IS YOUR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION SAFE?
Fixed Wire Testing or Periodic Inspection and Testing is carried out to create a report on the condition of the electrical wiring of a property which outlines any defects it may have that may prove to be a safety hazard. All defects are categorised depending on the severity of each one.
Owners of buildings have a duty of care to users and although the wiring of buildings is an area that is often taken for granted, it can be a major cause of fire or injury through electric shocks
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 states that:
- All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger.
- All systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger.
- Every work activity shall be carried out in such a manner as not to give rise, so far as is reasonably practicable, to danger.
- 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 which it is provided
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that to comply with the regulations, an inspection and testing programme should be undertaken at all places of work.
Periodic inspection and testing is necessary as electrical installations deteriorate due to a number of factors such as damage, wear, tear, corrosion, excessive electrical loading, ageing and environmental influences.
The requirements for fixed installation testing are contained within the IET 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).
Depending upon the type of establishment, the frequency of inspection and testing will vary. However, all electrical installations require testing to meet the requirements of the IEE Wiring Regulations.