» Targetting electrically unsafe rented homes

SwitchedOn News for the industry from Electrical Safety First £5.00

Issue 34 Autumn 2014

2 Inside

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukSwitched On

News 3 From the DG’s desk. Also, Switching on to the digital world!

4 Firmfinedaftertraineereceivesshockandburns Also,SafestartforyoungScottishelectricians

5 NewMarklaunchedtocounterconcernsaboutunregisteredelectricians

6 Firmprosecutedafteralabourerisseverelyburned Also,SuccessatTradingStandardsConference

7 Changestohowlampratingsaredescribed

8 ElectricalSafetyFirstwinsitsfirstmajorvideoaward

9 Wholesalerprosecutedforsellingunsafephonechargers Also,ElectricalsafetysuccessinScotland

12 Inadequatesafetyadvicelandsthousandsofgardenersinhospitaleachyear

13 Productsafetyfocus:RoundtablediscussionandProductSafetyConference

14 Prosecutionsfollowfallsbysolarpanelinstallers

15 Toptipsforsaferhomeimprovements

20 Companyprosecutedafterachild’sheadistrappedbyanelectricgate

Feature 10 ElectricalSafetyFirstteamsupwithShelterto tackleelectricallyunsaferentedhomes

Technical 17 Newrequirementforsupportingcablesinescaperoutes

18 Haveyoueverbeenasked..?

Letters

I’msurethattherearemanywithintheelectricalindustrywhowillhavestrongfeelingsaboutsomeoftheissuesraisedinSwitchedOn.Sofeelfreetoshoutaboutthem.

PleaseemailyourletterstotheEditor of Switched Onat: mcswitchedon@gmail.com

Published by:

Electrical Safety FirstUnit 331Metal Box Factory30GreatGuildfordStreetLondon SE1 0HS

www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukwww.twothirtyvolts.org.uk www.switchedonkids.org.uk

T:02034635100 E:switchedon@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

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3News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk Switched On

From the DG’s desk

»It’sbeenasuccessfulperiod at Electrical Safety

Firstsincethepreviousissueof Switched On,duringwhichwe’vesecuredmajorlegislativesuccessinScotlandandbeenofficiallyrecognisedforourwider campaigning work.

InJuly,thecharitywashonouredwiththeCorporateCommunicationsmagazineDigiAward for ‘Best Use of Video’, awardedforour‘BeautyBurns’campaign.

Beatingoffstiffcompetitionfrom the likes of Adidas and O2, we were recognised for ourboldandinnovativevideopromotingthedangersthathair straighteners can pose to children – with the footage depictingwhatdamagetheycandotoaplasticdoll.

Theawarddemonstratesthatournewconsumer-facingbrandandthecampaigningmethods associated with it are hittingtherightnoteswiththecommunicationsindustryandhelpingusengagemorewiththegeneralpublic.Ihopethisisthefirstofmanysuchsuccessesto come.

Whilstitisfantasticthatoureffortshavebeenrecognisedbythecommunicationsindustry,it’s important not to lose sight of whatourcampaigningisreallyabout:results.

Ultimately,westillprideourselvesonmakingpeoplesafer from the dangers that electricity can pose, and I’m

delightedtoannouncethatwe’vesecuredamajorsuccessinScotlandresultingfromourcampaignforasaferprivaterented sector.

TheHousing (Scotland) Bill 2013,whichbecametheHousing (Scotland) Act 2014 in August,includesarequirementformandatory,five-yearlyelectricalchecksforprivaterentedproperty.Hopefully,thismajorstepforwardwillpavethewayforsimilaroutcomesinEngland and Wales.

BasedonthislegislativesuccessinScotland,wecontinuetoworkhardtoimprovethestandardofelectricalsafetyintheprivaterented sector in England and Wales.

Anexampleofthisisourrecentreport on the state of the sector, producedinconjunctionwithShelterandBritishGas.EntitledHome Improvement: Tackling poor electrical safety in the private rented sector, the report waslaunchedattheHouseofLords.

TheeventwasattendedbyMPs,peers and key stakeholders, and includedamovingspeechfromJaneAndain,whosedaughterThirzaWhittallhadsufferedafatal electric shock in her rented home.

TheeventwaswellreceivedbyallwhoattendedandservedtoputtheissueofelectricalsafetyintheprivaterentedsectorfirmlyontheagendainWestminster.

Oureffortstoimprovethelotoftenantsintheprivaterentedsector in England and Wales continuedwhenweattendedtheConservativeandLabourpartyconferencesinSeptember,wherewehostedfringeeventstodiscusswithpoliticianstheneedforbetterregulationinthesector.

Othereffortstokeepthepublicsafehavealsoenjoyedsuccessin recent weeks. Electrical Safety First was pleased to help supporttherecently-launched‘Registered Competent Person Electrical’ Mark, a single Mark for registered electricians that’s supportedbyallgovernment-authorisedschemeoperators.

I’mdelightedthattheindustryisworkingtogethertohelpbetterprotectthepublic,andthecampaign has already reached thousandsofpeopleviasocialmedia.

Thecharity’sdesiretopromotetheuseofregisteredelectriciansisalsoevidentinourlatestcampaigntohelpreduceaccidentsinthegardenbyencouragingthegreateruseofRCDprotection.

Withover300,000peoplerequiringhospitaltreatmenteveryyearasaresultofgardenaccidents, Electrical Safety FirstisaskingthepublictoensuretheyhavesomeformofRCDprotectionwhenusingmains-poweredgardeningequipment,andalsocallingonthemanufacturersofsuchequipmenttoimprovesafetymessaging on their packing and inuserinstructions.

Allinall,thishasbeenaperiodin which the charity has gone from strength to strength, balancingourcampaigningstrategieswithrobusttechnicalknowledgeinordertofulfilourobjectiveofkeepingpeoplesafefrom the dangers that electricity can pose.

Asalways,wewouldwelcomefeedbackonthecontentofSwitched On. Please email feedback@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

Phil Buckle Director General

Switching on to the digital world!Unless you’re reading a printed copy, welcome to the sixth issue of the digital page-turning version of Switched On.

»Aspreviouslyannounced,thepaperversionisnow

onlyavailablebyindividualsubscription.

Foranannualsubscriptioncostingonly£18includingpostage,youcancontinuetohavefourquarterlyissuesofSwitched Ondeliveredstraighttoyourdoor.

Subscriptionsforthepaperversioncanbetakenoutatanytime.However,aswe’reusuallyunabletosupplypapercopiesofbackissues,thesooneryousubscribe,thebetterifyoudon’t want to miss too many.

Whilst stocks last, those subscribing in time to receive the winter issue will also receive a printed copy of the previous four issues free of charge.

Shouldyouwishtosubscribe,pleasesendusanemailatenquiries@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

Forfurtherinformationaboutsubscribing,pleasegotowww.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/switchedon, where the digital versionofthepastthreeyears’issuescanalsobefound.

4 News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukSwitched On

Firm fined after trainee receives shock and burnsIn January this year, an electrical equipment manufacturer was prosecuted at Leeds Magistrates’ Court for a series of safety failures relating to the provision and use of electrical test equipment and working practices, after a trainee technician received an electric shock and electrical burns.

