switched on issue 10
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Electrical safety poster designcompetition 2008
Issue10 | Autumn 2008
2 SwitchedOn
Welcome to the tenth edition ofSwitched On.
As a national charity, we’ve been working
hard to make sure we aren’t perceived as
being ‘London-centric’ and, to this end, we’ve
undertaken activities across the UK to ensure
that we raise awareness of electrical safety as
widely as possible.
To further support our efforts to raise
awareness of electrical safety, I would like to
welcome Tony Maskens who we recently
recruited as the Campaign Manager for
Scotland and Northern Ireland. Tony is based
at the Walled Garden, the headquarters for
Select, the Scottish electrical trade
association. He will be working hard to
develop our initiatives for Scotland and
Northern Ireland over the coming months.
As a charity it is also important that
information we provide is accessible to all
sections of the community and that we
recognise the needs of people with
disabilities. We have recently updated our
website so that it is ‘W3c compliant’, which
ensures people with visual impairments can
use the site. You may have noticed that we
have also catered for people whose first
language may not be English, and we know
from feedback that this has been received
very positively by some of those who have
visited our web pages.
Our efforts to make our information
accessible continue, and our recently-
released DVD which focuses on electrical
hazards around the home includes sub-titles
and sign language. If you feel that there is
more that we could do, please let me know
and we will look to implement the changes
suggested.
We continue to seek to influence politicians
and, as an apolitical organisation, we will be
attending all three main party conferences
this autumn. By attending, it gives us the
opportunity to influence senior party
members thus ensuring that important
messages relating to electrical safety are
delivered to those that can help to effect real
change.
We have developed plans to offer testing of
electric blankets this autumn. This initiative
has become all the more important as, with
the ever rising cost of energy, more people,
particularly the elderly and low paid, will be
facing fuel poverty. There will therefore be a
greater reliance on low cost sources of
heating such as electric blankets, and there is
a risk that very ancient ones will be dug out
of attics which may present shock and fire
hazards to the users. This is something we are
anxious to avoid, so we will be covering the
whole of the UK to try to reduce any risks.
By the time you read this issue, we will have
held our first international product safety
conference in London. Attracting delegates
from across the world, over 150 people are
expected to have been in attendance over
the two days.
The conference covered a range of important
topics relating to product safety including
the importance of market surveillance,
regulation, anti-counterfeiting measures, and
protecting vulnerable consumers. Delegates
included representatives from government,
trading standards and trade organisations,
and the key objective of informing our
agenda for future campaigns was
successfully achieved. Due to the success of
the conference it is anticipated that this will
become an annual event in our calendar.
On a final note, please enjoy reading the
magazine. As always, we would welcome
your feedback on its content – email
switchedon@esc.org.uk
WELCOME
We are pleased to report
that our stand at the
Trading Standards Conference &
Exhibition held in Bournemouth
in June was very well received
by Trading Standards
professionals.
We had a large number of
visitors to the stand who were
interested in many aspects of
our work including product
safety initiatives, our product
safety conference in September,
the ‘How to Find an Electrician’
function on our website, our
range of consumer leaflets, the
home safety DVD, and the
interactive game.
We were also delighted to be
awarded the prize for ‘Best non-
local Government Exhibitor’ for
our eye-catching stand design.
TRADING STANDARDS CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION
Photos: © Rowan White Photographic
SwitchedOn 3
Electrical Safety Council television adverts see page 5
industry news
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features
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Published by:
The Electrical Safety Council
18 Buckingham Gate London, SW1E 6LB
www.esc.org.uk
www.switchedonkids.org.uk
Tel: 0870 040 0561 Fax: 0870 040 0560
email: enquiries@esc.org.uk
issue 10 Autumn ‘08
switchedon
your insight into the electricalsafety industry
Electrical safety posterdesign competitionTrading Standards Conference
& ExhibitionAlso, Welcome
News in briefAlso, Anglesey landlords’ forum, Events
TV advertising
Also, Website update
Which training course shouldI attend (Part 2)?
Why do earthing and bonding needto be checked?
Feasibility of establishing a UK-wideinjury database
Council’s Technical Manualupdated to 17th Edition
Guidance for consumers whenordering electrical workAlso, You are more at risk than you
think: Asbestos - the hidden killer
Scottish Government consults on‘Trusted Trader’ schemeAlso, TrustMark to launch into
Scotland
Family saved by fire alarm
Trading Standards survey findsdangerous electrical goodsAlso, The dangers of domestic
appliances
Concerns raised over the safety ofextension leads in Europe Also, New electrical installation skills
competition launched
Electric shock – what should I do?
Electric blanket safety campaignAlso, Roll of Approved Contractors
rises to 15,000
Best Practice GuidesAlso, Energy Performance Certificates
Electrical quiz – what’s yourcurrent level of knowledge?Also, Electrical Safety Council
Roadshow
4 SwitchedOn
Corrigendum to BS 7671: 2008
At the end of June, just before
BS 7671: 2008 came into full effect, the Joint
IET/BSI Committee JPEL64, which is
responsible for the technical content of
BS 7671, issued a four page corrigendum
containing a number of corrections to the
published version of the revised, ‘17th
Edition’, standard.
Amongst other things, including the deletion
of both references to 2I∆n (which had been
causing confusion in respect of testing
requirements in some quarters) and the
correction of a number of references, the
corrigendum contains two pages which
replace those in Appendix 15. This is the
appendix that gives guidance on the
standard arrangements for ring and radial
final circuits.
Users of BS 7671: 2008 are advised to
acquaint themselves with the content of the
corrigendum as soon as possible if they have
not already done so. The corrigendum can be
downloaded as a PDF document free of
charge from the IET website by visiting
www.theiet.org/publishing/wiring-regulations/updates/
A new regime for domestic gas
safety
In June, the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) announced that it had selected Capita
as its preferred bidder to run the new
registration scheme for gas installers from
1 April next year.
According to the HSE, the main differences
between the bid from Capita and CORGI, the
other bidder, lay in their approaches to
introducing innovation to the scheme,
promoting gas safety and a new brand,
delivering efficiencies and the continuous
improvement required.
Woman electrocuted after room had
been redecorated
In June, an inquest in Buckinghamshire heard
how a woman was alleged to have been
electrocuted in her home as a result of
electrical work carried out by a decorator.
As part of the decorating work, a number of
socket-outlets in the lounge had been
replaced with a type having a different style,
but they had not been connected correctly.
As a result, the woman was electrocuted
when she picked up a metallic table lamp
that had become live, whilst touching
another lamp that was earthed.
The Crown Prosecution Service had decided
that there were no grounds for prosecution.
Electrical installer fined for
dangerous work
An electrical installer in Warwickshire has
been fined for carrying out ‘very dangerous’
electrical work in a kitchen during August last
year.
According to Warwick District Council
building inspectors, the installer was
responsible for 18 electrical faults, of which
eight were described as ‘very dangerous’.
