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Fixed Electrical testing in the Workplace – EICR

Checking the condition of your electrical systems on a regular basis is vital for detecting and preventing potential hazards. Fixed testing is a major part of this

Fixed testing, also known as Electrical Installation Condition Reporting or periodic inspection, is a systematic test of all of the various elements of your electrical services, including cabling, switches, lighting and outlet points.

Reasons to have an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition report)

  1. To ensure you are up to date with the law and electrical standards
  2. To discover electrical wear and tear
  3. To avoid injury and damage from electrical shocks and overheating
  4. Documentation of electrical maintenance and safety

Regulation and Responsibility for Fixed Testing

In the UK, workplace electrical installation maintenance is covered by several regulations including:Fixed testing in the Workplace

  • 1974 – Health & Safety at Work Act
  • 1989 – Electricity at Work Regulations
  • 1992 – Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations
  • 1999 – Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations

 

The Electricity at Work regulation specifically states that “all systems shall be maintained.  Especially to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger.”

Companies certainly have a responsibility to their employees and the general public. They have a responsibility to look after their health and safety while they are on site. That being said, the 1989 Electricity at Work regulations also recognise that employees must be co-operative in helping to prevent health and safety issues.

Beyond the official regulations, evidence of fixed testing may also be a requirement from your landlord, mortgage provider or insurer.

 

EICR Testing Frequency

How frequently your electrical systems need to be checked varies depending on the type of equipment you have installed. Additionally how often it is used and who it is used by. Typically these are locations using high powered electrical machinery. Also locations where the public is in close proximity to the technology. These locations will require more rigorous and frequent checks.

Typically in most normal settings it is recommended that a routine check is carried out annually. Specifically with formal inspections every five years, or whenever you move into a new property. These time-frames would be suitable for a typical office IT electrical installation.

One notable exception to this is fire alarms, which should be checked weekly, with a formal test at least once a year.

It goes without saying that fixed testing must be carried out by a registered electrician.

Minimising disruption

While this type of testing can seem invasive, Guidance Note 3 of IEE Wiring regulations states that tests should be conducted “in such a way as to minimise disturbance of the installation and inconvenience to the user”. This includes agreeing a convenient time to conduct the tests.

Precautions are also taken to ensure that no equipment is damaged during the tests.

Although every effort is made to minimise disruption, inevitably this requires careful scheduling and may require working out of hours.

On completion of the tests you will be issued with an Electrical Installation Condition Report, which details the results, including defects or dangerous conditions that will need to be immediately rectified.

Don’t leave it too late

With the influx of technology and computing into the workplace over the past decade, IT electrical installation has become a vital part of the office environment. Unquestionably the life blood of many companies. Failing to regularly check the condition of your systems not only puts your business at risk. Furthermore it  exposes your employees to unnecessary danger.

If you have any concerns with your electrical installation please call for free advice or a survey on 01923 888588 or [email protected]

NM Cabling is a technology and structured cabling integrator working throughout the United Kingdom.

We have created a comprehensive Knowledge Centre for our industry which can be viewed at https://www.nmcabling.co.uk/knowledge-centre/

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