Real Estate and Construction

Be Aware – 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations Launched
Be Aware – 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations Launched 1920 1280 James Hallam

Last year saw the publication of the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations. The regulations apply to the design, erection and verification of electrical installations; and additions and alterations to existing installations.

Also known as BS 7671:2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations, these changes were issued on 2nd July 2018 and came into effect on 1st January 2019. The period between publication and application gave a 6-month window for electrical contractors and others responsible for installing and maintaining electrical installations to become familiar with the new regulations.

Whilst there are many small changes from the previous 17th Edition, some of the significant updates in the new 18th Edition cover include:

  • Protection Against Electric Shock – changes to regulations relating to protective equipotential bonding and those relating to disconnection times.
  • Protection Against Thermal Effects – of particular relevance to fire, a new regulation has been introduced recommending the installation of arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) to mitigate the risk of fire in final circuits of a fixed installation due to the effects of arc fault currents.
  • Protection Against Voltage Disturbances – stipulating that transient over-voltage protection has to be installed when (amongst others) the consequences caused by over-voltage results in interruption of commercial or industrial activity.
  • Inspection and Testing – this has been revised to align Inspection and Testing requirements to other revisions within the 18th Edition.
  • Energy Efficiency – recommendations for the design and erection of electrical installations with local production and storage of energy to optimise the use of electricity. These are listed in a new appendix.

This doesn’t mean that existing electrical installations installed in accordance with earlier editions of the wiring regulations are now unsafe or require upgrading, but any new installations, alteration or additions made from 1st January 2019 onwards will need to comply with the new regulations.

It is always recommended to hire contractors who are members of a trade body such as NICEIC when choosing an electrical contractor to inspect and test electrical installations within your premises. Many commercial insurance contracts contain a fixed wiring electrical inspection condition and generally stipulate use of an NICIEC contractor.

For more information, please contact us on 01923 298435.

Be Aware- Selection and Control of Contractors
Be Aware- Selection and Control of Contractors 1920 1280 James Hallam

There are many examples where failure of the client-contractor relationship has caused fire or other damage to property, or a significant accident resulting in injury to others. The impact of such an incident on a business can be significant, resulting in loss of revenue, damage to reputation, uninsurable fines and in the worst cases the prosecution of both parties and/or imprisonment where severe injuries or fatalities have occurred.

Even if contractors visit you regularly, a high turnover of staff may mean that some of their workers are visiting you for the first time and therefore unfamiliar with the premises, unprepared for the hazards, or unaware of any safety measures they should take. They may have had no health and safety training at all.

What Do I need To Consider?
A policy for the selection and control of contractors;
Approved contractor status for those in regular use;
Obtain confirmation in advance of the work that the contractor holds adequate public liability insurance. The policy must cover the activities undertaken on your behalf i.e. hot work, or working at height etc.
Ensure a risk assessment is completed for each job and the contractor is involved
Put clear risk control measures in place and ensure supervision of contractors is effective.

What Key Actions Do I need To Take?
Introduce a Control of Contractor Policy and a Permit to Work system, authorise contractors using a questionnaire as part of a formal selection process, agree a formal risk control procedure including method statements where appropriate.
Ensure your managers and staff understand your control of contractors policy and their specific and general health and safety responsibilities when contractors are on site.

Where Can I Get Further Information?
The HSE provide information on a wide range of topics via the HSE Books website. For example:
‘Essentials of health and safety at work’
INDG417 Leading health and safety
HSG159 Managing contractors
INDG368 (Rev 1) Use of contractors: a joint responsibility
HSG250 Guidance on permit-to-work systems
Health and safety passport schemes

Advice and Support?
Please contact Marc Brennan if further guidance or advice is needed

Tel 07879 49356

Be Aware- Electrical Installations
Be Aware- Electrical Installations 1920 1280 James Hallam

This month sees the publication of the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations. These regulations apply to the design, erection and verification of electrical installations; and additions and alterations to existing installations.

Also known as BS 7671:2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations, these changes were issued on 2nd July 2018 and will come into effect on 1st January 2019.

The period between publication and application gives a 6-month window for electrical contractors and others responsible for installing and maintaining electrical installations to become familiar with the new regulations.

Whilst there are many small changes from the previous 17th Edition, some of the significant updates in the new 18th Edition cover include:

  • Protection Against Electric Shock – changes to regulations relating to protective equipotential bonding and those relating to disconnection times.
  • Protection Against Thermal Effects – of particular relevance to fire, a new regulation has been introduced recommending the installation of arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) to mitigate the risk of fire in final circuits of a fixed installation due to the effects of arc fault currents.
  • Protection Against Voltage Disturbances – stipulating that transient over-voltage protection has to be installed when (amongst others) the consequences caused by over-voltage results in interruption of commercial or industrial activity.
  • Inspection and Testing – this has been revised to align Inspection and Testing requirements to other revisions within the 18th Edition.
  • Energy Efficiency – recommendations for the design and erection of electrical installations with local production and storage of energy to optimise the use of electricity. These are listed in a new appendix.

This doesn’t mean that existing electrical installations installed in accordance with earlier editions of the wiring regulations are now unsafe or require upgrading, but any new installations, alteration or additions made from 1st January 2019 onwards will need to comply with the new regulations.

It is always recommended to hire contractors who are members of a trade body such as NICEIC when choosing an electrical contractor to inspect and test electrical installations within your premises. Many commercial insurance contracts contain a fixed wiring electrical inspection condition and generally stipulate use of an NICIEC contractor.

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