Electrical Contractors Association presents The Hidden Perils of Poor Electrical Installation in Domestic Property
THE HIDDEN PERILS OF ELECTRICITY & FIRE RISKS Main Issues Improperly executed work can and does cause fires and potentially lethal electric shocks Inadequate installation maintenance & inspection Non compliant DIY installations Incompetent trades-persons Old installations Absence of control of risks
Legislation The Health & Safety Act 1974 The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Building Regulations 2000 (amd April 2006) Part P Local Licensing Requirements The Landlords Act BS 7671: 2008 IEE Wiring Regulations
THE DAILY NEWS www.dailynews.com THE WORLD S FAVOURITE NEWSPAPER -Since 1879 Breaches of Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Property Management Company Fined - 25,000 Overloaded Electrical system No fire detection/ alarm system Blocked Fire Exits
ECA Safety News Breach of Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order Landlord / Hotel Proprietor receives Justice 9 months suspended prison 2000 Fine Representing the best in electrical and building services -Since 1802 180 hours Community Service Due to no fire alarm and other basic safety measures
THE HIDDEN PERILS OF ELECTRICITY Main Issues Improperly executed work On average 47000 accidental fires occur in occupied dwellings each year, 17% are caused by electrical faults and a further 26% by the misuse of electrical equipment and appliances due to electrical sources of ignition. 267 People die each year as a result of accidental fires in occupied dwellings, of these approx 23 deaths are caused by electrical faults Electrical installations will often still work, despite poor design or bad workmanship or neglect.
IN BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS 19, 000 Accidental fires (2008) causes of which :- 5,600 -Electrical appliances 2,500 -Electrical distribution systems 4,800 -Cooking and space/central heating appliances 12,000 Deliberate fires causing over 500,000,000 in losses (mainly insurance claims) 443 Accidental fire deaths in buildings (2007), 267 in dwellings, 176 in other buildings
Cause Electrical fault
THE HIDDEN PERILS OF ELECTRICITY Main Issues Inadequate Maintenance & Inspection Nothing lasts for ever No indication of danger until a fault or overload occurs Functionality does not always indicate safety Beware of Updating of old installations with new accessories or sections of cables An essential element of safety related maintenance is periodic inspection & testing
Beware of updating!!!
PREMISES COVERED BY EAW REGULATIONS Typically: Banks; Offices; Factories Shops Farms Schools Construction sites Hospitals Hotels All other buildings used by the public»
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Regulation 16. Applies when working on or near live conductors No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger, or where appropriate, injury, unless he/she possesses such knowledge and experience, or is under such a degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Regulation 14 Live Equipment No person shall be engaged in any work activity on or near any live conductors, unless it is unreasonable in all the circumstances for it to be dead It is reasonable in all circumstances for them to be at work on or near it whilst it is live and Suitable precautions are taken to prevent injury KNOW THE LIMIT OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE
BS 7671 (IEE WIRING REGULATIONS)
Part P came into effect on the 1 st of t January 2005 The purpose was to bring Domestic Electrical work under the supervision and control of the LABC, to improve standards and reduce fires and electric shocks
Application of Part P
BS 7671 Certification Part P Notification Process Competent Person Notification of Completed Work Certification Body Householder (Client) Certificate of Compliance and Confirmation of BC Notification Completed Work Notification of Building Control (BC)
PERIODIC INSPECTION REPORTING Who should carry out inspections and testing? Only by competent persons with sufficient technical knowledge and experience. Must have an understanding of:- - Test methods - Must understand use of the premises concerned and the operating environment - Has to judge the appropriate levels and frequency of testing required - The correct test instruments must be used
BS 7671:2008 CERTIFICATION PAPERWORK
PIR RECOMMENDATIONS Each observation must be given an appropriate recommendation Code, selected from the standard. Codes numbered 1,2,3 and 4. Each code has a particular meaning: Code 1 Requires urgent attention Code 2 Requires improvement Code 3 Requires further investigation Code 4 Does not comply with the current issue of BS 7671
THINGS TO LOOK FOR Surveyor s Checklist
PERIODIC INSPECTION REPORTS COMPLETION CERTIFICATES & MINOR WORKS
Visual Evidence of Damage What to look for Broken accessories Flexes under the carpet DIY wiring Old accessories Multiple adaptors Twisted flex pendants Wire on skirting board
TT Supply TN-S Supply Typical Earthing Arrangements TN-C-S or PME Supply
THINGS TO LOOK FOR Deterioration or damage to installed equipment Installation defects which may give rise to danger Effects of heat Overloading or loose connections
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Visual Evidence of Damage What to look for Visually check installation method of recessed lights poor connection and insulation causing overheating
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
THINGS TO LOOK FOR Should be in a proper enclosure
No back box
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Damage caused by Eddy Current
Rodent damage
European UK Adaptor
Was the mouse competent under the EWR?
Summary Work to be carried out only by registered or approved electricians. Ensure your Contractors have been Technically Assessed For domestic ensure they are Part P Competent Persons registered check data base ECA Contractors have both a guarantee and bond in place and they all abide by the ECA Code of Fair Trading
ECA CLIENT ASSOCIATE SCHEME The Benefits Who is eligible How to apply Specifiers, Housing Associations & Members of NFB, CIBSE, BIFM, CILA, CIBSE, NFOPP. RICS, CII/ABI, SCALA/SCEME & Building Control. Free Technical Help line Access to Free H&S advice Access to ECA Members Website
Thank you for listening For further information www.eca.co.uk Tony Parish - Regional Manager ECA Central South Region Unit A3 Cyril Vokins Road Hambridge Lane Newbury Berks RG14 5XB 01635 237679 or 07971 141918