Electrical Testing
The Cathedral and Church Buildings Division has informed all DAC Secretaries that EIG now recognise the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) as being acceptable to undertake work in churches.
We (EIG) have just added NAPIT to NICEIC and ECA as being acceptable to undertake work in churches.
Here is the new Risk Management wording for information.
Electrical Safety In Churches:
It is a requirement of The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 that all electrical installations and electrical equipment in use at work, known as a "system", must be so constructed and maintained as to prevent danger.
In order to ensure that electrical systems are maintained properly, routine inspections and examinations should be carried out by a qualified and competent person and the appropriate test certificate issued. Full scope Members of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) and The National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) meet these criteria.
Electricians or electrical contractors who are only registered to undertake work on domestic installations under Part P of the Building Regulations are not acceptable other than for work on private dwellings.
In accordance with the recommendations of The Council for the Care of Churches we suggest that fixed systems in churches be inspected and tested every five years.
The regulations do not specify inspection periods for portable equipment but the guidance to the regulations recommend that inspection periods be established by historical experience. We suggest visual inspection on a regular basis and testing on an annual basis initially, reducing or increasing the inspection periods according to maintenance experience.
Records must be kept of all inspections, examinations and maintenance carried out.
If you have any queries you can contact: Chris Hawkings BA (Hons) FCII CMIOSH Chartered Insurer, Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner Senior Surveyor Survey & Risk Services Direct Tel: 01452 334804
Mobile: 07767 343916
Email: Chris_Hawkings@eigmail.com
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For more information contact:
Sylvia Johnson
