WHEN UNDERTAKING periodic inspections, contractors are often refused permission to shut down parts of an installation to carry out the required tests; the contractor duly records a limitation on the Periodic Inspection Report.
The situation can go on for years and elements of an electrical installation are never assessed, which of course, does not comply with BS 7671 or the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; electrical installations must be tested and inspected at regular intervals.
The Standards and Compliance department here at the IET is often asked if there any additional inspection methods that can be employed to ensure the continuing reliability of critical systems.
The need for periodic inspections
Over time, electrical installations degrade due to a number of factors; loading, overheating, environment, mechanical damage, wear and tear, poor maintenance, etc. It is therefore important that any deficiencies in the installation are found and corrected as soon as possible.
The law
The law requires that electrical installations are maintained and kept in a safe condition. The following extract from the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Regulation 4, places a duty on employers to provide safe systems for their workers:
Regulation 4 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Systems, work activities and protective equipment
(1) All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger.
(2) As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger.
(4) Any equipment provided under these Regulations for the purpose of protecting persons at work on or near electrical equipment shall be suitable for the use for which it is provided, be maintained in a condition suitable for that use, and be properly used.
Competency
The law requires that the operation, maintenance and testing of electrical systems and equipment should be carried out only by those persons who are competent for the particular class of work. The use of people who are properly trained and competent to work on live equipment safely is a legal requirement.
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