Having found that the work had not been
carried out by a competent person in
accordance with the Building Regulations,
the District Council took enforcement action.
This resulted in the installer being brought
before Stratford Magistrates Court, where he
was fined £700 and ordered to pay £600
costs for a breach of Part P of the Building
Regulations.
NEWS IN BRIEF
EVENTS IN 2008
We are pleased to have added a new
element to our event activities this year.
We attended the Elex 2008 show in Coventry
on 18-19 September and will also be
attending the show at Sandown Park, Surrey,
on 2-3 December.
This gives us a new opportunity to meet
those working in the electrical installation
industry and to discuss current issues.
We are running seminars at each event about
the latest Best Practice Guide concerning the
impact that electrical installations can have
on the fire performance of domestic
premises.
We will report on our attendance at the three
Party Conferences in the next issue of
Switched On.
We’ve had really positive experiences at all of
the shows we’ve attended this year and are
looking forward to exhibiting at them again
in 2009.
At the request of the environmental health
department of Isle of Anglesey County
Council, the Electrical Safety Council gave a
presentation about electrical safety issues in
rented property at a forum attended by about
35 private landlords.
The presentation covered the regulations and
standards affecting landlords, typical electrical
hazards in rented domestic properties, and
the inspection, testing and maintenance of
domestic electrical installations.
The presentation was well received by those
attending, and finished with a lively question
and answer session. Electrical safety
information for landlords can be found on our
website at www.esc.org.uk/business-and-community/guidance-for/landlords.html
ANGLESEYLANDLORDS’FORUM
SwitchedOn 5
In order to further increase consumer
awareness of our electrical safety role, we
sponsored the pollen count on ITV1, and
have also produced a 30 second television
advert.
The 30 second advert was aired on ITV1, ITV2,
ITV3, C4, Five, Five US, Living, DAVE, UKTV
Gold and UKTV Style (both daytime and
peak).
For those who have missed them on the
television, both can be viewed on our
website (www.esc.org.uk).
We are pleased to report a marked increase in
consumer enquiries since this advertising
activity began.
TV ADVERTISING
Our main website (www.esc.org.uk) has
continued to grow in popularity and is
now receiving over 15,000 visitors a month,
who view around 60,000 pages.
Currently, our most popular consumer
information is the ‘Consumer Guide for
ordering Domestic Electrical Installation
Work’, our home electrical safety video, and
the ‘Your fusebox’ page. And for Business &
Community visitors, it’s the 17th Edition
Guidance, Best Practice Guides and the
‘Electrical Safety in Construction’ leaflet.
During the summer, work on making the
website more widely accessible and
interactive for visitors was completed, and a
new version of the site was launched.
Though the look of the site remains the
same, the new version has achieved ‘W3c
compliance’. This means that it conforms to
the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0,
which explain how to make web content
more accessible to people with disabilities.
Also new to the site is an RSS (Really Simple
Syndication) feed facility, which allow visitors
to click to receive regular updates on areas
such as ‘Latest News’, ‘Product Recalls’ and
‘Press Releases’.
Within the new version of the website is a
‘Talk to us’ section which enables visitors to
let us know what they think about the site,
send in their electrical stories and images,
and to make general
enquiries. This section is
already being put to good
use by visitors to the
website, and a regular
stream of feedback,
enquiries and helpful
information is being
received.
Shortly, we plan to release
a new look ‘Business and
Community’ section which
we hope will make it easier
for visitors to find the
information contained in
that section, as well as
making room for more
content.
Feedback on the website is always welcome,
so should you have any ideas or comments,
we would like to hear from you via the ‘Talk
to us’ facility.
WEBSITE UPDATE
City & Guilds electrical installation
inspection and testing courses
explained...
Following on from the article in the previous
issue of Switched On explaining the City &
Guilds electrical installation regulations
courses, this article outlines City & Guilds
qualifications that are appropriate for
electricians, inspectors and others persons
requiring training specifically in the
requirements for inspection, testing and
certification.
Care should be taken when selecting a
course to ensure that the candidate’s
knowledge and experience are sufficient for
that particular course.
The two City & Guilds inspection and testing
courses relating to electrical installations are:
• 2392-10 City & Guilds Level 2
Certificate in Fundamental Inspection,
Testing and Initial Verification
• 2391-10 City & Guilds Level 3
Certificate in Inspection, Testing and
Certification of Electrical Installations
In addition to these two qualifications, there
are two City & Guilds certificates that cover
the requirements for the management of
electrical equipment maintenance and the
inspection and testing of electrical
equipment:
• 2377-11 City & Guilds Level 3
Certificate in Management of Electrical
Equipment Maintenance
• 2377-12 City & Guilds Level 3
Certificate for the Inspection and
Testing of Electrical Equipment
Details of electrical installation
inspection, testing and certification
courses
2392-10 City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in
Fundamental Inspection, Testing and
Initial Verification
This qualification was recently developed
with the electrical industry to meet the
needs of industry and training centres, and to
provide candidates with an introduction to
how to inspect and test (conduct the initial
verification) of electrical installations.
It is aimed at practising electricians who have
not carried out inspection and testing since
qualifying, or who require some update
training before going on to achieve the City
& Guilds Level 3 Certificate in inspection,
testing and certification of electrical
installations (2391-10). The 2392-10
qualification is also suitable for those with
limited experience of inspection and testing
of electrical installations, such as those
entering the industry from other engineering
disciplines or working in allied trades.
Students attending this course will be
required to have prior knowledge of basic
electrical principles and science, as well as
some knowledge of electrical systems.
Students will also be expected to have
experience of electrical installation work
either within the electrical contracting
industry or an allied trade. Although not a
requirement, it is recommended that
students have previously completed an
electrical installation regulations course.
To obtain the 2392-10 City & Guilds Level 2
Certificate in Fundamental Inspection, Testing
and Initial Verification Certificate, candidates
must successfully complete one closed-book
multiple-choice examination (maximum
duration 100 minutes) consisting of 50
questions and one practical assessment. The
multiple-choice test and practical assessment
are considered to be separate units.
However, to receive a 2392-10 certificate,
candidates must be successful in both units.
The Guided Learning Hours for this course
are 30-35 hours, which may be on a full-time
or part-time basis.
2391-10 City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate
in Inspection, Testing and Certification of
electrical installations
This qualification is intended for experienced
personnel working in the electrical industry.
Although City & Guilds do not state formal
candidate entry requirements, the
qualification is not intended for non-qualified
electricians and/or those who do not have
experience in inspecting, testing and
certifying electrical installations.
Candidates without this experience should
seriously consider undertaking the City &
Guilds Level 2 Certificate in fundamental
inspection, testing and initial verification
(2392-10) as well as obtaining industry
experience. It is also strongly recommended
that candidates have previously achieved
either the City & Guilds Certificate in the
requirements for electrical installations
(BS 7671 January 2008) (2382), or a similar
6 SwitchedOn
WHICH INSPECTION AND TESTING COURSESHOULD I ATTEND?
