Don't overlook the dangers of electricity at work

To help businesses focus on the main hazards, Norwich Union has produced a new downloadable guide to electrical safety as part of its ongoing 'Simply Safety' campaign. The guide, along with five others already published this year, can be found here.

"Electricity is found everywhere from offices and shops to factories and on construction sites," said Phil Grace, liability risk manager for Norwich Union.

"In order to mitigate the risk of fire or injury, all electrical installations and wiring should be checked to ensure they are suitable for the task involved. The correct safeguards and precautions must also be used, for example circuit breakers to cut the supply if necessary."

Phil stressed that any electrical work, such as re-wiring and testing, should only ever be undertaken by experts. He went on to say that staff training was another key element when it came to avoiding accidents involving electricity.

"All people who work on or with electrical equipment should be trained accordingly and be fully aware of the risks. There are additional dangers associated with portable equipment too and so these should be used carefully and inspected regularly."

Portable equipment was often more susceptible to damage, he explained. A Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) programme should be set up to ensure tools were checked each day and were safe to use.

Routine maintenance

Phil added that fixed wiring, such as plugs and sockets, was another "vital consideration" when it came to electrical safety in any workplace.

Dave Fray, account manager at inspection and testing specialists Bureau Veritas, explained that the safety of electrical systems and equipment was governed by the Electricity at Work Regulations.

"These stipulate that all systems must be maintained - which for fixed wiring should be every three to five years in accordance with British Standard 7671, and as often as every 12 months for portable appliances."

Bureau Veritas is Norwich Union's preferred supplier of electrical inspection and testing solutions. Commercial policyholders are entitled to discounted rates up to 20% off its services, which include fixed wiring and portable appliance testing. Click here for further details.

One day or half-day electrical safety awareness courses, run at companies' premises, are also an excellent way of managing these risks. NURS can tailor these to particular electrical hazards - contact us for more information.