What is Remedial Work?
Periodic fixed installation testing is only part of electrical safety compliance. Essential remedial work must be completed. This can be:
- Installing correct colour ID to circuits
- Replacing missing screws from switches/sockets
- Replace/fix damaged/loose/corroded wiring
- Improving access to equipment where necessary
If the essential remedial work is not complete following testing, then the organisation could be liable for fault and negligence.
In a recent survey of 400 organisations that have had testing done, shockingly, over half admit that no remedial work has been done subsequent to that testing.
When electrical safety testing is done, any ‘damage, deterioration, defects and dangerous conditions within installation’ will be reported.
These fall into four codes:
Code 1- requires urgent attention
Code 2- requires improvement
Code 3- requires further investigation
Code 4– does not comply with BS7671
Any fault reported as code 1 or 2 must be remedied.
The Danger
Examples of deadly faults include:
At many sites we find fuse carriers missing, which menas that live parts are left exposed. Anyone touching these would suffer electrocution.
Incorrect fuses also present a serious danger, and our engineers report seeing blown fuses replaced with copper wire; effectively removing circuit protection from the system and meaning that any fault occurring could cause electrocution or fire.
Falling into the Gap
Many people mistake their test report for a pass certificate. It’s not – in electrical safety there is no such thing as a certificate.
The periodic report is a thorough technical document that sets out details of the inspection and testing conducted and any ‘damage, deterioration, defects and dangerous conditions within the installation’. Its content is intended to be acted upon.
Action Required
In summary, it’s imperative to appreciate that inspection and testing is only part of safety compliance. Essential remedial work must be completed in an appropriate timeframe, and in the case of many faults this means urgently following testing, so that the remedial gap is securely closed.