SwitchedOn 7
qualification where candidates have
demonstrated knowledge and
understanding of the 17th Edition.
This qualification is not approved for use by
candidates under the age of 18, and City &
Guilds cannot accept any registrations for
candidates in this age group.
To obtain the 2391-10 City & Guilds Level 3
Certificate in Inspection, Testing and
Certification of electrical installations,
candidates must successfully complete one
21/2 hour closed-book examination consisting
of 20 short answer questions and six
structured questions in addition to a practical
assessment. The written examination and
practical assessment are considered to be
separate units. However, to receive a 2391-10
certificate, candidates must be successful in
both units.
The Guided Learning Hours for this course
are 30 hours, which may be on a full-time or
part-time basis.
Details of electrical equipment courses
The two qualifications (2377-11 and 2377-12)
relate to the IEE Code of Practice for In-Service
Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment
3rd Edition published by the Institution of
Engineering and Technology (IET). The
qualifications are aimed at those with
administrative responsibilities for the
maintenance of electrical equipment and for
those undertaking practical inspection and
testing of electrical equipment.
It is expected that candidates attempting
either qualification should be familiar with
electrical systems and the hazards of
electricity in order to satisfactorily complete
this qualification.
Without evidence of formal qualifications,
candidates must be able to demonstrate
adequate prior knowledge and experience to
ensure they have potential to successfully
gain the qualifications. Centres are required
to conduct a practical test to evaluate the
candidate’s ability to undertake electrical
inspection and testing in a competent
manner for the inspection and testing
unit/qualification (Unit 200)
These qualifications are not approved for use
by candidates under the age of 18, and City
& Guilds cannot accept any registrations for
candidates in this age group.
2377-11 City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate
in Management of Electrical Equipment
Maintenance (Unit 100)
To obtain the 2377-11 City & Guilds Level 3
Certificate in Management of Electrical
Equipment Maintenance (Unit 100),
candidates must successfully complete one
11/2 hour examination consisting of 45
multiple choice questions. The assessment is
based on the IEE Code of Practice for In-Service
Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment
3rd Edition, and candidates will need a copy
for the examination.
The Guided Learning Hours for this course
are 30-35 hours, which may be on a full-time
or part-time basis.
2377-12 City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate
for the Inspection and Testing of
Electrical Equipment (Unit 200)
To obtain the 2377-12 City & Guilds Level 3
Certificate for the Inspection and Testing of
Electrical Equipment Maintenance (Unit 200),
candidates must successfully complete a one
hour examination consisting of 30 multiple
choice questions. The assessment is based
on the IEE Code of Practice for In-Service
Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment
3rd Edition, and candidates will need a copy
for the examination.
Note: before undertaking the multiple-choice
test, candidates are required to demonstrate
an ability to undertake the practical skills test
to inspect and test an item of Class I
equipment and correctly complete the
following model forms from the Code of
Practice:
• V1.1 Equipment register; and
• V1.2 Equipment formal visual and
combined inspection and test record.
The Guided Learning Hours for this course
are 35 hours, which may be on a full-time or
part-time basis.
To help improve public awareness about
the importance of earthing and
bonding, we have produced a new safety
leaflet for consumers called ‘Why do
earthing and bonding need to be checked?’
In plain English, the guide explains to
consumers why, if they are having an
alteration or addition made to their electrical
installation, their electrician must check the
earthing and bonding arrangements and, if
necessary, bring them up to standard as an
essential part of the work.
The leaflet has achieved the Plain English
Campaign Crystal Mark, indicating that it
has been written and designed as clearly as
possible. We will be distributing the leaflet
directly to consumers at events and
through the website.
Having been produced by an independent
and impartial body, however, the leaflet is
also likely to be of considerable benefit to
electrical contractors and installers when
they need to explain to customers why
additional and, to them, seemingly
unrelated work may need to be carried out
for reasons of safety when all they want, for
example, is an additional socket-outlet.
Copies of the new leaflet can be
downloaded from www.esc.org.uk.
Alternatively, up to 500 printed copies are
available free of charge on request, by
emailing leaflets@esc.org.uk.
WHY DO EARTHING AND BONDING NEED TO BE CHECKED?
8 SwitchedOn
Our electrical safety poster design
competition, themed around
‘electrical safety in your home’,
was part of our campaign to educate
children about using electricity safely.
It was very well received in schools and,
as a result, attracted over 8,000 entries
from primary school children of all ages
around the UK.
One of the judges, Baroness Jenny
Tonge, whose own daughter was killed in
an electrical accident at home, said “The
standard of the entries was quite
brilliant, but the winner had all the
ingredients to get the message across.”
She added, “It is so important that people
understand the dangers of electricity and
I am thrilled that primary school children
are taking this work so seriously.”
The Grand Final Winner and Regional
Winner for Wales was an 11 year old girl,
Beth Eales. Beth scooped first prize,
earning her school £500, and a prize for
herself.
The judges chose Beth’s poster as the
regional winner for Wales and overall UK
winner, beating the other regional
winners from England, Scotland and
Northern Ireland, because they thought
the poster was very effective at getting
the safety messages across through the
use of the standard ‘prohibited’ sign.
These red circles make the images bold,
powerful and eye catching.
“The standard of the entries
was quite brilliant, but the
winner had all the ingredients
to get the message across.”Baroness Jenny Tonge
Electrical safety p
Regional Winner England
Lacey Brooker
Runner Up & Regional Winner Scotland
William Rowse
Regional Winner Northern Ireland
Anna Humphreys
SwitchedOn 9
The winning children, together with their
families and school representatives,
attended a prize-giving ceremony held at
the Gardeners’ World Show at the NEC
Birmingham in June, where their posters
were on display for the thousands of
visitors attending the show. The prizes
were presented by Kirsten O’Brien, who
is a presenter from the children’s TV art
show, SMart.
Kirsten said “These pictures are
wonderful, and the level of entries is
really impressive. I’m encouraged when I
look at the way in which the children
have demonstrated their understanding
of the electrical dangers around the
home and incorporated them in their
designs so creatively.”
All of the winners and their posters are
on display on our children’s educational
website, www.switchedonkids.org.uk.
Please do go and have a look at them!
“These pictures
are wonderful, and
the level of entries
is really
impressive.”Kirsten O’Brien
SMart Art Show
poster designcompetition 2008
7 & Under Award Winner
Isabel Feather
Special Achievement Award
Francesca Petrucciano
Innovative Design Award
Becky Page
Grand Final Winner & Regional Winner Wales
Beth Eales
10 SwitchedOn
RoSPA, in partnership with Electrical SafetyCouncil and Intertek, are researching thefeasibility of setting up a new, UK-wideinjury surveillance system in the UK. The
objective of the database is to facilitate the
prevention of accidental injury by providing
data for research, policy development, injury
prevention programmes, risk assessment,
and product development.