»The22year-oldtraineeelectrical test technician

wastestingatransformerinFebruarylastyearwhenhecame into contact with an exposedliveconductor.

TheHealthandSafetyExecutive(HSE)investigationfoundthattestequipmentoperatingatasaferlowervoltagecouldhavebeenused,butwasunavailableasitwasbrokenatthetimeofthe incident.

TheHSEalsofoundthattheinterlock mechanism to the

testenclosureinwhichtheincidenttookplacehadbeendefeated,andsothesupplytothelocationhadnotbeendisconnected.Additionally,theHSEfoundthatemergencystopbuttonswerebrokenandunusable.

TheHSEservedaprohibitionnoticeonthecompany,WilsonPowerSolutionsLtdof Westland Works, Westland Square,Leeds,tohaltsimilarworkonthesiteuntiltheirsafetymeasuresandprocedureswereimproved.

Asaresultoftheincident,thetraineespentfivedaysinhospitalandhadtoundergoskingraftstobothhands.Atthetimeoftheprosecutionhehadnotbeenabletoreturntowork.

WilsonPowerSolutionsLtdwasfined£6,500afteradmittingabreachoftheHealth and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.*Thecompanyalsohadtopaya£650victimsurchargeand£647incosts.

Speakingafterthecase,HSEInspectorJulianFranklinsaid:

“Thisyoungtraineewasgivenunsafe,inappropriateandpoorlymaintainedequipmentto test an electrical transformer, withnotrainingorsupervision.Asaresulthesufferedapainfulinjurybecausehisemployerdisplayedaseriousdisregard for safety in what canbeahazardousworkingenvironment.

“Wefoundarangeofsafetyfeatureshadbeendefeatedorfallen into disrepair, and that the system of work in place at WilsonPowerSolutionsLtdwassubstandard.Thefirmfailedtoensurethatrisksfromaknownhazardwerecontrolledandallowedequipmenttofallintodisrepair,resultinginapotentiallylife-threateningincident.”

*Section2(1)oftheHealth and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 states:“It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”

Safe start for young Scottish electriciansThe next generation of young Scottish electricians will have a safe start to their career - thanks again to Electrical Safety First and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT)*.

»Following on from the 400whobenefittedlast

year,almostfivehundredyoungtraineesarebeingsuppliedthisyearwithfreelockoutkitsworth£30byElectricalSafetyFirstandSECTT.

Thesekitscouldpotentiallysavetheirliveswhencorrectlyusedaspartofthesafeisolationprocedure.

“Webelieveit’svitalthatsafeworkingpracticesandproceduresareundertakenrightacrosstheindustry”,explainsPhilBuckle,DirectorGeneralofElectrical Safety First.

“Tobeproperlyeffective,thesafeisolationprocedureneedstobeestablishedrightfromthebeginningofanelectrician’scareer.Theselockoutkitsdon’tjustprovidetraineeswithessentialsafetyequipmentthatwe hope will help make safe isolationaningrainedhabit-theycouldalsomakethedifferencebetweenlifeanddeath.

“ThekitswillbeprovidedtostudentsfromtheShetlandIslestotheBorderswhoarestudyingat20ApprovedCentresacrossScotland”,addsAnneGalbraith,ChiefExecutiveofSECTT.

“Ourcontinuingpartnershipwith Electrical Safety First meanswe’vebeenabletosharethecostoftheseindispensablesafetydevicesandhelpsafeguardthenextgenerationofScottishelectricians.”

*The Scottish Electrical Charitable Trust (SECTT) is a registered charity whose sole remit is the management of the Scottish Joint Industry Board for the Electrical Contracting Industry Training Schemes. The SECTT website (www.sectt.org) provides essential information about careers in the electrical industry and useful guidance for employers and individuals.

5News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk Switched On

New Mark launched to counter concerns about unregistered electriciansA new government-backed consumer safety Mark – the ‘Registered Competent Person Electrical Mark’ – was launched in July to better protect householders in England and Wales from the dangers of employing unregistered electricians.

» Similar to the ‘Gas Safe Register’ for gas

installers,the‘CompetentPersonElectricalRegister’listselectricians who meet core technicalstandardsrequiredbygovernment.

WithelectricityresponsibleforcausinghalfofallaccidentalhousefiresandonedeathinUKhomeseachweekonaverage,the new Mark is intended to makeiteasierforhouseholdersto recognise a registered electrician.This,itishoped,willencouragehouseholdersto employ only competent tradespeopletoundertakeelectrical work in their homes.

ResearchcarriedoutforElectrical Safety First shows that thenumberofhouseholdersusingelectriciansnotregisteredwithagovernment-authorisedcompetent person scheme morethantrebledovertheyearleadinguptothelaunchofthenew Mark – with 20% of those havingelectricalworkdoneduringthesameperiodnotknowing whether the electrician was registered or not[i].

A new ‘Registered Competent Person Electrical’website-www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk-provideshomeownerswith a single search facility for all electricians registered withoneofthegovernment-authorisedelectricalcompetentpersonschemestocarryoutdomesticelectricalinstallationwork in England and Wales in accordancewiththeBuildingRegulations.

Thenewwebsiteallowsanyonetoquicklyfindalocal,registeredelectricianbyenteringtheirownpostcode,ortovalidateanelectrician’scredentialsbyinputtingthecompanyname.

Electrical Safety First, which ishelpingtolaunchthenewconsumersafetyMark,estimatestherearearound20,000unregisteredelectriciansoperatingintheUKtoday[ii].

Thecharityisconcernedthattheknowingorunknowinguseofunregisteredelectriciansfordomesticelectricalinstallationworkcancontributetothenumberofelectricalinjuriesandfiresinhomes,aswellaspotentiallyresultingincostlyrepairstosubstandardelectricalwork.Inadditiontothedeathsandfires,350,000peopleareseriouslyinjuredbyelectricityinthe home each year. [iii]

All the electrical competent person scheme operators havesupportedthelaunchofthenewrecognisableMark,whichalsohasthebackingof the English Department forCommunitiesandLocalGovernmentandtheWelshGovernment.

Thecompetentpersonschemeoperatorshavealsowarnedaboutthedangersofrelyingonothers,suchasbuilders,to select electricians for more complexjobslikebathroomandkitchenfittingthatincludeelectricalwork,withoutfirstcheckingtheircredentials.

TheorganisationsbehindthenewMarkhaveproducedashortvideotoillustratethedangersofusinganunregisteredelectrician,byshowingahouseholderrelyingonachildtofixanelectricalfault.

Toviewandsharethevideo,visitwww.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/find-an-electrician

[i] Taken from Electrical Safety First’s latest Annual Consumer Survey, which surveyed 2,118 people between 11 April and 1 May 2014. Of the 492 people who had used an electrician in the preceding twelve months, 7% used one who was not registered with a scheme, a substantial increase from 2% in 2013. 20% ‘didn’t know’ whether the electrician they used was registered or not.[ii] This estimate is based on approximately 41,000 registered electricians currently working in England and Wales, with a further 1,200 in Scotland. Data from the DCLG Part P impact assessment states that there are 58,000 electrical contractors across England alone - leading the charity to estimate that around a third of electricians are not registered.[iii] Electrical Safety First core data set. For details, visit www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/news-and-campaigns/policies-and-research/statistics

6 News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukSwitched On

Firm prosecuted after a labourer is severely burnedA building company was prosecuted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in April after a labourer suffered serious burn injuries.

