After a long summer, many employees return from holidays with a renewed energy and zest for work. However, while spirits may be high, it’s essential to ensure that the workplace they're returning to is safe and up to standard. With the weather starting to cool and dampen, it’s important to assess whether equipment is up to the challenge of powering through the winter months. This is where post-summer safety and electrical inspections play a crucial role. By adhering to the proper testing and inspection protocols, you not only guarantee a safe working environment but also remain compliant with UK regulations.
As leaders in the supply of statutory inspection and testing services across the UK, we’ve created this overview of the post-summer testing your organisation should carry out to maintain safety compliance and safeguard your workforce.
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Employers have a duty to protect their employees and from any risks that might arise from work activities. This includes ensuring that electrical equipment and installations are safe for use. Regular inspections prevent accidents, reduce maintenance costs, and increase the life expectancy of equipment. Failing to comply with these regulations could result in hefty fines or even legal action. Therefore, investing in regular safety checks is not just morally right but also financially savvy.
As a starting point for any inspection, conducting a thorough safety tour of your premises is a must. This involves multiple steps:
A visual check of the whole premises would form the basis of initial inspection, and this should cover issues such as cable management, sockets are being used correctly and not overloaded, trip hazards are identified and addressed, and all equipment is working properly.
In addition to a visual test, there are also a number of tests that should be carried out both periodically, and as and when required, i.e. if a potential hazard arises. These should always be completed by a trained and registered expert.
At phs Compliance, we offer a myriad of services to ensure your workplace is safe and compliant as well as advice and guidance on managing the safety of your workplace…So if in doubt, call in the experts:
Portable electrical appliances are omnipresent in workplaces. Anything with a plug must be PAT-tested – from coffee machines to fans, computers to fridges – at a minimum once a year but this may not always be the case. If an item looks unsound, or there is a high degree of risk involved in using it – such as an electrical appliance that is used with water – testly may be required more regularly.
Electrical installations deteriorate with time and use, therefore an EICR fixed wire inspection needs to be carried out thoroughly and assess the electrical infrastructure of your workplace, from switchboards and fuse boxes to wall sockets. These mandatory inspections are not just about ticking boxes. They identify wear and tear, potential fire hazards, and other risks, ensuring your installations are both safe and compliant with UK regulations.
Anomalies in electrical circuits often produce excessive heat long before they manifest as faults. Thermographic equipment is required to pinpoint such anomalies by detecting abnormal heat patterns. This approach, mandated by The Electricity at Work Regulations Act (1989), helps avert potential fires and electrical failures.
A functioning fire alarm system is the first line of defence in any emergency. This should involve checking sensors, ensuring the communication lines in integrated systems are faultless, and that backup power supplies, like batteries, are operational.
Fire extinguishers are quintessential safety equipment. But an untested extinguisher can fail when you need it most. Each extinguisher should be inspected to ensure pressure, seal, and contents of every fire extinguisher, be it water, foam, CO2, or powder, are in optimal condition.
Every workplace is unique, and so are its fire risks. A detailed assessment should explore every nook and cranny of your premises to identify potential fire hazards. This might range from overloaded plug sockets to improperly stored flammable materials.
In emergencies, standard lighting can fail, making evacuation challenging. Emergency lighting, compliant with The British Standard for Emergency Lighting BS5266 2016, illuminates escape routes and fire exits. Testing should ensure these lights function as intended, with adequate brightness and duration, so that people can evacuate safely even in complete darkness.
Air conditioning units and heat pumps contain refrigerants, which, if leaked, can be detrimental to the environment. European laws on fluorinated gases necessitate regular checks for such leaks. A thorough test should ensure not just environmental compliance but also the efficient functioning of your cooling and heating systems.
Post-summer inspections are not just a regulatory requirement but a sign of a responsible employer who prioritizes the safety of their workforce. By investing in regular safety checks, you're creating a foundation for a productive, efficient, and harmonious work environment.
phs Compliance is the UK's leading provider of statutory electrical fire safety testing and remedial services, with more than 160 engineers carrying out inspections and repairs nationwide. We take pride in assisting businesses across the UK in ensuring their workplaces are safe, efficient, and compliant.
Don’t wait for an accident to rethink your safety measures – take a proactive approach by implement a thorough post-summer safety inspection procedure.
Contact phs Compliance for further information on our services.
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