Electricity at Work Regulations Course Brian McRae June 2006

Date of last changeReference/Name of Presentation/SN 2 Introduction Electrical Safe Working Course Before we start Sign In About Your Trainer Fire Procedures Breaks Expectations from the course? Background/Experience?

Date of last changeReference/Name of Presentation/SN 3 Introduction Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Break Safe System of Work Lunch Safe System of Work cont Question Time Introduction Electrical Safe Working Course Course Contents & Objectives The Big Test – “Closed Book” Finish

4 Introduction Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Section 7. – General duties of employees at work It shall be the duty of every employee while at work: Electrical Safe Working Course a) to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work and b) as regards any duty or requirement imposed on his employer or any other person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-operate with him so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.

5 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Purpose ‘The purpose of the Regulations is to prevent death or personal injury to any persons from electrical causes in connection with work activities’ (Quoted from the Memorandum of guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989) Electrical Safe Working Course

6 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 History Electrical Safe Working Course Factories Act 1908 & 1944 Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 between 6½ and 7½ million people not covered Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 between 9½ and 14 million further people now protected

7 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Applicability –Where –What Electrical Safe Working Course factories, shops, universities, colleges, schools, hospitals, construction sites, generating stations, distribution networks, etc. control panels, switchgear, cables, electrical accessories, distribution boards, portable tools, equipment, etc.

8 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 It is the responsibility of companies –To be aware of the Regulations. –To ensure that Duty Holders have the electrical engineering knowledge to make decisions required to conform to the Regulations. –To ensure that the appointed Duty Holders have had their areas of responsibilities explained both verbally and in writing. –To ensure that where a Company has more than one site, that a Duty Holder has been appointed for each site. –To ensure they have Electrical Safety Rules and Safe Systems of Work and that Duty Holders are trained in the use of such rules and systems. Electrical Safe Working Course

9 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Electrical Safe Working Course Objectives Prevent Danger Prevent Injury Not Give Rise to Danger Steps are taken so that an accident cannot occur in normally foreseeable circumstances. Danger is present, so safe working procedures must be designed, and used, to protect all relevant persons that may be at risk. If equipment, the use of it, or work on or near it could give rise to danger, then steps should be taken to avoid it.

10 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Electrical Safe Working Course Compliance The requirement must be met regardless of cost or any other consideration, otherwise the activity or use is prohibited. Absolute The risks must be balanced against the physical difficulty, time, trouble and expense to eliminate the risks. Reasonably Practicable Relates to a Duty Holder designing or putting equipment to use, its environment and other factors. The knowledge, judgement and appreciation of a particular situation may require a specialist, but the Duty Holder must foresee all reasonable hazards and risks. Reasonably Foreseeable