»InAugust2012,31year-oldVlatkoMilenkovwasoneof

ateamstrippingoutapropertyin Westminster as part of refurbishmentwork.

Duringthecourseofhiswork,MrMilenkovwasremovingelectricalequipmenthebelievedtobesafelydisconnectedwhenhecutintoalivecableandanexplosionoccurred.

MrMilenkovsufferedlife-threateningburnstohislimbs,bodyandfacewhichresultedinhimbeingputintoaninducedcomainintensivecarefortwoweeks,andseveralfurtherweeksinhospital.Atthetimeoftheprosecutionhecontinuedtosufferpersistentpainandpsychologicalproblems.

DrayBuildingLimitedofDephnaHouse,NorthActonRoad,

London,wasfined£10,000afteradmittingabreachofthe Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007*.Thecompanywasalsoorderedtopay£9,882incosts.

Speakingafterthecase,HSEinspector Stephron Baker Holmessaid:“Itwouldhavebeenastraightforwardmattertoprovidesuitablewarningnoticesandbarriersinthiscase,

and it’s likely that these simple measureswouldhavepreventedan incident like this from happening.

“AsaresultofDrayBuilding’sfailures,however,MrMilenkovsufferedlife-changingandinitiallylife-threateninginjuries,andthequalityofhisliferemainssignificantlydiminished.

“Controllingtherisksatsourcewouldhavebeenmoreeffectivethanrelyingonassumptionsaboutindividuals’awarenessofthe risks.”

*Regulation34(2)(c)(i)ofthe Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 states:“Where there is risk from electric power cables … suitable warning notices and barriers suitable for excluding work equipment which is not needed shall be provided.”

Success at Trading Standards ConferenceElectrical Safety First received considerable attention at this year’s Trading Standards Conference, due to its relevant messages about the safety of electrical appliances.

»Thesold-out,annualfive-dayeventatHarrogate’s

InternationalCentresawhundredsofvisitorsandexhibitorsconvenetotakepartinworkshops, theatre sessions and seminarsonissuesoftradebestpractice.

Theconferencewasavaluableopportunityfordialogueonthestateoftheconsumerlandscape.In fact, the idea of engagement betweenlocalauthoritiesand their stakeholders was an overarchingtheme,withmanypresentationsstressingtheneedforincreasedcollaboration

andinformationexchangetoovercomechallenges.

ElectricalSafetyFirstattendedthe conference with a new standandrenewedenthusiasm,itbeingthefirstmajoreventat which the charity had participatedsinceitsrebrand.

Aswellasprovidingvisitorswitharangeofinformativeleaflets,Electrical Safety First’s display of counterfeithighstreetproductspurchasedthatveryweekprovedahottopicfordiscussionamongtradingstandardsofficers,manyofwhomhadencounteredsuchitemsintheirowninvestigations.

ElectricalSafetyFirst’sProductSafety Manager, Stephen Curtler,hostedatalkwithlocalauthorityrepresentativesandindustryprofessionalsontheimportance of compliance and risk assessment.

Thetalkprovedpopularandfeaturedanupdatedversionofthecharity’sElectricalProductSafetyChecklist-aguidesheettohelptheidentificationofpotentialelectricalsafetyissueswithconsumergoods.

One of the charity’s greatest successesattheconference wastheunveilingofitsplug

pingauge,designedtotesttheauthenticityof13Atypethree-pinplugs.Despitestillbeingat prototype stage, the freely distributedgaugeprovedverypopularwithtradingstandardsofficersvisitingElectricalSafetyFirst’s stand.

Thefeedbackreceivedindicatedthatthegaugewouldbeaneffectivetoolforofficerstouseintheirinvestigations,forexampleintothegrowingproblemofsubstandardchargers,andthepracticabilityofdistributingmoreofthegaugesisunderconsideration.

Withitsfocusincreasinglymovingtowardsconsumerand appliance safety, it is more importantthaneverforElectricalSafety First to forge stronger linkswithTradingStandards.Thesuccessofthecharity’sparticipationintheconferenceisapositiveindicatorofwhatcanbeachievedthroughsucharelationship.

7News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk Switched On

Changes to how lamp ratings are describedFor as long as most will remember, the ‘brightness’ of a light bulb (or lamp as we prefer to call it) has been measured in terms of how much power it uses (in watts), rather than by how much light it produces (in lumens).

»But,asaresultofEUlegislation,thisapproachhasbeenslowlychanging,

affectingtheinformationmanufacturersdisplay on the packaging of their lamps.

Historically,weselectedthetraditionalhouseholdincandescent‘filament’lamponthebasisofhowmuchpoweritused.Forexample, regardless of who made the lamp, mostknewthatonewitha100Wratingwasthebrightestfornormaldomesticsituationsindoorsand,forsomethinglessintensesuchasmoodlighting,alowerratingof40Woreven25Wwaspreferred.

However,theenergyneededtopowerthenewertypesofenergyefficientlamp,suchascompactfluorescentlamps(CFLs),lightemittingdiodes(LEDs)andhalogenlamps,nolongerindicatestheamountoflighttheyproduce.

Forinstance,thelightoutputofan8WLEDiscomparabletothatofa9WCFL,buttheybothproducemorelight(lumens)thana28 W halogen lamp.

So,tobecertainthataneworreplacementlampwillprovidetheexpectedlevelof

illumination,itisnownecessarytoselectitonthebasisofitslumenoutput,notitsratedpowerinwatts.Thegreaterthelumenoutput,the‘brighter’thelamp.

Ofcourse,otherlampcharacteristicssuchratedvoltage,size,baseandcolourtemperaturewillstillneedtobetakenintoaccount.

Somemanufacturershavebeendisplayingthelumenoutputontheirproductsforsometimenow.Theyhaveusedanumberofwaystoindicatetheequivalentvalueinwatts.

Forexample,phrasessuchas‘replaces60Wbulb’and‘this13Wenergysavinglampisequivalenttoa60Wlamp’arecommon,butthispracticeisexpectedtobephasedoutasconsumersbecomemorefamiliarwiththelumenratingconcept.

TheLightingIndustryAssociationhasproducedafreecharttoaidtheselectionofenergysavinglampsinrelationtotheformer‘watts’ratingmethod,whichcanbefoundat:www.thelia.org.uk/files/docs/how-to-select-your-energy-saving-bulb-1359368116.pdf

EnergyefficiencyfromAtoG

Luminousfluxofthelampsinlumens

Electricityconsumptionofthelampinwatts

Averagelamplifeinhours

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8 News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukSwitched On

Electrical Safety First wins its first major video awardElectrical Safety First’s ‘Beauty Burns’ campaign hit the spot at the Corporate Communications magazine Digi Awards, taking away the ‘best use of video’ prize. The event, which recognises the innovative use of digital media in communication programmes, took place in London in July.

