial units should have one every 3 years with offices, shops, schools, labs and other commercial premises needing one every 5 years. If you are moving into new premises or refurbishing a property, then you’ll need to organise an inspection and have a written EICR.
It’s important to keep full records of inspections and any maintenance work carried out as a result of your inspection. The report will tell you if anything requires immediate attention in the next 30 days along with any recommended improvements to give you greater safety at work.
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, you’re responsible for making sure electrical systems are properly installed and maintained if you are a manager, a director, a landlord, owner or guardian of any commercial, industrial or educational building.
You can trust the experts at Black Pear Electrical to carry out an inspection quickly, efficiently and professionally. Following an EICR at Aspire Academy in Worcester, the director of operations said “Black Pear Electrical completed all the fixed wire testing and provided the Academy with a full written report. The report was very clear and understandable; including a comprehensive spreadsheet breakdown detailing any remedial works required, categorised by urgency. When the occasion arises again to undertake price comparisons for electrical works, or in an emergency, we will have no hesitation than to approach Black Pear”.
If you have questions about having an EICR done, or wish to book an electrical inspection, call us on 01905 700 490 or email info@blackpearelectrical.co.uk .
