Electrical work safety legislations are just important and the reason does not need much explanation. This category of legislations is thoroughly meant to prevent risks from any electrical system that may lead to injuries, damage to a property or possession and even fatalities and death, explains a registered and experienced electrician in London.
- As far as the aspect of safety is concerned electrical work safety legislations help prevent various risks like electrical fires and shocks that may lead to injuries and even death and fatalities.
- With respect to protection of property, these legislations help prevent fires that result from malfunctioning of any component of an electrical system.
- Enhanced productivity at any workplace is also greatly affected by these legislations. These legislations are also a reliable tool to maintain a productive work environment.
- An electrical accident may also lead to financial loss on account of medical expenses, compensation claims of workers and legal cost, etc.
Electrical work safety legislations help preventing a number of common hazards related to electrics including the following –
- Inadequate electrical system
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Overloaded extension cords
- Overloaded circuits
- Incorrectly done grounding
- Exposed electrical components or parts
- Improper usage of any electrical work equipment
In addition to the hazards mentioned above presence of water or source of it near an electrical source is also highly dangerous.
Now let us switch to some of popular electrical safety legislations that exist in the United Kingdom.
Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)
The Electricity at Work Regulations is applicable to every single aspect of the use of electricity within any workplace. These regulations impose responsibilities or duties on employees, employers and even the self employed to prevent danger.
Responsibility of duty holders
- They should get their electrical systems constructed in such a way that prevents danger.
- It is equally important to maintain an electrical system in proper way so as to prevent danger.
- In addition to the clauses above professionals experienced in providing quality electrical works in London suggest when the necessity arises it is important to carry out the proper work on these systems to keep danger at bay.
Certain electrical equipments could be used in hazardous environments. Such equipments must be constructed as well as protected to stop those from being dangerous. Hazardous environment with respect to the context above include the following –
- Extremities of weather
- Extremities of temperature and
- Various corrosive conditions
Working on or working with electrical equipments should only be permitted for those employees who possess suitable knowledge, training, experience or supervision. For more information on Electricity at Work Regulations you should follow the guidance provided by the HSE or Health and Safety Executive.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 advises one should report the following incidents to the authorities under any condition –
- An electrical short circuit that causes fire or explosion
- An electrical overload that results the same as above
- Plant or equipment that are coming in direct contact with overhead power lines
It is also important to report an injury sustained by any staff as a result of an electric shock or electrical burn which leads to unconsciousness, admittance to hospital or requiring resurrection.
Safety Signs and Signals Regulations 1996
By virtue of the Health and Safety Regulations (Safety Signs and Signals) responsibility is with employers, duty holders and others who are accountable for control of work sites and premises and offer guidance on correct signage and non verbal methods of communication.
Now that we have covered some of the most relevant electrical safety regulations existing in the UK, let us focus on DIY electrical works. As a matter of fact DIY electrical works are nothing less than a craze today. Almost everyone you meet is enthusiast about taking up electrical tasks at home DIY. YouTube videos and other sources of relevant information like Google seem to make people believe that electrical works are a child’s play and everyone can do it DIY without the intervention of a professional. Alas these works were really so easy, safe and uncomplicated!
Anyway, are you aware about the fact that only certain DIY electrical work is allowed in the UK? Let us explore this territory briefly across the sections below.
DIY electrical work that is allowed
A registered electrician in London explains electrical works that are required in residential premises can be broadly put into two categories – notifiable and non notifiable works.
Notifiable works are usually more complex and large scale jobs compared to non notifiable ones. Notifiable works also require a much higher level of knowledge and expertise and involve higher risks. Because of all these factors mentioned here, only professionals or fully qualified registered and certified electrician in London should handle any notifiable work. However a lot of people prefer to get such work done by individuals who are registered with the competent person scheme. Why? The reason is simple – thee registered professionals are capable self certifying regulation compliance.
When an installer is not registered on the competent person scheme then any notifiable work must be certified either by a registered third party certifier or a building control body. The local authority is the typical building control body in most places. They need to be notified before commencement of the work.
Examples of notifiable electrical work include the following –
- New circuit installation
- Changes to an existing circuit in a special location
- Replacement of a consumer unit or fuse box
The list of special locations and installations is as following –
- Rooms that contain showers or bathtubs
- Electrical heating system for floors
- Rooms that contain sauna heaters or swimming pools
Garden lighting and power installations are part of this category. In Wales, kitchen and outdoor installations are also included in this category.
Non notifiable electrical works
The majority of electrical work come under the non-notifiable category. Maintenance, replacement, additions, and alterations to existing installations. These works are usually carried out outside of designated special locations. Repairs and other types of work are also included.
Qualified and registered electricians working at the Electric Works London explain minor electrical works that meet the criteria above can be carried out by homeowners although it is definitely essential to comply with the regulations as well as follow the best practices at all times. Electricity is always potentially hazardous and therefore ensuring safety happens to be the topmost priority even without saying.