»AspartoftheBeautyBurnscampaignthatfocusedon

child safety, Electrical Safety Firstcreatedahard-hittingvideothatshowedthedangersof not storing hair straighteners safely.Researchhadshownthathairstraightenerscauseoneintenchildburns1 and that retailersandmanufacturers

needed to do more to protect usersandothers.

The30secondvideobeginsbyzoomingoutfromthemeltedface of a doll lying next to a pairofhairstraighteners.Thebackdropofababycryingandthesoundofamusicboxheightenstheemotional

impact,andthevideoendswitha link to Electrical Safety First’s websiteandthemessage:“Turnthemoff,putthemaway,passthis on.”

“I’m delighted with the award”, saidPhilBuckle,DirectorGeneral of Electrical Safety First.

“Wehadsomestiffcompetition,includingfromO2andAdidas,butthejudgeswereimpressedbytheimpactofourshortfilmandtheoverallsuccessofourcampaign,whichsaw leading hair straightener manufacturersdecidingtoincludeheat-proofpoucheswithalloftheirproducts,andover7,000peoplecontactingusaspartofour‘pouchgiveaway’.”

Towatchtheaward-winningvideoandtofindoutmoreabouttheBeautyBurnscampaign,visitwww.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/beautyburns

1 According to a study issued by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in 2012 - www.rospa.com/news/releases/detail/?id=114

“We had some stiff competition, including

from O2 and Adidas, but the judges were

impressed by the impact of our short film”

9News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk Switched On

Electrical safety success in ScotlandIn the first major success for Electrical Safety First’s campaign to improve safety in the private rented sector (PRS), the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 includes a significant new electrical safety requirement originally proposed by Bob Doris MSP.

»Therequirementisformandatoryfive-yearly

electricalchecksbyacompetentpersoninallPRShomesinScotland,includinganyelectricalappliancessuppliedbythelandlord.

Scotland’sprivaterentedsector-whichhasdoubledoverthelastdecade-nowhouseswellover300,000peopleincluding80,000families,aquarterofthem with children.

In 2012, almost two thirds ofPRShomesfailedtomeettheScottishHousingQualityStandard, and changing demographicshaveintensifiedconcernsoverdisrepairandsafetyinthesector.Thisisparticularlyworrying,sincealmost70%ofaccidentalfiresinScottishhomesarecausedbyelectricity.

“Some of the worst instances of landlord neglect relate to

poor electrical safety”, explains PhilBuckle,DirectorGeneralofElectrical Safety First. “So I’m delighted that its importance hasbeenrecognisedbytheinclusionoftheelectricalsafetyrequirementintheScottishHousingAct.

“It’sonlythroughcollaborativeworkingthatwe’vebeenabletohighlightthisissue,soIwouldliketothankallthoseorganisationsandindividuals

whosupportedourcallforimprovedsafetymeasures,particularlyBobDorisMSP.”

Electrical Safety First led the developmentofacoalitionoforganisationscampaigningforimprovementsinthePRSinScotland,whichwaspraisedbythe MSP.

“Ihavenodoubtthisnewrequirementwillhelppreventfiresandcouldsavelives”,addsBobDoris.“Ipaycreditto Electrical Safety First, which Ihaveworkedcloselywith,andtheScottishAssociationofLandlords,whichhasbeeninstrumentalingainingthesupportoftheprivaterentedsector.Includingelectricalsafety checks in this Act willhelpensurethatpeoplerentingprivatelywillgettheaddedprotectiontheyneed.”

Wholesaler prosecuted for selling unsafe phone chargersIn June, a businessman was prosecuted at Birmingham Crown Court for selling unsafe mobile phone chargers and counterfeit phone accessories.

»Safetychecksbyatestlaboratoryprovedthat

none of the phone chargers weresafetouse.Internalcircuitrybrokedownwhenastandardtestvoltagewasapplied,andsomeconductorsposedaseriousriskoffireand/orelectricshocktousers.

Othertestsrevealedthattheplugpinsonsomeofthechargerswerethewrongsize,whichpotentiallycouldhaveled

tolocalisedoverheatingand/ordamagetothecharger’splugand/orthesocketintowhichitwas inserted.

Duringproceedings,MrInderjitSingh,adirectorofArdenworth Ltd at Unit 1, Well Street, Hockley, Birmingham pleadedguiltytofiveoffencesundertheElectrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, the Consumer Protection Act 1987, the Consumer Protection from

Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, and the Trade Marks Act 1994.

Breaching a total of eight electrical safety and trade mark relatedregulations,ArdenworthLtdwasgiven28daystopaya£1,200fineandcostsof£8,392.

Inaddition,Singhwasgivensixmonthstopay£56,610undertheProceeds of Crime Act 2002 or face a two year

prison sentence, and ordered tocomplete120hoursunpaidcommunitywork.

ThecasewasbroughtagainstArdenworthLtdbyBirminghamCityCouncilaftertradingstandardsofficersvisiteditspremisesinDecember2011,wheretheyseizedmorethan2,500mobilephonechargersandaccessories,andover600mobilephonecoversbearingfakeBlackberryandNokialogos.Intotal,officersseized47boxesofgoods.

Whenlaterinterviewedbytradingstandardsofficers,Singhadmittedtohavingboughtthegoodsfrom‘amaninavan’withtheintentionofsellingthemonthroughachainofshopsincludingoutletsinHull,London and Manchester trading asHighProfileAccessoriesLtd, of which Singh was also a director.

Electrical Safety First teams up with Shelter to tackle electrically unsafe rented homesIn June, Electrical Safety First, Shelter and British Gas launched their joint report “Home Improvement: Tackling poor electrical safety in the private rented sector” in the House of Lords.

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Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukSwitched On

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Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk Switched On

The speakers at the event – Left to right: Jane Andain, Bob Blackman MP, Lord Tope, Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, Phil Buckle, Campbell Robb and Bryan Halliday

»ThereportaddresseshowprivatelyrentedhomesinEnglandcanbe

broughtuptoanacceptablelevelofelectrical safety and how tenants can and shouldbeencouragedtoreportunsafeconditionswithoutfearofretaliatoryeviction.

Thelaunchwaswellattendedbyparliamentarians,housingprofessionalsandotherinfluentialstakeholdersinterestedintheimportantissuesthereportcovers.

TheeventbeganwithamovingspeechfromJaneAndain,whosedaughterThirzaWhittallsufferedafatalelectricshockinher rented home in a tragic accident that couldhavebeenpreventedhadtheageingelectricalinstallationpreviouslybeeninspectedbyacompetentelectrician.

TheaudiencethenheardfurtherremarksfromConservativeback-bencherBobBlackmanMPandLabourShadowCommunitiesandLocalGovernmentMinisterRobertaBlackman-WoodsMP,as well as from Electrical Safety First’s DirectorGeneralPhilBuckle,Shelter’sChiefExecutiveCampbellRobb,andBritishGasDirectorofSustainability,BryanHalliday.

ThereportsetsouttheneedtotacklepoorconditionsinEngland’sprivaterented

sector,whichisnowestimatedtohousemorethan9millionpeopleincluding1.3million families.

Evidencesuggeststhatsafetystandardshavenotkeptupwiththerapidgrowthinthesector,andarecentpollbyShelterandBritishGashighlightedthatsixteenpercentofrentershaveexperiencedproblemswithelectricalhazardsinthelastyearalone.

