A guest writer article from Richard Carr, managing director of Volta Compliance.
Electrical risks in commercial premises are very real and yet, even today, they are often underestimated.
Without the proper checks and systems in place to ensure health and safety and smooth-running operations, organisations are exposed to significant risks. The dreaded and expensive unplanned downtime, partial or total system failures, health and safety breaches and of course financial penalties and legal implications. All of which can also have a devastating negative impact on your reputation.
But there are ways you can be proactive about electrical compliance, and this is precisely why it is high on every facilities manager’s agenda.
Proactivity is key
Regulations such as The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) and Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) exist for important reasons. To keep employees, visitors, contractors, and anyone on-site safe. The regulations are there to ensure that systems and equipment are safe and well maintained, but for those with their eye on the bottom line, there are these other disruptive factors to consider as well.
When it comes to electrical compliance, keeping a constant check on your electrical systems can be time-consuming. But it is important to identify any faults or failures before they cost money, cause unplanned downtime or both. The best way to ensure electrical compliance and avoid risk is with regular inspections and tests, by experts qualified and competent in this field.
Volta Compliance keeps companies compliant in all aspects of electrical installations. For more than 20 years we have been working with businesses to make sure that their electrical infrastructure and appliances remain safe and their organisations compliant through a number of specialist inspections, testing and safety checks.
We have recently launched three new services. The first is a thermal imaging scanning service, which identifies issues and electrical network hotspots that could be running at excessive temperatures so that you can resolve them quickly and avoid any downtime. A thermal scan is completed in real-time – without having to open a casing door – and enables you to go beyond what the naked eye would see to detect issues or any areas potentially susceptible to failure. You can check fuse panels, switchboards, and control panels easily and with minimal fuss. And if an issue is detected, it helps you to schedule maintenance and replacement parts at more convenient times that minimise business disruption.
Even if lightning strikes
The second is designed to give you peace of mind specifically around the risk of fire caused by lightning known as lightning protection testing. Yes, we know it is rare, but it does happen. Which is why it is better to have the proper preparation and protection in place. The testing covers all lightning conductors and earth grounding installations in your network and involves inspecting and testing each grounding point. The team follows this up with a report and recommendations tailored to your needs. Clients tell us this is the type of reassurance that helps them to sleep sounder during stormy weather.
Investing in the right electrical compliance ensures that your electrical infrastructure and appliances are safe every day, you are legally compliant, and have peace of mind… even if lightning were to strike.
To find out more about electrical compliance for businesses, visit: voltacompliance.com/electrical-compliance/
