We recently completed electrical upgrades for our client’s warehouse in Northern Ireland. The work included upgraded distribution boards with surge and residual current device (RCD) protection. We provided extra power throughout, including for CCTV, access and intruder controls, an automated barrier and IT equipment. Improvements for the electric heating will help everyone stay warm this winter.
Enhancements to lighting will not only improve safety but also save money. These included energy saving sensor controlled lighting for the warehouse and office areas. Emergency lighting throughout will make sure everyone can find their way safely to exits while new external asymmetrical LED floodlighting will help to improve security and minimise accidents.
Last, but certainly not least, we completed full electrical inspection and testing. We provided a condition report (EICR), along with emergency lighting certification and PAT testing.
Electrical safety at work
Business owners are responsible for health and safety at work. Employers must make sure that work using or affected by electricity is safe. They must assess and minimise risks, as far as possible. This includes the design, construction and installation of workplace electrical systems.
It’s not just about electric shocks, although this is important. The rules also help to prevent deaths or injuries due to electricity in the workplace. This includes electric arcing and fires, or explosions started or caused by electricity.
As an employer or self-employed person, you must think about safe use of electrical equipment. You must take account of how you will provide protection to minimise danger. Employees must cooperate with their employers and do everything possible to meet electrical safety requirements.
What should you know about the Electricity at Work Regulations?
Here are some of the things you should know about the Regulations:
Preventing danger. To prevent danger, you’re responsible for the proper installation, maintenance and operation of your electrical systems. If your risk assessment identifies the need for protective equipment, you must provide and maintain it.
Capacity. Use of electrical equipment, including faulty equipment, should always remain within its capacity.
Environment. You must provide protection for your electrical equipment and take account of where people use it. This includes the risk of mechanical damage, weather exposure, temperature and pressure changes. You may also need to take account of wet, dirty, dusty or corrosive conditions.
Protection. You’re required to provide insulation and protection for conductors in electrical systems. This may include precautions to place them out of reach or to display warning notices, for example.
Earthing. If conductors could become charged during use or due to a fault you must provide suitable protection or earthing. This could include, for example, double insulation, voltage control and separated or isolated systems.
Connections. All joints and connections in your installation must be mechanically and electrically suitable.
Excess current. You must provide efficient protection from potentially dangerous excess electrical current.
Isolation. It must be possible to switch off the electricity supply to any piece of equipment if there is electrical danger. This can include manual switches, circuit breakers or stop buttons.
Space, access and lighting. There must be enough space, suitable access and lighting around electrical equipment.
Competence. Only fully trained or supervised people should work on electrical systems.
If you would like some advice about how the Regulations apply to your warehouse or to arrange inspection and testing, please get in touch.
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