ThissituationisthoughttobedueinparttothelackofanylegalrequirementinEngland

forlandlordstohavethewiringintheirrentedpropertiesinspectedandtestedonaregularbasis,togetherwithanyelectricalappliancestheyprovidefortheirtenants.

Thisisinstarkcontrasttotheexistingrequirementforlandlordstohavethegasinstallationintheirrentedpropertiesinspectedandtestedbyacompetentpersoneveryyear,eventhoughtheriskprofilesforgasandelectricityaresimilar.

Toresolvetheseissuesandtocreateasafer,bettermanagedprivaterentedsector,thereportcallsformandatoryfive-yearlychecksofelectricalinstallationsandappliancesandtheprovisionofresidualcurrentdevice(RCD)protectioninallrentedhomes,andanendtothepracticeofretaliatoryevictionbylandlordssothattenants are not afraid of losing their home if they complain.

Tosupplementthesemeasures,thereportalsorecommendsthatlocalauthoritiesshouldbefreeandencouragedtotakeatougherandmoreproactivestanceonenforcement.

Thereportisavailabletoviewanddownloadfrom: www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/renting

12 News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukSwitched On

Inadequate safety advice lands thousands of gardeners in hospital each yearIn our latest campaign, Electrical Safety First is calling on lawnmower and hedge trimmer manufacturers to improve the safety advice on their packaging and in their user instructions after new research revealed that these products are responsible for thousands of injuries a year.

»EachyearintheUK,around300,000people need hospital treatment as

resultofinjuriessustainedwhilstgardening,with a third of all gardening accidents causedbyelectricalappliances.1 Men are most at risk as they are twice as likely as womentohaveanelectricalaccidentwhilstgardening.2

Cuttingthroughthecableofamains-powered lawnmower or hedge trimmer tops the list of accidents.3 A common mistake,butsomethingthatcanputlivesatriskascontactwithlivewirescanresultinsevereelectricshockordeath,especiallyoutdoorswherepeoplearelikelytobeingood contact with Earth.

ElectricalSafetyFirstfoundthat,despiteRCDsbeingthesafestwaytominimiseelectric shock risks in the garden, nearly twothirdsofgardenerswhoregularlymowthelawnorcuthedgesareunawareofthe

safetybenefitsofRCDs,orsimplydon’tbothertouseone.4

Althoughallmanufacturershavearesponsibilityforadequatelywarningusersoftherisksassociatedwithusingmains-poweredequipment,amysteryshoppingexercisefoundthatmanufacturersofsuchgardeningequipmentarenotdoingenoughtoprotecttheircustomers.

ElectricalSafetyFirstwantsthisguidancetobemademuchmorevisibleandclearer,especially as research shows that half theusersofmains-poweredelectricalequipmentdonotbothertoreadthesafetyinstructionsthatcomewithit.5

PhilBuckle,DirectorGeneralofElectricalSafetyFirstsaid:“Weknowthatreadingthroughlengthyuserinstructionsbeforeusingelectricalequipmentforthefirsttimecanbeboringandtime-consuming,andtherealityisthatmanypeopledon’tbother.

“Butanincrediblylargenumberofpeoplearehavingaccidentsinthegarden,soit’suptomanufacturerstodoalltheycantoensurethattheircustomersarefullyawareoftheneedalwaystohaveRCDprotectionwhenusingmains-poweredelectricalequipmentinthegarden–notjustinwetconditions,whichiswhatsomemanufacturershaveerroneouslyfocusedon.

“SimplesolutionssuchasincludingRCDsasstandardwithmains-poweredlawnmowersandhedgetrimmers,orattachingatagtotheplugofaproductwarningaboutthedangerofelectricshock,areallitwouldtaketochangebehaviourandreduceelectrical accidents in the garden.”

Foradviceonstayingsafeinthegarden,visitwww.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/gardening

1 According to RoSPA. Figures are based on the former Department of Trade and Industry’s Home Accident Surveillance System report 2002. 300,000 people are hurt in their gardens each year seriously enough to go to hospital. www.rospa.com/faqs/detail.aspx?faq=22231% of UK adults who regularly garden have had an accident caused by an electrical appliance in the garden 2 41% of UK men who regularly garden have had an electrical accident in the garden compared to 20% of women who regularly garden 3 25% of accidents caused in the garden for UK adults who regularly garden were caused by cutting through the cable of a lawn mower or hedge trimmer 4 63% of UK adults who regularly use electrical equipment in the garden either do not know what an RCD is or would not always use one when gardening 5 53% of UK adults who regularly garden with electrical equipment don’t read safety instructions supplied with gardening equipment such as lawn mowers and hedge trimmers

13News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk Switched On

Product safety focus: Roundtable discussion and Product Safety ConferenceElectrical product safety, recalls and traceability are just some of the items on the agendas at recent and forthcoming Electrical Safety First events.

»StBrideFoundationintheCityofLondonwas

thevenueforaroundtablediscussioninearlySeptember.

Theroundtable,apreludetotheProductSafetyConferencetobeheldatChurchHouseinWestminsteron12November,attractedseniorrepresentativesfromelectricalmanufacturersand retailers, as well as delegatesfromgovernment,tradebodiesandrelatedorganisations.

Thediscussionsfocusedonrecallnotices–theirdesign,placementandconsumers’

reactiontothem–aswellasmethodsforimprovingtraceability.

Meanwhilethisyear’sProductSafetyConference,aregularhighlightintheindustrycalendar,isentitledProduct Safety First – Time for Change, andwillbehostedbyformerBBC Working Lunch presenter andbusinessjournalist,DeclanCurry.

Keythemessuchaschangingtheshapeofproductlegislation,identifyingtrendsandemergingissues,recalleffectivenessandtheissueofbehavioural

changeinconsumersaresettobediscussed.ElectricalSafetyFirst’sresearchprojectonconsumerbehaviouranditsimpactupontraceabilityandproductrecallwillalsobelaunched.

PreviousresearchforElectricalSafety First shows that consumerindifferenceandanunderestimationofthepotentialdangerspresentedbyrecalledproductsmakeasignificantcontributiontothelowrecallsuccessrates.OveramillionUKadultshavedeliberatelyignoredarecallnoticeandcontinuedtousean

electricalitemthathasbeenrecalled. 1

“ThisisthefourthProductSafetyConferencewe’veorganisedandoverthisperiodwe’veseenincreaseddemandforaneventofthisnature”,explainsPhilBuckle,DirectorGeneral of Electrical Safety First.

“Theconferencehasbecomeamajorforumforideasandinformationaroundproductsafety,asitbringstogetherkey stakeholders from across theboard–manufacturers,retailers,consumersafetyprofessionalsandgovernmentbodies–toensureconsumerprotectionbenefitsfromtheindustry’scollaborativeapproach.”

Formoreinformationaboutthe conference, or to register, please go to

www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/news-and-campaigns/events/electrical-product-safety-conference1 1.3 million, based 2% of the UK population of 63.2 million as per Census of 2011Derived data based on Electrical Safety First research

14 News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukSwitched On

Prosecutions follow falls by solar panel installersA number of prosecutions have taken place in recent months after unsafe working practices resulted in persons installing solar panels sustaining serious injuries through falls from height. This article details two of the incidents.

