Electrical testing is carried out on electrical test equipment so as to prevent or reduce electrical danger. Quality assurance tests, diagnostic testing, fault-finding on electrical plants and routine safety checks are all reasons to perform electrical testing.
Safe Systems of Work
To reduce or prevent electrical danger employees should follow safe systems of work, use test equipment that is suitable for the job and ensure that workers are suitably trained and experienced for the equipment on which they will be working. Often, in small businesses, skilled electricians or technicians are employed to look after monitor electrical systems. When setting up testing arrangements, these contractors should always be aware of all aspects of safety relating to testing. Specialist competent advice may be needed to ensure that the testing procedure is safe.
What the Law Says
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are the principal legislation relating to electrical testing activities. Regulation 4(3) requires that ‘work on or near to an electrical system shall be carried out in such a manner as not to give rise, so far as is reasonably practicable, to danger’.
Regulation 14 places a strict prohibition on working on or near live conductors unless: (a) it is unreasonable for the equipment to be dead; (b) it is reasonable for the work to take place on or near the live conductor; and (c) suitable precautions have been taken to prevent injury.
In addition, employers are required under regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to assess the risks to the health and safety of their employees while they are at work, in order to identify and implement the necessary precautions to ensure safety.
If you’re interested in electrical testing, you may be interested in our Test & Measurement Instruments or PAT Testers. We also have an in-house calibration service. Contact us with any of your calibration requirements, or call +353 57 8662162 – we’re happy to help!