Businesses run the risk of legal cases and thousands of pounds worth of fines for neglecting their fixed wire testing, says one of the UK’s leading compliance companies.
phs Compliance, which provides facilities management and compliance services across the UK, says that many businesses are not keeping up with their requirements to regularly test and inspect their electrical equipment, especially electrical installations that requiring fixed wire testing.
Tracy Burtwell, Managing Director of phs Compliance: “This is a challenging time for many businesses, but if you neglect your basic health and safety obligations you are putting your employees and the business at serious risk.
“The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state that all electrical equipment in the workplace must be suitable for use and maintained to ensure it is safe, so if a business cannot demonstrate that they are regularly checking and maintaining equipment, they will land themselves in hot water.
“Fixed wire testing, carried out by a professional, is the best way to ensure compliance and have peace of mind that your equipment is safe to use and that you are protecting your employees. And you can prove it!
“Fixed wire testing inspects and assesses an electrical installation’s main electrical wiring system to ensure it is safe to use and complies with the current version of the British Standard BS 7671. It will identify any overloads, hazards or defects that could cause a fire or injury.
“An electrical installation includes any fixed electrical equipment that is supplied through an electricity meter, including main panels, distribution boards, cables, accessories (like sockets, switches and light fittings), circuit breakers, and residual current devices (RCDs).”
“It is recommended that electrical checks are conducted on an annual basis to ensure compliance. The easiest way to remember is to ensure electrical installations form part of your general workplace risk assessments and to schedule tests in advance.
“Most electrical installations require testing every one to five years, depending on the type of electrical installation, how often it is used and the environment it is in. It’s always best to consult an experienced professional like phs Compliance who can advise on your specific workplace and equipment.”
phs Compliance provides a free Guide to Fixed Wire Testing in the workplace on its website.
With over 50 years’ experience, phs Compliance is one of the UK’s leading providers of facilities management and compliance services. As well as electrical, mechanical and fire safety testing and maintenance services, phs Compliance also provides specialist electrical and mechanical project services, including design, supply and installation for everything from power to lighting.