»InAprilthisyear,analternativeenergycompany and its technical director

wereprosecutedatNorthamptonCrownCourtforfailingtocontroltheriskoffallingthroughfragileroofmaterials,afterayoungemployeesufferedseriousinjurieswhenhefell six metres.

The20-year-oldwasinstallingsolarpanelsontheroofofabarninNorthamptonshireinNovember2011whenhefellthrougharooflight.Althoughtheman’sfallwaspartlybrokenbysoftfloormaterialinthebarn,hesufferedaseriousbackinjury.

Theinjuredman,whoatthetimeoftheprosecutionhadbeenunabletoworksincetheincident,washospitalisedforfourweeksandcontinuedtosufferfromconstantpainand depression.

TheHealthandSafetyExecutive(HSE)servedaprohibitionnoticeonthecompany,

AlternativeEnergyInstallationsLtd,registeredwithHodgsonsAccountantsofParkRoad,Timperley,Cheshire,topreventfurtherworkonthesiteuntilimprovedsafetymeasuresandprocedureswereputinplace. Work was completed when crawling boardsandprotectivesafetynettingwasprovided.

AlternativeEnergyInstallationsLtd,whichhasgoneintoliquidationsincetheincident,wasfined£30,000andorderedtopay£27,000incostsafterbeingfoundguiltyofbreachingSection2(1)oftheHealth and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.*

AtanearlierMagistrates’Courtappearance,IanBlackofHenallanStreet,Denbigh,Wales–thefirm’stechnicaldirectoratthetimeoftheincident–wasfined£7,300andorderedtopay£6,700incostsafterpleadingguiltytothe same charge.

Speakingafterthecase,HSEInspectorPeterSnelgrovesaid:“Thisfallcouldhavebeenfatalandwasentirelyandeasilypreventable.Thedirectorwasawarethattherooflightswerefragile,butfailedtoputanymeasuresinplacetopreventfallsdespiteanotherworkeraskingiftheywouldbewearingsafetyharnesses,atwhichMrBlacklaughed.

“Thefactthattheywereabletoovercometheproblemsosimplyafterwards,byusingcrawlingboardsandsafetynetting,showshoweasyitwastopreventtheincident.AlternativeEnergyInstallationsLtdshouldhaveensuredtheworkatheightwasproperly planned and that workers had the rightprotectiveequipmentandhadbeentrainedinitsuse.”

InJune,aprosecutionrelatingtoasimilar incident took place at Bradford Magistrates’Court.

15News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk Switched On

InNovember2011,a54year-oldmanfellnearlysevenmetresthrougharooflight,sufferingseriousinjuriesincludingapuncturedlung,fracturedskull,aheadwoundrequiring13staples,brokencollarbone,brokenribs,afracturetoahand,brokenpelvisandchippedbonesinhisspineand hip.

ThesubsequentHSEinvestigationfoundthatDuncanPlumbing,HeatingandElectricsLtdhadcarriedouttwositesurveyspriortotheworkstarting,buthadfailedtotakeanyactionstopreventeitherworkersfromfallsordamagetotherooflightsthemselves,despitehavingloadedtheinformationintotheircomputersystemforusebythedesignteam.Evidentlya‘fragileroof’warningnoticehadalsobeenignored.

DuncanPlumbing,HeatingandElectricsLtd,ofRudgateBusinessPark,Tockwith,York,wasfined£20,000–themaximumfineaMagistrates’Courtcanimpose-andorderedtopay£3,408afterpleadingguiltytoabreachoftheHealth and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 atBradfordMagistrates’CourtinJunethisyear.

Speakingafterthecase,HSEInspectorSarahLeesaid:

“(Theemployee)suffereddevastatinginjuriesinthisfallandcouldsoeasilyhavebeenkilled.Hisfallmayhavebeenbrokenbyhittinghaybalesand,ifso,theyprobablysavedhislife.

“TheoverallsystemofworkemployedbyDuncanHeating,PlumbingandElectricsLtd

wasinherentlyunsafe.Theydidnotrecogniseorproperlyidentifythedangersfacedbytheiremployees,sosafetymeasureswere totally neglected.

“Itisastonishingthatthecompany,havinggottheinformationaboutrooflightsattheirfingertips,subsequentlyfailedtodoanythingaboutit.Hadtherooflightsbeenprotectedfromaboveornettedfrombelow,thisincidentcouldhavebeenavoided.

“Fallingfromheightisstillthebiggestkillerintheconstructionindustryandalsoleadstomanyinjuries.Therisksarealsowellknowninthetradesothereisnoexcuseforputtingworkersatunnecessaryrisk.”

Informationaboutpreventingfallsisavailableatwww.hse.gov.uk/falls

Aninformationsheetsummarisingsafeworkingpracticesforthoseinvolvedintheinstallationofsolarpanels,producedbyCITB-ConstructionSkillsinpartnershipwiththeHSE,canbeviewedordownloadedfreeofchargefrom:www.cskills.org/uploads/GS001_Safe%20solar%20panel%20installation_tcm17-33755.pdf

*Section2(1)oftheHealth and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974states:“It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”

Protection around a rooflight (Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v2.0)

“The director was aware that the rooflights were fragile, but failed to put any measures in place to prevent falls despite another worker asking

if they would be wearing safety harnesses”

16 News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukSwitched On

Top tips for safer home improvementsElectrical Safety First is urging people to get switched on to the dangers that home improvements can pose.

»Whetherit’sfinallygettingaroundtoputtingupthatshelforgiving

thegardensomeattention,mosthomeimprovementworkcarriestheriskofelectricshockorelectrocutionthatmanyareunawareof,orsimplyignore.

AsurveyconductedbyElectricalSafetyFirstfoundthathalfofallsevereelectricshocksinthehomeresultfromDIYwork,themaincausesincludingcuttingthroughtrailingflexiblecables,drillingintoconcealedwiring,andrepairingelectricalequipmentwhilstitisstillenergised.

Meanwhile,upto70%ofgardenersareputtingthemselvesatriskbyfailingtotakeadequateprecautionswhenusingelectricalequipmentoutdoors,withnearlyathirdofthemhavingusedelectricalequipmentinwetconditionswhentheriskofelectrocutionisgreatest.

Tohelpreducetherisks,ElectricalSafetyFirsthasproducedsomeshort,simpleguidancetoensurethathomeimprovementandgardeningworkisdonesafely:

●● Carefullyfollowthemanufacturer’suserinstructionsforpowerandgardentools

●● Whenusingmains-poweredtools,makesureyouareprotectedbyaresidualcurrentdevice(RCD*).Bothindoorsandout,thispotentiallylife-savingdevicecutsthepowerveryquicklyintheeventofanelectricalfault.IfoneormoreRCDsarenotalreadyfittedintheconsumerunit(fuseboard),useaplug-inRCDinstead

●● Beforeuse,alwayschecktheplug,cablesandenclosureofmains-poweredtoolsandgardeningequipmentfordamage.Ifyouseeanysignificantsignsofdamage,don’tusetheequipmentandget it repaired or replaced

●● Before drilling, nailing or screwing into awall,floororceiling,determinethelocationofanynearbycables.AcommonDIYerrorisdamagingaconcealedcable,whichcanresultinelectricshock

●● IfinanydoubtaboutelectricalDIYwork,get a registered electrician to do it for

you.Alocalregisteredelectriciancanbefoundbyvisiting: www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk

Onthesetoptips,EmmaApter,HeadofCommunicationsatElectricalSafetyFirstsaid:“Makingourlivingspacemorecomfortableissomethingweallstrivefor,and Electrical Safety First wants to help ensurethathomeimprovementsaredonesafely.