Background
In 2002, the former Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI) ceased to collect injury
data for its Home Accident Surveillance
System (HASS) and Leisure Accident
Surveillance System (LASS). Since that time,
the database has been accessible through
RoSPA’s website and is used by 70,000
visitors per year. The number of website
visits is growing by 40% per year. Users
range from health care professionals and
lawyers, to risk managers and product
designers. Unfortunately, the HASS/LASS
database is now out of date and can no
longer be used to identify emerging injury
trends.
Current surveillance systems
A number of injury databases have been
identified in the UK and internationally. All
of these databases include unintentional
injuries in all settings and some include
intentional injuries. In addition,
there are many specialist
databases at international,
national and local level.
The most frequent
source of data is from
hospital Emergency
Departments (also
known as A&E), although
some databases are
supplemented by hospital
discharge data. Most databases
use a sample of hospitals and there
are two main methods for collecting this
data either by a specialist interviewer (like
the old HASS and LASS system) or by the
Emergency Department’s staff. Another
method is to use a combination of patient
self-reporting supplemented by medical
details from the Emergency Department’s
staff. ‘All-Injury’ databases are usually funded
through the Public Health budget whilst
those databases covering specialist areas are
often funded locally by the public and,
occasionally, the private sector.
Potential data users and their needs
The project team has identified potential
users and their data needs through a series
of meetings and questionnaires. Existing
users of the HASS/LASS database, managed
by RoSPA, and potential new data users
come from the public, private and third
sectors and include professionals such as:
• Injury prevention programme managers
• Product designers and risk managers
from manufacturing, service & retail
• Teachers, academics and researchers
• Trading Standards officers
• Politicians and civil servants
• Journalists.
From Figure 1, it is evident that existing
injury data available through the HASS and
LASS database has provided users with the
ability to influence policy and practice at
various levels, evaluate the effectiveness of
existing programmes, and focus on priority
areas for injury prevention. It has provided a
foundation for evidence-based practice and
product design.
Figure 1: Potential use for the Injury data.
It is clear from the joint research that there is
wide support for access to an up to date
UK-wide searchable injury database. It
should have as much information as
possible about the victim, the
circumstances leading to the injury, and the
injury itself. Case studies or free text about
the incident, provided by the victim or
health professional would give information
felt to be essential for the prevention of
injury. Producing reports (annually or
monthly) was thought to be very useful.
Users would like the data to be as
representative as possible at both a regional
and national level with a maximum lapse of
two years for data availability. It should also
be linked in with the work that is being
completed at a European level.
There has been indication that when this
data is made available, access should be
free, as currently applied to the HASS and
LASS data. However, it is common practice
for charges to be made for more complex,
time-consuming and highly specialised
searches especially those through free text
fields.
Data providers
Discussions have taken place with various
groups within the National Health Service to
assess the feasbility of collecting data
through A&E departments in England.
Parallel discussions have also taken
place in Scotland. Whilst there is
widespread support for a UK
injury database, there are
many more details that
need to be discussed.
Below is a possible model
of how this could be
processed.
A sample of Hospital
Emergency Departments from
each country in the British Isles
would supply data to a local “data
warehouse” where the data would be
anonomysed. Data is anonymised using
various methods; therefore in this instance
we are referring to this as “data warehouse”.
The data would then be sent to a central
data processing centre for consolidation
and analysis. Depending on funding
arrangements, this centre could provide
regular trend reports and free access for
users to carry out their own searches of the
UPDATE ON THE FEASIBILITY OF RE-ESTABLISHINGA UK-WIDE INJURY DATABASE
SwitchedOn 11
database. In addition, the centre would
potentially be able to supply
comprehensive data from the UK to the EU
Injury Database in order to allow EU-wide
comparison.
Design and funding
Once the preceding tasks have been
completed the project team will develop
and consult on a range of design proposals
for a new system. At this stage it is thought
that there are likely to be a range of options
and associated costs. Stakeholders and users
will be consulted to identify the most
sustainable and cost-effective solution.
The research project is due to report its findings
shortly.
The Council’s authoritative Technical
Manual, first introduced in 2002, has now
been updated to take account of the
publication of BS 7671: 2008 (IEE Wiring
Regulations, 17th Edition).
The Manual brings together the
requirements of all associated standards,
regulations and Codes of Practice into a
single, easy-to-use reference source. It is
illustrated in full colour and is updated
regularly to incorporate the latest
developments.
The Manual currently comprises over 300
topics, each dealing with a particular
requirement of BS 7671 in considerable
detail. It continues to grow at the rate of
about 40 new or updated topics each year.
Sample topics can be viewed on the
‘Business and Communities’ section of our
website (www.esc.org.uk).
The Manual is available in both CD and
online formats, each providing exactly the
same content, search facilities and printing
capability.
The CD version is available to everyone on
subscription. New subscriptions can be
arranged via our subsidiary, NICEIC Group
Ltd, through their ‘NICEIC Direct’ service
(www.niceicdirect.com).
The current annual subscription rate is
excellent value at only £50.00 including VAT.
This gives you two issues of the CD,
together with four issues of the NICEIC
magazine, ‘Connections’. The subscription
rate is currently under review, so if you’re
interested, don’t delay!
Currently, the online version is available only
to contractors registered with NICEIC. It can
be accessed via the secure area of the
NICEIC website (www.niceic.com). Non-
NICEIC registered subscribers to the Manual
will be advised as soon as facilities become
available for them to access the online
version.
COUNCIL’S TECHNICAL MANUAL UPDATEDTO THE 17th EDITION
12 SwitchedOn
Last spring, we launched to consumers the
‘Guide for consumers when ordering
domestic electrical installation work’, produced
in collaboration with the Institution of
Engineering and Technology. (The guide had
been launched to the trade in advance).
The media campaign included radio
messaging and a UK-wide press release. This
resulted in 74 radio stations broadcasting the
messaging and over 30 newspapers carrying
the story. In total, the media campaign is
estimated to have reached over 13 million
people.
Following the success of the launch, Yell
Group Ltd* offered to distribute the guide to
consumers via their directories, free of charge.
This enabled us to distribute over 1.2 million
printed copies of the guide with three Yellow
Pages directories over the past three months.
The areas covered were Newcastle upon
Tyne (July, circulation 500,000), Manchester
South (August, circulation 400,000) and the
London Boroughs of Bromley and Bexley
(September, circulation 300,000). We
supported this with local press coverage to
alert consumers living in those areas to the
benefits of using the guide.
We hope that, together with the press
coverage, distributing the guide with Yellow
Pages directories will encourage consumers
to keep it for use when they need to get
quotations for electrical work.
We will be monitoring the effectiveness of
this initiative over the coming months and, if
it proves to be successful, we will be
considering further distribution by such
means.
Copies of the guide can be downloaded free
of charge from our website at
www.esc.org.uk. A printer-friendly version of
the quotation request form is also available
from the website for electrical contractors
wishing to print copies onto their own
letterheaded paper.
