Accident Stats

According to RoSPA, "there was an increase in electrical injuries in the home involving fixed electrical appliances, particularly portable equipment, between 1990 and 1998, but the ownership of such devices also rose considerable during this period. Fixed electrical installations were involved in 5 fatalities and 576 non fatal each year in England and Wales, between 1990 and 1998. Non portable and portable equipment were involved in 14 fatalities and 1700 nonfatal injuries during the same period.

There are 19 fatal electrocutions in the UK each year on average in the home, the same as in the workplace, but only 880 are injured at work. Electrical casualties are said to be much higher in the UK than in some other European countries, indicating that greater attention needs to be paid to the subject.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents -2002

What do we do?

1. Set up of a log book;
2. Inspect the Appliance
3. Carry out mandatory tests using calibrated testing equipment
4. Apply a “Pass” or “Fail” label and indicate next test date
5. Recommend an economical upgrade or scrapping of appliance
   
6. Advise on remedial works and costing

You receive a fully itemised report and certificate. We can provide this in electronic format if required.

Background

Though all new equipment has high standards of safety built in, it nevertheless must be maintained to prevent it deteriorating to such an extent that people can be harmed. The legal requirement for maintenance is designed to ensure, as far as possible, that the system remains safe. This is clearly preferable to remedial action following equipment failure, which may result in fire, injury or death. Every year accidents occur as a result of contact with electricity and sometimes people are killed. Of course the chance of this happening depends upon the type of equipment, the way it is used and place of use. Danger is far more likely to occur when electrical equipment is used on a construction site than an office, though even in offices, damaged or poorly maintained electrical equipment does cause accidents. Kettles and electric heaters may be involved as well as standard office equipment.

What do we test with?

All Portable Appliances - electrical items which are moveable and transportable appliances e.g.. Photocopying machines, calculators, electric kettles, toasters, heaters need to be tested to ensure safety and compliance with BS7671 and the Electricity at work Regulations Act 1979.

We use PAT testers from Robin to undertake this work, giving us the flexibility to test up to and beyond the mandatory minimum requirements (if this is thought necessary).