“Peopleoftendon’trealisehowdangerouselectricitycanbe,yeteachyearintheUKitkillsaround70andinjuresafurther350,000throughelectricshockandfire.

“Therisksareevengreaterwhendoingsomethinglikehomeimprovementsandgardeningso,byfollowingourtoptips,peoplecankeepthemselvesandtheirfamilies safe.” *The RCD should have a rated residual operating current (IΔn) not exceeding 30 mA. This information should be clearly marked on the device and/or packaging.

17Technical

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk Switched On

New requirement for supporting cables in escape routes From1January2015,arequirementinBS 7671willcomeintoeffectthatrequiresnewwiringsystemsinescaperoutestobesupportedinsuchawaythattheyarenotliabletoprematurecollapseintheeventofafire.Thisarticlelooksatthebackgroundtothenewrequirementandwhatitsintroductionwillmeaninpracticalterms.

»Amendment 3 to BS 7671: 2008willintroduceanewrequirementtopreventcablesobstructingfireescapesinthe

eventofafire.Therequirementwillprecludetheuseofnon-metalliccableclips,cableties,conduitorcabletrunkingasthesolemeansofsupportingcablesinescaperoutes.

BS 5839-1,theBritishStandardforfiredetectionandfirealarmsystemsinbuildingshas,since2002,containedarecommendationthatmethodsofcablesupportshouldwithstandasimilartemperatureanddurationtothatofthecablebeingsupported,whilemaintainingadequatesupport.

AsimilarrecommendationwasputintoBS 5266-1forcablesofemergencylightingsystemsin2005but,inbothcases,therecommendationsweremadeforfunctional/operationalreasons.

However,asaresultoftheCoroner’srecommendationsafterafireatHarrowCourt,Stevenage,inFebruary2005inwhichtwofirefightersandonetenantwerekilled,anadvisorynotewasaddedtoclause26.2f)ofBS 5839-1statingthat:

‘Experience has shown that collapse of cables supported only by plastic cable trunking can create a serious hazard for firefighters, who could become entangled in the cables’.

Thisleftasituationinwhich,whereversubsequentlyinstalledinabuilding,cablesofemergencylightingsystemsandoffiredetectionandfirealarmsystemswouldremainsupportedintheeventofafire,butthegeneralwiringwouldnot.

Then,inApril2010,twomorefirefighterslosttheirlivesinafireatShirleyTowers,Southampton,andcableentanglementwasagaincitedasacontributoryfactor.

Followingthepost-incidentinvestigations,theCoronermadeanumberofrecommendationstoimprovesafetyinthefuture.

HereiteratedtherecommendationmadebytheCoroneraftertheHarrowCourtfirethatfirealarmandfiredetectionsystemwiringinthecommonpartsofabuildingshouldbesupportedinamannerthat,asaminimum,conformstoBS 5839: Part 1 2002, clause26.2f).

He also recommended that BS 7671shouldbeamendedsuchthat‘all cables, not just fire alarm cables, are supported by fire-resistant cable supports’.

Inpracticalterms,thenewrequirementinBS 7671 will apply onlytocableswithinescaperoutesthatarefixedtothesurfaceofwallsortheundersideofceilings-whether clipped direct or installed inoronawiringsystem-socomplianceshouldnotbemuchofaburden.

Forexample,cablescouldbeclippeddirecttothefabricofthebuildingortotrayworkbymetallicclips,bandingorsimilar.Plasticconduitcouldbesupportedbymetalsaddles,andcablesinplasticcabletrunkingcouldbesupportedbymetallicclips,tiesorsimilareitherinstalledexternallytopreventlidscomingoffinfireconditions,orinternallytopreventcablesfallingoutintheeventoflidscomingoffasaresultofexposuretoheat.

Itisimportanttonotethat,asisthecasewiththesupportsofcablesforfiredetectionandfirealarmandemergencylightingsystems, allsupportsforcablesinescaperoutesshouldinfuturebeofatypenotliabletoprematurefailureintheeventofafire.

Itwouldnotbeacceptabletointerpretthenewrequirementaspermitting,forexample,theprovisionofametallicsupportonlyeverythirdclip,tieorsaddle.Theintentionoftherequirementistopreventpartlysuspendedspansofcablecausinganobstructiontopersonsattemptingtoleavethebuildinginanemergency,orenteringabuildingtofightafire.

Cables falling across exits onto an escape route. The lid on the underside of the plastic trunking fell off due to exposure to heat when the doors onto the escape route were opened.

18 Technical

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukSwitched On

Is live testing permitted?Livetestingispermitted,butonlywhereallthreeconditionsofRegulation14oftheElectricityatWorkRegulations1989aremet.Thisarticlesummarisestheconditionsastheyrelatetolivetestingactivities.

Regulation14oftheElectricity at Work Regulations 1989statesthat:

No person shall be engaged in any work activity on or so near any live conductor (other than one suitably covered with insulating material so as to prevent danger) that danger may arise unless -

(a) it is unreasonable in all the circumstances for it to be dead; and

(b) it is reasonable in all the circumstances for him to be at work on or near it while it is live; and

(c) suitable precautions (including where necessary the provision of suitable protective equipment) are taken to prevent injury.

Thisregulationappliestoallactivitiesduringwhichitisnecessarytoworkonornearenergisedexposedorinadequatelyinsulatedlivepartsthatmayforeseeablygiverisetodanger.

Suchactivitiesincludecarryingoutthesafeisolationprocedure,checkingthepolarityofanincomingsupply,andtestingearthfaultloopimpedanceorRCDfunctionality.

Thisisconfirmedinparagraph208oftheMemorandum of guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (HSR25),publishedbytheHealthandSafetyExecutive(HSE).

Let’sconsidereachofthethreerequirementsinRegulation14thatmustallbemetbeforeliveworkingisundertaken:

It is unreasonable in all the circumstances for the conductor to be dead

Itisreasonablefortestingtotakeplaceonorneartoaliveconductorwheretheinformationprovidedbythetestingcanbeobtainedonlywiththe

conductorenergised.

Forexample,theindustry-acceptedprocedureforperformingsafeisolationfirstrequirestheinstallationorpartoftheinstallationtobeworkedontobeenergised,andproventobeenergisedbyusingasuitablevoltageindicator or test lamp.

Then,immediatelyafterthatinstallationorpartoftheinstallationispresumedtohavebeende-energisedbythedeliberateoperationofameansofisolation,thevoltageindicatorortestlampshouldbeusedagaintoprovethattheconductorshavebeenmadedeadbythatoperation.