GUIDANCE FOR CONSUMERS WHEN ORDERING DOMESTICELECTRICAL WORK
YOU ARE MORE AT RISK THAN YOU THINK:ASBESTOS - THE HIDDEN KILLER
Asbestos-related disease is the biggest single cause of work-
related deaths, accounting for around 4000 deaths each year.
Asbestos can cause three main diseases: mesothelioma (which is
always fatal), lung cancer (almost always fatal) and asbestosis (not
always fatal, but it can be very debilitating). The rate of deaths
continues to rise, and is not likely to peak until 2011-2015.
More people die from asbestos-related disease each year than
are killed on the roads
Every week 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related disease
Of these, six are electricians
Asbestos can be present in any building built or refurbished
before the year 2000
The issue of asbestos has not gone with our forefathers - risks
with asbestos still exist
You may not realise it, but you may be disturbing asbestos when
you work.
Generally, asbestos is only a risk if it is disturbed or damaged so
that fibres are released into the air. If asbestos containing
materials are in good condition and in a position where they are
not going to be disturbed or damaged, then it is safer to leave
them where they are and ensure that the risks are managed.
The Asbestos Regulations (2006) require mandatory information,
instruction and training for anyone liable to be exposed to
asbestos fibres at work
Don’t work if:
You’re unsure whether asbestos is present – your employer or
the customer should tell you
Asbestos is present but you have not been trained to work safely
with it
The asbestos materials present are sprayed coatings, board or
lagging on pipes and boilers – only a contractor with a licence
should work on these.
Only work with asbestos if:
You have had asbestos training, the work is properly planned and
the right controls are in place (for example, you have the right
equipment)
The materials are asbestos cement, textured coatings containing
asbestos or others which do not need a licence.
HSE campaign
The HSE is launching a national campaign on 13 October to
further raise awareness among electricians that the risk of
asbestos is relevant to them and can damage their health
Adverts will feature in newspapers and trade magazines, and also
on the radio
New awareness packs with additional information and advice on
training will be included in the next issue of Switched
* We would like to thank the Consumer Development Team at Yell Group Ltd for their continuing support to our work.
SwitchedOn 13
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT CONSULTS ON‘TRUSTED TRADER’ SCHEME.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Government
put out for consultation draft guidance
and regulations relating to the Housing
(Scotland) Act 2006. The guidance is
intended as a practical tool to help Local
Authorities work effectively within their new
powers and duties. Because of the
complexity, the guidance has been split into
six volumes, Volume 6 being ‘Proposals for a
National Trusted Trader Framework’.
The proposals for such a framework build on
the Construction Licensing Executive (CLE)
scheme, although they acknowledge that
coverage of some trade sectors is patchy, as
is geographical coverage. They also
acknowledge that the CLE scheme has a
high accreditation level which, whilst being
positive, may discourage some traders in
some industries from joining such a scheme.
A two tier structure is therefore proposed.
The proposals acknowledge other existing
schemes in Scotland, with a view to joining
them up rather than reinventing what is
already in place.
Joining the framework would be voluntary
for traders. It is envisaged that a trusted
trader framework in Scotland would need to
offer a credible level of choice to help
homeowners to confidently select a trader
to carry out work on their home. Initially at
least, evaluation and monitoring of traders is
seen as being by web-based customer
feedback. In the longer term, traders would
be audited or inspected by their
construction body. Mechanisms to audit
those outside a construction body would
however need to be put in place.
Intended as a national framework, Scottish
Government believes that the Trusted Trader
scheme will bring significant benefits for
homeowners and the Scottish housing
stock. The scheme is expected to have the
following broad features:-
• Remove the various barriers homeowners
face when trying to access reliable
tradesmen
• Be accessible to anyone in Scotland
• Have national level branding and
standards to ensure traders and end users
know what to expect wherever they are,
but operate at a local level with central
administrative support
• Have a minimum level of accreditation no
matter the delivery vehicle
• Have the buy-in of the construction
industry as well as trading standards in
local authorities
• Take account of the needs of the owner
and the construction industry equally to
help towards the sustainability of the
framework
• Promote healthy competition and
enterprise in the economy such as by
building in open and comparative pricing
between traders.
The consultation finished on 1 July, but the
full consultation paper can still be found at
www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/04/07144231/0.
A report on the consultation process is due
to be issued in autumn, and final guidance
for Local Authorities is expected to be
published by the end of the year.
TrustMark is planning to launch itself into Scotland in
partnership with the Department for Business, Enterprise and
Regulatory Reform (BERR), the Scottish Government and other
stakeholders.
TrustMark has made a positive response to the Scottish
Government’s consultation document on ‘Proposals for a
National Trusted Trader Framework for Scotland.’ (See preceding
article.)
This was done with a view to TrustMark participating more
comprehensively in Scotland in support of homeowners and
TrustMark members already operating in Scotland.
In support of this launch, the first piece of promotional activity
will be distribution of a new TrustMark
leaflet which will be going into people’s
homes across Scotland through the
distribution of Yellow Pages.
TrustMark TO LAUNCH INTO SCOTLAND
14 SwitchedOn
Afamily of five survived when fire ripped
through their three storey home in
Headington, Oxfordshire in the early hours of
a May Sunday morning. The mother of the
family was woken by their smoke alarms,
providing vital time for the fire and rescue
service to be called. The prompt attendance
by firefighters resulted in the family being
rescued and their lives being saved.
Fire alarm systems
The Oxford Mail article highlights the
importance of having a functional fire
detection and alarm system. Smoke alarms
detect smoke at the earliest stages of a fire,
giving the occupiers an early warning and
vital extra time to take appropriate action.
The main danger associated with fire in its
early stages is not flame, but the smoke and
noxious gases which not only cause the
majority of casualties by inhalation, but may
also obscure the way to escape routes and
exits. The statistics show that in 2006, of the
491 fire related fatalities in the UK, 196 (40%)
were as a result of being overcome by
smoke.
Being able to hear a smoke alarm is vital,
which is why two documents relating to fire
safety in dwellings, BS 5839-6 Fire detection
and alarm systems for buildings and The
Building Regulations 2000 Approved
Document B recommend at least one smoke
alarm on each floor level.
However, where a floor level contains
bedrooms, to provide sufficient sound levels
to rouse person(s) from their sleep, it is
recommended by BS 5839-6 that a smoke
alarm should be located within 3 m of the
bedroom door. This will not guarantee that
every person will be awakened, particularly if
the occupiers are under the influence of
alcohol, drugs, have reduced ear sensitivity or
the building has good sound proofing
properties. Under such circumstances, due to
the enhanced risk, a designer may decide to
mount smoke alarms in the bedroom.
