What Is Electrical Safety Testing
Electrical safety testing refers to tests that are designed to check that products using electricity meet safe operating standards. The standards that are tested against depending on a variety of aspects as they are set by various agencies and government bodies. Electrical products sold world-wide are subject to many safety standards. But it is not just commercial products which are subject to stringent requirements. Commercial buildings, for instance, must meet an array of standards and require electrical safety testing on everything from sockets and lighting to hardwiring throughout the building.
Your Responsibility
As mentioned, when it comes to electrical safety there are rigorous standards that must be met. Property owners, property manager and landlords all have an obligation to look after those who work and use their building safe by ensuring their property meets safety standards. This includes making sure your electrics are safe.
EICR - Electrical Installation Condition Report
One of the first steps in electrical safety is earning an Electric Installation Condition Report (EICR). An EICR is a certificate you receive from passing a fixed wire test which covers hardwiring thorough the building, as well as lighting, sockets and air condition among other items. The report is very thorough and will include improvements you need to make if the test reveals your electrical systems do not meet the necessary standards.
PAT Testing
Fixed electrical products such as lighting and air conditioning are not all that you need to test regularly in order to meet safety standards. Various health and safety law and regulations also require that you carry out PAT testing on any electrical product which is connected to electricity via lead or plug. PAT, short for Portable Appliance Testing, is required for all relevant products in the workplace and each item must be routinely PAT tested.
Why Electrical Safety Testing Important
Testing is essential to identify a potential fault with electrical systems and products. Such faults can cause serious harm. The risk of an accident occurring increases if you do not regularly test for faults with EICR and PAT tests. Workplace safety is a serious issue which is addressed in a wide variety of ways across industries. From food hygiene to labelling ingredients there are many rules and regulations in place to protect workers, consumers and everyone else that interacts with a business.
Electrical safety testing is simply another part of protecting people and companies from accident or injury. Regulations and law both contain many stipulations to ensure the highest level of care is taken to prevent electrical fault related incidents. As a landlord, property manager or property owner it is your job to ensure your building meets requirements. A thorough test such as PAT or EICR will reveal if you are or not. If you are, congratulations, you are good for now and can revisit it on your next tests. If you are not, however, your tests will show you all the areas that need improving and it is your duty to see that the improvements are made – it could literally be a case of life and death.
Some Final Thoughts
At Kiasu Workforce we provide electrical safety testing across London. From fixed wire testing to PAT testing we can help you meet regulations with our testing services and reports which will show you any changes which are needed. Our expert team has a huge knowledge bank and plenty of experience to draw from but the best advice we can offer is, don’t put it off! Testing is not an option. You need to meet standards and regulations and failing to do so puts people at risk. Regardless of the result of an electrical safety test, it is a good thing – meeting regulation puts your mind at ease until your next check, whilst failing gives you the chance to make changes and prevent potential accidents.
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