Similarly,itisreasonabletocarryoutearthfaultloopimpedancetestingonanenergisedinstallationtoconfirmthattheactual,asinstalled,impedanceofcircuitsissufficientlylowtoallowthedisconnectiontimesofBS 7671tobemetunderfaultconditions.

Have you ever been asked..?

19Technical

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk Switched On

Have you ever been asked..?

It is reasonable in all the circumstances to be at work on or near a conductor while it is live

Someequipmentmayneedtoremainenergisedtopermitfaultfinding.However,itdoesnotfollowthat,havingfoundthefault,therewillnecessarilybejustificationforsubsequentrepairworktobecarriedoutlive.(Paragraph220ofHSR25refers.)

Justificationforexposingliveterminalssolelyforthepurposeofverifyingthecorrectoperationofavoltageindicatorortestlampbeforeandafteruseisarguablymoredifficultintermsofthiscondition.

Whilsttheuseofavoltageindicatorortestlamponanenergisedcircuittoprovedeadisessentialandunavoidable,itispossibletoconfirmthefunctionalityofsuchdevicesbeforeandaftersuchtestingwitheithertheintegralself-testfacilityinsomevoltageindicators,orbytheuseofasuitableproprietaryprovingunit.

Suchmethodsnotonlyavoidtheneedtoexposelivepartsuntilitisnecessarytoconfirmthataconductorisenergised,butalsotheneedtoaccessanotherlivepartaftertheconductorhasbeenisolatedtoconfirmthatthetestinstrumentisstillfunctioningcorrectly.

Suitable precautions are taken to prevent injury

Inthecontextoflivetesting,suitableprecautionstopreventinjuryinclude:

●● allowingonlysuitablycompetentpersonstocarryouttestingwhoarefamiliarwiththetypeofinstallation,thetestinstrumentstobeusedandtheworkactivitiestobeperformed

●● theuseofsuitabletestinstrumentsmeetingtherequirementsoftherelevantproductstandards,and

●● theuseofsuitableprotectiveequipmentasappropriatetotheexposurerisk.(Paragraph221ofHSR25refers.)

Itisnecessarytoensurethatalltheseprecautionsaremaintainedovertime.Testingskillsneedtoberefreshedandinstruments,testleads,probesandprotectiveequipmentneedtobeinspectedbeforeeachusetoconfirmtheircontinuedsuitability.

Whereforexampleroutinetestingorfaultfindingiscarriedoutinenergisedequipment,asuitableprecautionmightbetocoverlivepartswithatransparentinsulatingscreeninwhichholeshavebeendrilledtoenablesaferaccesstotestpoints.

Insomeinstancesitmightbeappropriatetobringleadsoutfromatestpointtoasuitablemulti-pinsocket-outlet,permittingtheuseoftestinstrumentsinamannerthatisnotonlysafer,butmightalsoreducethetimerequiredtocarryoutthenecessarytesting.

Personscarryingoutworkonornearaliveconductorhavealegalresponsibilityforthesafetyofotherpersonswhomaybeaffected

bytheiractions.Theymustthereforetakesuitableprecautionstoensureeffectivecontroloftheareainwhichlivetestingisbeingcarriedout.

Ariskassessmentshouldbecarriedouttodetermineanappropriatecourseofactiontosuittheparticularcircumstances.Whereanemployerhasfiveormoreemployees,arecordisrequiredtobemade of the assessment.

TheguidanceprovidedintheMemorandum of guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (HSR25), Electricity at work, safe working practices (HSG85) and Safety in electrical testing at work (INDG354)publishedbytheHSEisinvaluabletoanyonecarryingoutlivetestingactivitiesorhavingresponsibilityforpersonscarryingoutsuchwork.

HSR25,HSG85andINDG354canallbedownloadedfreeofcharge from www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/index.htm

Furtherinformationaboutsafeisolationcanbefoundin Best Practice Guide No. 2, Guidance on the management of electrical safety and safe isolation procedures for low voltage installations,publishedbyElectricalSafetyFirst.

ThisandalltheotherBestPracticeGuidespublishedbyElectricalSafetyFirstcanbeviewedordownloadedfree of charge from www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/electrical-professionals/best-practice-guides

Electrical Safety First has also produced a free ‘safe isolation

app’ that enables electrical engineers and electricians to remind themselves of the safe isolation procedure before commencing work on site, to help keep themselves and others safe. The app

is available from the App store for iPhone and iPad, and the Android market for Android phones and tablets.

20 News

Issue No. 34 | Autumn 2014 | www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.ukSwitched On

PreviousissuesofSwitchedOnareavailabletoreadordownloadfromourwebsite.

Back issues of Switched On

www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/switchedon

In July, a Leicester company was prosecuted at Dudley Magistrates’ Court following an incident at a primary school in September 2012 when a young boy’s head was trapped between a closing electrically-powered gate and a gate post

»Theboy,whowaseightyearsoldatthetimeof

theincident,sufferedseverebruisingtotherightsideofhisheadandear.Fortunately,theboy’sfatherwasabletopullthegateopensufficientlytoreleasehis son.

Intheirinvestigation,theHealthandSafetyExecutive(HSE)foundthatalthoughthecompanythatautomatedthegate,AccessControlSolutions(UK)Ltd,hadidentifiedthatguardingwasnecessary,theyhadnotfittedanyastheguardstheyhadtohandwouldnotfit.

AccessControlSolutions(UK)LtdofBostonRoad,Leicester,wasfined£3,300andorderedtopay£773incostsafterpleading

guiltytobreachingRegulation18 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992*.

Speakingafterthehearing,HSEInspector Sarah Palfreyman said:“Thiswasanextremelytraumaticeventfortheboyandhisfather.Fortunately,theyoungsterwasbackatschoolacoupleofdayslaterandhasnotsufferedanylongtermeffects.However,itcouldhavebeenadifferentstoryhadhebeentrappedbyadifferentpartofhishead, or had it happened to a youngerchild.

“Theincidentwasentirelypreventable.AccessControlSolutionsidentifiedtheneedforaguardintheirownjob

specificationbutwhenthegatearrived,itwasnotthetypeexpectedandtheguardtheyhaddidnotfit.Atthispointtheyshouldhaveeithercomeupwithanalternativeorpostponedthejobuntiltheproblemwasrectified,especiallyastheywerefullyawarethattheentrancewouldbeusedbyaparticularlyvulnerablegroup–youngchildren.

“Peoplegettingtrappedisawell-knownriskintheindustry,andtheHSEhasproducedsafetynotesonthesubjectinresponsetoanumberoffatalitiesinvolvingchildreninrecentyears.Iwouldencourageallsuppliers,installersandmaintainers of electric gates to read them.”

Ashasbeenreportedpreviouslyin Switched On, the HSE has issuedthreesafetyalertsconcerningtheinstallationanduseofelectricgates:

www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/poweredgates.htm www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/electricgates.htm www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/electricgates2.htm

*Regulation18oftheWorkplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992states:

(1) Doors and gates shall be suitably constructed (including being fitted with any necessary safety devices).

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), doors and gates shall not comply with that paragraph unless -

(c) any powered door or gate has suitable and effective features to prevent it causing injury by trapping any person.

Company prosecuted after a child’s head is trapped by an electric gate