The design for a fire detection and alarm
system should take into account: the type of
building, the use of the building, the
potential sources of fire, the potential for fire
to spread through a building, and the
characteristics of person(s) using the
building. For a dwelling, the design may
result in either a system of smoke and heat
alarms or a more complex system such as, a
BS 5839-1 Grade A which may be found in a
large dwelling or a house in multiple
occupation. The design of the system can
either meet the requirements of BS 5839-1,
BS 5839-6 or, for a new or materially altered
dwelling, Approved Document B.
It is essential that an occupier of a dwelling
or user of the system, who may be a
layperson, understands the operation of the
system, the action to take in the event of a
fire alarm signal, the means for avoidance of
false alarms, the procedures for testing the
system and the need for routine
maintenance of the system.
To ensure functionality, all types of fire alarm
system need to be subject to periodic
inspection and testing. In a dwelling where
the type of system contains smoke and heat
alarms, this may be carried out, quite easily,
by the occupier, as generally it involves
operation of a test button and cleaning the
alarms in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. For a more complex system such
as a BS5839-1 Grade A, a competent person
with specialist knowledge will normally be
required
Fire statistics
The saving of the Oxfordshire families lives by
firefighters prevented them from being part
of the statistics collated by Communities and
Local Government. In 2006, 491 deaths
(including 2 firefighters) and 13,800 non-fatal
casualties were fire related, of which 363
deaths and 11,200 were in dwellings. The
cause of deaths were 196 (40%) overcome by
gas or smoke, 111 (23%) by burns alone, 104
(21%) burns and overcome by gas or smoke,
13% were unspecified and 3% were by other
causes.
In 2006, the fire and rescue service attended
426,200 fires, of which 55,800 (13%) were in
dwellings. However, a ‘Survey of English
Housing’ suggested that, as some domestic
fires are minor and are extinguished by the
occupier, there are in the region of 250,000
fires in dwellings per year.
FAMILY SAVED BY FIRE ALARM
THE DANGERS OF DOMESTIC APPLIANCES
We all know that dangers lurk in the
home and that electrical appliances
can pose a risk for consumers if not treated
with care. However, judging from the latest
claims made to domestic warranty provider
Domestic & General, appliances are just as at
risk from their owners!
Analysing the last six months’ claims, D & G
found that televisions were most at risk from
children, with 29% of claims involving them.
Examples included:
"My three year old son was watching Scooby
Doo the Movie, got scared of the monsters and
threw the remote at the screen."
"My seven year old grandson pulled the TV over
onto himself while trying to climb the
wardrobe to get at the Christmas presents."
"My little daughter sprayed furniture polish
onto the screen. It now has big black patches
all over the screen."
Virtual games (such as the Wii) can also
cause people to hit the screen by accident
or throw the control at the screen in their
excitement as they get carried away with
the game.
An amazing 4% of claims for TVs are caused
by vacuum cleaners. Their handles can fall
into the screen if not secured into the
upright position, or owners trip over the
lead and knock the TV off its stand.
People dropping their TVs while moving
them caused a further 27% of claims. It
seems that we still don't appreciate how
heavy new LCD or plasma televisions are,
and we don't always clear the route of
potential hazards beforehand.
Moving laptop computers also provides a
rich source of accidents, with people
tripping over hazards (often pets) or even
dropping them down the stairs. Dropping a
laptop while moving it accounts for 29% of
claims.
Spilling liquids onto laptops causes a further
fifth of claims, and children account for 15%.
It seems that people are prone to leaving
the laptop on the floor or on a low table,
and small children can't resist sitting or
standing on them.
Trailing cables cause 10% of laptop claims.
People either trip over the cable or walk into
it pulling the laptop onto the floor.
Finally, Domestic & General have had some
unusual claims involving white goods. One
lady's oven door shattered when she fell
over in the kitchen and hit it with her head.
Many ceramic hobs were broken when
items were dropped onto them, and a
tumble dryer got smashed when its owner
reversed into it by mistake! - it was installed
in a garage.
SwitchedOn 15
East Riding of Yorkshire Council Trading
Standards Service has been advising
consumers to be vigilant when purchasing
second hand electrical goods, following a
survey into the safety of such items.
Following the summer floods last year, the
trading standards service became
concerned that electrical goods damaged by
water were starting to appear on the second
hand market. Information from the market
place also indicated that there was an
increased demand for second hand electrical
goods from people who were not insured
against the damage caused by the floods.
As a result, the trading standards service
took the decision to purchase a portable
appliance test instrument, enabling officers
to test the safety of electrical goods on sale.
Inspections were then carried out at second
hand outlets across the East Riding of
Yorkshire. A third of all the items tested failed
to meet electrical safety requirements, the
majority of faults being found in the plug or
the flexible cord. In most cases, trading
standards were able to work with the
proprietors of the businesses concerned to
ensure that either the goods were removed
from sale and disposed of, or the fault
rectified.
Trading standards are continuing to advise
consumers to carry out visual checks before
buying second hand electrical appliances
and, if possible, to buy such goods only if
they have been tested for safety.
Any member of the public or businesswho have concerns about the sale ofsecond hand electrical goods shouldcontact Consumer Direct on08454 040506
TRADING STANDARDS SURVEY FINDS DANGEROUSELECTRICAL GOODS
16 SwitchedOn
In April this year, the European Commission
announced the findings of a European-
wide market surveillance project that
looked at the safety of cord extension sets
(commonly known as ‘extension leads’), and
sought to determine the level of non-
compliance in an area already identified by
EU authorities as problematic.
The project, launched in 2007, was carried
out by EU Member State market surveillance
authorities, co-ordinated by the LVD ADCO*
(Low Voltage Directive Administrative
Cooperation) group.
Cord extension sets were chosen as a
subject for cross-border market surveillance
action because of their widespread use
across European households, and because
safety shortcomings can be severe, leading
to risk of electric shock or fire, or damage to
connected equipment.
In total, 210 cord extension sets were tested
in over 20 European countries, including a
limited contribution from the UK.
Worryingly, the results indicated that only
one in six cord extension sets fully complied
with statutory safety regulations.
Non-compliant samples included those
which exhibited only administrative failures,
such as deficient declarations of conformity
or missing technical documentation.
However, around 58% of the cord extension
sets tested were considered sufficiently
unsafe by the authorities to justify a sales
ban.
The most frequently detected deficiencies
included wrong shape and dimensions of
plugs and sockets (50%), insufficient diameter
of the cord (27%) and insufficient dielectric
strength and resistance to ageing,
temperature and fire (10%).
In a press release issued by the European
Commission, it was stated that “These cross-
border market surveillance actions found a
significant number of non-compliant
products on which action was taken, and
concluded that more needs to be done to
further safeguard the safety of European
consumers”.
Although the project confirmed the
concerns being raised over the safety of cord
extension sets throughout Europe, the
failures related mainly to products taken from
the market outside the UK. Indeed,
investigations carried out at around the same
time by the Electrical Safety Council on
samples of cord extension sets taken from
the UK market found none of the deficiencies
identified in the Commission’s report.
