Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Introduction to Fire Safety Management
Figure 8.12 Electrical supply testing
For example, if electrical equipment is to be used
in a hazardous area where fl ammable substances could
be or have been used/stored then it should be intrinsically
safe.
Both temporary and permanent electrical supply
installations should be installed in accordance with the
latest addition of BS 7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations and
the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989). Installations,
particularly if of a temporary nature, for example in
construction works, must be inspected regularly and
tested at intervals no greater than those specifi ed by the
installation company. It should be noted that if temporary
installations are in position for a greater period than 3
months on a construction site then they should be
subject to test in line with HSE guidance every 3 months
or when they have been altered.
Electrical cabling should be protected against
damage by appropriate routing away from potentially
hazardous areas such as pedestrian routes or vehicular
routes.
Portable appliance testing (PAT)
Portable electrical equipment should be subject to regular
inspections and tests, the time frames of which will
be dependent upon the nature of use. Ideally portable
electrical equipment should carry durable labels which
display that it has been inspected and tested and is in a
satisfactory condition.
Table 8.2 summarises the HSE’s guidance on the
type and frequency of inspections and tests for portable
electrical appliances in offi ces and hotels, etc.
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Figure 8.13 Portable appliance testing
Electrical equipment used in more hostile environments
such as in construction and mountainous works
are tested more frequently.
Electrical installations, whether temporary or
permanent, together with electrical equipment and
apparatus, should be protected by a range of measures
including residual current devices (RCDs) which protect
human beings from electrical shock, fuses and miniature
moulded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) which provide
protection to apparatus from overheating and short
circuits. Arrangements should be in place to ensure
that all electrical work to installations and/or electrical
equipment is undertaken by only trained, qualifi ed and
competent electricians who are familiar with the systems
involved.
Electrical safety systems such as those detailed
above will also assist in reducing the risk of fi re caused
by damage to installation cabling caused by vermin;
however, these systems should be supported by active
management to control vermin for the risk of fi re from
these areas to be avoided or minimised.
All staff members who are to make use of electrical
equipment should be familiarised with the hazards
associated with electrical equipment, any specifi c design
issues, limitations and signs and symptoms of deterioration
or wear.
Documented systems to provide evidence of the
testing, inspection, etc., together with a defect reporting
system, should be considered to assist in managing
electrical safety.
8.4.2 Cookers, associated cooking equipment
and installations
Management systems that include those issues covered
under electrical safety must be considered when using