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Property Handbook
Electrical Safety
Electrical installations need to be
checked from time to time to ensure that they are safe. These checks and tests
have become more rigorous over time. The following comments are intended to help
local churches understand the position - but, as always, please remember that it
is essential to keep abreast of changes and obtain independent professional
advice whenever necessary, (the architect or surveyor who carries out your
quinquennial inspections should be able to advise you further). The legal and
technical information should always be consulted for full details. It is important to remember the distinction between the electrical installation (item 1 below), and portable electrical appliances (item 2 below), which are covered by different regulations. The Electrical InstallationThe following information is based
largely on BS 7671:2001 (Requirements for Electrical Installations), Guidance
Note No 3 (Inspection and testing), including Amendment No 1:2002 (referred to
below as GN3), available from the institution of Electrical Engineers, PO Box
96, Stevenage, SG1 2SD. Although this is not a mandatory document, it is
becoming a requirement of insurance that the recommendations in this document
are complied with. Health and Safety risk assessments will reinforce the need. The current information about
inspection and testing of installations is set out in GN3 table 3.2, which must
be consulted for full details: The 'routine check' should
be carried out by someone who is competent to understand the electrical system,
but need not be electrically skilled. The check should look for any wear and
deterioration, missing parts, correct labelling and operation of test buttons
etc. Notes about this 'routine check' should be included in the logbook. The 'inspection and test' needs to be carried out by a suitably qualified professional. It is recommend that this should be an NICEIC Registered contractor (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting). The extent and cost of this report should be agreed beforehand with the professional concerned, as various forms are available, including for minor works, new work and existing installations. The certificate, test results schedule and inspection report, as applicable, should all be kept with the logbook.
Recommended initial frequencies of inspection of electrical installations: (Churches, halls etc and manses and rented housing)
*and also after any change of occupancy, any building work, any significant increased loading or any apparent damage.
**in domestic premises it is assumed that the occupier will attend to any defects as soon as they are noticed.
***covered by other legislation and standards.
Local Churches should be aware that
the above checks and inspections etc. do not normally include for opening-up and
inspection of every single component, but usually involves visual inspection and
a test of some typical items. For the avoidance of doubt, it can be worth
checking this point with the electrical contractor at the time. Portable Electrical Appliances The maintenance and safety of
electrical appliances which can be unplugged (i.e. are portable) are covered by
the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, made under the Health & Safety at Work
etc Act 1974. See also the Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at Work
Regulations, published by HMSO. These are mandatory requirements, but the
difficulty is that they are not prescriptive, that is, the level and frequency
of inspection of appliances is not laid down, but "should be sufficient to
prevent danger so far as is reasonably practicable" (reg. 4(2)). The
instructions provided with the equipment will probably give guidance on
maintenance, and would be similar to that noted about under the 'routine check'
of the installation: checking for any wear and deterioration, missing parts,
correct labelling and operation of test buttons etc. Local Churches may wish to
keep a list of portable equipment with the logbook (which may be advisable for
insurance purposes in any event), together with a note of when it was checked. The person who can undertake work
on such equipment "must have sufficient technical knowledge or experience so as
to prevent danger…", and should be trained and instructed as necessary (reg
16). It appears therefore that a professional electrician does not have to
undertake this work, and in many instances, church members may consider they
have sufficient expertise. In the case of any doubt, however, local churches
should consult an NICEIC Registered contractor, and they may wish to combine
this with the annual routine check of the installation. Organs The hazards associated with a pipe organ are not always fully appreciated and so some guidelines are appropriate. Lights provided for illuminating the music desk, or to facilitate internal inspection of the instrument, should only be installed by a qualified electrician using permanent wiring. If a portable electric heater is required for the organist, or to maintain the temperature of the organ in cold weather, this should be of the convector or fan-assisted type, fitted with a cut out that operates in the event of overheating. The electric action of the organ
should be maintained and modified only by a professional organ builder. The
Blower is a common source of fire and it should therefore be examined by a
competent electrical engineer at least once every five years and preferably
annually. It is vital that the blower is switched off whenever the organ is not
in use. Electricity at Work Regulations
1989 Where one or more persons are
employed by the church under a Contract of Employment (e.g. a caretaker), these
regulations apply and are quite onerous. Any work undertaken by an employee must
be carried out in such a manner that no hazard is created as a result. Churches
should also ensure that contractors or qualified “volunteers” giving their
labour free are aware of the requirements of the regulations. Before commencing
work, contractors should confirm in writing that they have employer’s liability
and public liability insurance cover and a thorough knowledge of the regulations
and of the Health and Safety at Work Act. The church should consider the
insurance implications of volunteers carrying out such work. Gas Safety The installation of all gas pipe work and appliances in all church premises should only be undertaken by a Registered Gas Installer. Any gas appliances in use on the premises (including heating systems) should be checked for safety at least annually. The person carrying out the check needs to be competent and this is assured by using someone who is in membership of CORGI (The Council of Registered Gas Installers). It is a legal requirement that anyone carrying out work on gas appliances is CORGI registered. Accurate and up to date records of all gas appliance maintenance and inspections, including gas maintenance contracts, should be maintained by each church and made available as appropriate. Acknowledgement The section of Electrical Testing is adapted from The Methodist Church Information Leaflet on Electrical Services, reproduced with their kind permission.
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