An independent specialist laboratory was
commissioned by the Council to carry out
safety screening on a selection of 4-way cord
extension sets purchased from UK high street
retailers. All of the samples, as tested, passed
the safety assessment with no departures or
observations being noted, and were
therefore found to be compliant with the
general safety provisions of the relevant UK
product standards.
The full laboratory report detailing the results
of the cord extension set safety screening
can be viewed on the Council’s website.
So, are multi-way “extension leads”
purchased in the UK safe?
In general terms the answer is yes, provided
of course they are used as intended by the
manufacturer.
Further advice on the use of extension leads
can be found in the ‘Safety in the home’
section of our website.
* The LVD Administrative Cooperation group is
constituted by EEA market surveillance
authorities enforcing safety of electrical
products and Commission representatives. Its
role is to discuss electrical safety issues related to
market surveillance from an EU point of view,
primarily to promote a harmonised
understanding as to what is safe, to increase
understanding of methods used by other
Member States, and to benefit from the
knowledge and experience of others. This Group
reports to the Low Voltage Directive Working
Party.
CONCERNS RAISED OVER THE SAFETY OFEXTENSION LEADS IN EUROPE
SwitchedOn 17
Anecdotal evidence suggests that a large
proportion of the adult population has
experienced one or more electric shocks
from electrical installations or appliances
during their lifetime, often as a result of
carelessness. Fortunately, relatively few
people are killed each year as a result, but
the fact remains that any one of the ‘near
miss’ events could have been fatal if the
circumstances had been different.
Recent cases have highlighted the need to
know what to do if you think that someone
has had, or is having, an electric shock.
The effects of an electric shock might be of
a short duration, such as an unpleasant
tingling, muscular reaction and a shortness
of breath, or be of a more permanent
nature, including burns and death.
The likelihood of an electric shock having
fatal consequences depends mainly on the
magnitude and duration of the current flow
through the body, but several other factors
including the current path through the
body, the degree of moisture of the skin and
the surface area of contact also play a part.
Additionally, the risk of a fatal electric shock
is increased in places such as gardens where
people are in direct contact with the
ground, which may be damp or wet.
In practice, where the flow of current
through the body exceeds 30 mA for more
than a very short time (measured in
thousandths of a second), there is a
significant increase in the risk of a fatal
electric shock.
What to do if you believe someone has
received or is receiving an electric shock
It may not be immediately clear that
someone either has received or is receiving
an electric shock. Smoke is unlikely to be
pouring from their ears! If it is suspected that
a person is suffering from electric shock,
anyone coming to their aid should approach
with extreme caution.
The first step would be to separate the
person from the source of electricity as
quickly as possibly. The best way of doing
this would be to turn off the supply, for
example by unplugging the appliance or by
turning off the main switch in the consumer
unit (fuse board).
If this is not possible, then you should try to
remove the source of electricity from the
person using a piece of insulating material,
such as a length of wood.
NEVER touch the person receiving the
electric shock, or you are likely to suffer the
same fate.
If the person is unconscious, after removing
the person from the source of electricity, you
should call for an ambulance immediately.
Any first aid should be carried out only by
those having the necessary knowledge and
skill.
Where the person is
conscious and seems
well, it would still be advisable to monitor
the person’s condition, as the effects of an
electric shock may not be immediately
obvious. In worst case conditions, an electric
shock may lead to a condition known as
electroporation, where cells within the body
rupture, leading to tissue necrosis.
Additional problems might include deep-
seated burns, muscle damage and broken
bones.
Use an RCD
The use of a residual current device (RCD)
having a rated residual operating current of
30 mA or less, although not a guarantee of
absolute safety, does provide a significant
benefit in most cases by limiting the time
that current that can flow through the body
should a person come into contact with a
live source of electricity.
In particular, the Electrical Safety Council
strongly recommends that any person using
electrical appliances in the garden ensures
that they are protected by an RCD,
preferable one fitted in the consumer unit.
Alternatively, a dedicated RCD-protected
socket-outlet or a plug-in type of RCD
should be used.
Copies of our leaflet ‘Using electricalequipment outdoors’ can be downloadedfrom our website. Alternatively, up to 500printed copies can be obtained byemailing leaflets@esc.org.uk
ELECTRIC SHOCK – WHAT SHOULD I DO?
18 SwitchedOn
ROLL OF APPROVED CONTRACTORS RISES TO 15,000
ELECTRIC BLANKET TESTING CAMPAIGN TO HELPOLDER PEOPLE STAY SAFE THIS WINTER
Following the success of last year’s
initiative, we are funding another series of
events this autumn at which free electric
blanket testing is offered to older people.
The objective is to promote a number of key
safety messages around the use of electric
blankets. The aim is to improve safety and
decrease potential fire risks in the homes of
older people, whilst at the same time offering
them practical assistance.
Working in association with a number of
community-based agencies such as the Fire
& Rescue Services and Age Concern
branches, we are holding electric blanket
testing events in 15 towns across England,
Wales and Scotland.
Last year, about 70% of the 1700 blankets
tested were found to be faulty. The aim of
this year’s campaign is to test at least another
1500.
Where a blanket fails the tests and cannot be
satisfactorily repaired, the owner is offered an
equivalent new one in exchange, on the
spot. Condemned blankets are disposed of
in accordance with the WEEE Directive.
In support of the campaign, we have
produced a safety leaflet for users of electric
blankets which includes guidance on
purchasing, checking, storage and disposal. If
you would like a copy, please email us at:
leaflets@esc.org.uk.
Key electric blanket safety measures
The safety guidance given in the leaflet
includes:
• When acquiring another blanket, always
buy new – second hand blankets may not
be safe
• To ensure your blanket is safe for
continued use, have it checked by a
specialist at least every three years, or as
recommended by the manufacturer
• Always read the manufacturer’s
instructions carefully and follow them
• Never use a blanket having scorch marks
or exposed elements
• Check the plug cord for any signs of wear
or damage
• Never use the blanket if it is wet and do
not switch it on to dry it out
• Never use a hot water bottle and an
electric blanket together in the same bed
• When using the blanket always spread it
out - never use the blanket folded or
creased
• Make sure the power is turned off at the
socket or the blanket is unplugged when
not in use
• Some electric blankets are designed not
to be washed - always check the
manufacturer’s instructions
• Keep the blanket stored carefully over the
summer months - refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions on how best
to do this.
When the Approved Contractor scheme
was established by the National
Inspection Council for Electrical Installation
Contracting (NICEIC) in 1956, there were
only about 3,500 contractors on the Roll,
and only 14 Inspecting Engineers (one for
each of the then Area Electricity Boards).
Then, as now, the Approved Contractor
scheme covered the whole of the UK
(England, Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland), the Channel Islands and the Isle of
Man.
Many of the original contractors on the Roll
had been inherited from the National
Register of Electrical Installation Contractors.
This body had been set up in 1923, but was
evidently faltering in the period leading up
to the formation of the NICEIC. At its peak in
1938, the National Register had about 1,700
electrical contractors on its books.
