In a recent issue of consumer magazine Which?, a report highlighted the significant increase in electrical safety problems with electrical equipment hired from a number of well known high street outlets. Electrical contractors and electricians in general, let alone members of the public, are apparently being exposed to potentially dangerous electrical equipment. Which? went on to say “hirers of power tools and other ancillary equipment have been warned that hired electrical and other equipment may not meet the correct safety standards”.
These serious electrical safety issues came to light in a recent wide and sweeping survey by Which? magazine, covering DIY tools and equipment, which had ostensibly been hired from some of the UK’s major hire companies. Shockingly, as many as half of the items were said to have failed laboratory tests, with a significant number having potentially dangerous electrical problems, such as un-earthed plugs and damaged wires.
There were also concerns over the advice provided by some counter staff about the safety equipment provided with the tools being hired. The article noted that twenty-six tools were tested from different branches of Brandon Hire, HireStation, HSS, Jewson, Speedy, Travis Perkins, plus four independent shops; and HSS was the only company whose tools showed no faults.
At Total Electrical Training, we have long taken the view that any electrical equipment, that is not part of the fixed wiring installation, must be tested, in accordance with the IEE Code of Practice for In service Testing of Electrical Equipment. Total Electrical Training has always advised that any electrical testing on equipment should only be carried out by those who have been trained and have achieved the City and Guilds 2377 qualification, which includes a full “hands-on” training element, as well as a practical examination. As a result of these alarming statistics, the HSE itself have now started to carry out unannounced inspections at numerous construction sites across the UK.
It can’t be stressed highly enough that the employer has a direct care of duty for all employees whilst they are in attendance at the workplace; and thoroughly training those who have a direct responsibility for testing electrical equipment to ensure it is totally safe for themselves and others to use, and ultimately securing the workplace is safe, surely makes good sense.
‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail’; it’s an old adage, but it still rings true.