With informed specifiers being the main
driving force, encouraged by the Inspecting
Engineers of the day, the number of
Approved Contractors on the Roll grew
steadily from 1956, reaching a total of some
10,500 by the end of 2004.
At that time, with the
government clearly
signalling the introduction of
electrical safety requirements
in Part P of the Building
Regulations for England and Wales in
January 2005, the number of enrolled
contractors began to rise quite sharply,
reaching a total of almost 14,000 by the end
of July last year. A year later, that figure had
increased to more than 15,000.
Over the years, the number of Engineers
responsible for assessing contractors against
the Rules Relating to Enrolment
has increased proportionately, now
standing at 73.
Since the Electrical Safety
Council was formed from the
National Inspection Council for
Electrical Installation
Contracting in 2005, the
Approved Contractor scheme
has continued to be operated under licence
by NICEIC Group Ltd, the Council’s wholly
owned subsidiary.
SwitchedOn 19
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES
From 1 October this year, landlords are
required to provide tenants in England
and Wales with an Energy Performance
Certificate (EPC) at the point of new rental.
We became aware of this new requirement
as a result of questions from landlords who
thought the requirement was for a periodic
inspection report or electrical safety
inspection.
The certificate is the same as that needed
for the Home Information Pack which now
has to be produced when selling residential
properties in England and Wales.
Although the Energy Performance
Certificate contains some information
relating to electrical installations, such as
data collection in relation to low energy
lighting, and heating systems and controls,
it is unrelated to the periodic electrical
safety inspection and tests carried out by
electrical inspectors.
Energy Performance Certificates provide
details about the current and potential CO2
emissions of a property, running cost
indicators, recommendations for
improvements, and improvement cost
indicators. Certificates are valid for ten
years. Energy performance surveys can be
carried out only by licensed and accredited
Domestic Energy Assessors.
For further information about Energy
Performance Certificates, visit
www.communities.gov.uk/epbd
BEST PRACTICE GUIDES
Fire precautions
Completion of Best Practice Guide No 5,
Electrical installations and their impact on the
fire performance of buildings: Part 1 –
Domestic premises, took considerably longer
than had been expected when the previous
issue of Switched On was being produced.
Circulation of what was intended to be the
final draft of the guide resulted in further
constructive comments from interested
parties, which took time to incorporate.
It is now planned to publish only the shorter
version of the guidance, which should be
sufficient for most electrical installers and
other practitioners. Hopefully the guide will
be available from our website by the time
this issue of Switched On is distributed.
To increase awareness of the important
information and advice it contains, it is still
planned to formally launch the guide at one
or more events for electrical installers and
other building professionals. News about
these events is likely to be given on our
website before the next issue of Switched
On is published.
Periodic inspection
As advised in the summer issue of Switched
On, an amended (July 2008) version of Best
Practice Guide No 4 – Periodic inspection
reporting – recommendation codes for
domestic and similar electrical installations –
is now available, and can be downloaded
from the ‘Business and Community’ section
of our website. It can be distinguished from
the original (January 2008)
version by the marking ‘Issue 2’
on the front cover. It supersedes the original
version, which should no longer be used.
Other Guides
Work has commenced on two more Best
Practice Guides, one dealing with plug-in
devices for testing 13 A socket-outlets, and
the other dealing with electrically unsafe
situations. News about the development
and availability of these and other
guides will be given in future issues of
Switched On.
www.communities.gov.uk/epbd
All the previous issues of
Switched On are available
to read or download from the
‘Business & Community’
section of our website.
www.esc.org.uk
ELECTRICAL SAFETY COUNCIL ROADSHOW
20 SwitchedOn
Our interactive trailer has now completed
its first tour, visiting a variety of country
shows and town centres throughout the UK.
Facilities on the trailer include a mock-up of a
kitchen and a bedroom that visitors can go
inside to see the electrical hazards that might
exist in their own homes.
There is the opportunity to have a go on our
challenging electrical safety quiz with a
chance of winning a prize. In addition to a
wide range of consumer safety leaflets and a
variety of promotional items to entice people
on board, visitors can also take away our new
home safety DVD.
The trailer has proved to be a great success.
During its travels, we’ve had the pleasure of
welcoming over 10,000 visitors to the trailer,
and have given away more than 15,000
leaflets and educational fun packs.
The trailer will be touring again in 2009.
We will be keeping you updated about its
schedule and progress in future issues of
Switched On.
ELECTRICAL QUIZ – WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE?
This is the second of a series of electrical
quizzes we’re running in Switched On.
The quizzes are pitched at three levels:
‘trickle charged’, ‘medium powered’ and ‘high
potential’.
The aim of this ‘medium-powered’ quiz is to
answer all the electrically-related questions
using the cryptic sports clues provided. If
you think you have ten right answers, you
can enter the prize draw by emailing them
to us at quiz@esc.org.uk by Friday
31 October 2008
The person providing the first set of correct
answers to be selected at random from the
entries will receive:
A Socket & See DL420 earth fault loop
impedance test instrument (RRP £160)*
A safety kit comprising a Testmate ET200
voltage detector, a proving unit and a
domestic lock-off kit (RRP £150)*
A full set of NICEIC technical publications
(RRP £175)*
A year’s free subscription to the Electrical
Safety Council’s Technical Manual on CD
(worth £50.00)
The next four persons providing the correct
answers to be selected at random from the
entries will each receive:
A safety kit comprising a Testmate ET200
voltage detector, a proving unit and a
domestic lock-off kit (RRP £150)*
A year’s free subscription to the Electrical
Safety Council’s Technical Manual on CD
(worth £50.00)
* Prizes kindly donated by NICEIC Group Ltd
1 Former Fulham and German international who applied
pressure (6, 4)
2 Surname of former Arsenal striker whose induction to football
was in a small sovereign city-state (5)
3 The nickname of this former Welsh Manchester United striker
suggests he could have been an electrician (6)
4 A type of electrical circuit a boxer competes in (4)
5 Glasgow born boxer who powered his way through the world
lightweight division in the late seventies (3, 4)
6 A type of combat Michael Faraday may have taken part in, as
he had the same potential as anyone else (4, 8)
7 This record by a synthpop group from the Wirral could have a
magnetic attraction (5, 5)
8 It is equivalent to 746 watts (3, 10)
9 This Kent-based ice hockey team could produce a lot of
energy (7, 7)
10 Michael is part of the home of AFC Newbury (7, 4)
high potentialmedium poweredtrickle charged
Ra
tin
g:
The terms and conditions for the prize draw may be found on our website.
The solution to this quiz will be posted on our website shortly after the closing date together with, as soon as possible, the names of the lucky winners.
Details of the winners of the quiz in the summer issue, together with the solution to the quiz, can be viewed on our website (www.esc.org.uk).
This cryptic ‘medium-powered’ electrical quiz has a sporting flavour:
www.esc.org.uk
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