Electrical Safety Procedures and Management Plan
Responsibility of Individuals
All employees, irrespective of their role shall:
• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other persons who may be adversely affected by electrical works, including tenants, visitors, members of the public and contractors.
• Carrying out a visual inspection prior to using electrical equipment;
• Co-operate as appropriate with other employees and agencies to ensure compliance with the electrical safety policy and all other legal requirements.
• Stop/halt works that constitute a serious risk to health and safety.
• Report any concerns that they may have in relation to the management of electrical compliance and electrical safety.
Tenants/Leaseholders
Under the terms of their Tenancy Agreements tenants must allow access to their property for maintenance and/or safety checks to be carried out. To undertake works it may be necessary to isolate the electrical supply to the property.
Prior to undertaking any works, verbal or written confirmation will be provided. It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure that:
• Any action in relation to saving electronic files i.e., IT software, programmes or other electronic storage is taken prior to the works commencing.
• Any contingency arrangements arising from the absence of electrical supplies are highlighted and agreed in advance of the works commencing.
• Appropriate access and relocation/removal of any obstacles within their flat will need to be undertaken (support will be agreed where the customer is unable to manage independently).
• The emptying and storage of freezers/fridges etc.
• Any repairs or faults are reported in a timely manner
Where tenants/leaseholders carry out property alterations and improvements, which include additions/alterations to the electrics, they should seek written authorisation prior to any works being undertaken. If works are approved, tenants/leaseholders are responsible for ensuring appropriate safety checks are carried out and all relevant certificates are supplied following the works/installation as set out in the Tenancy Agreement. Tenants are also responsible for meeting the cost of these.
Contractor Responsibility
Contractors will comply with the Housing 21 Contractor Code of Conduct and requirements of this Policy when undertaking any electrical works.
All appointed electrical contractors shall be registered with the NICEIC, ECA, NAPIT or other accredited body and shall be registered under a recognised Domestic Installer Self-Certification Scheme in accordance with Part P of the Building Regulations. As a minimum, individuals undertaking EICRs in domestic tenanted properties should:
• Have a Level Three Award in the Periodic Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations (QCF) or equivalent
• Have their technical ability regularly assessed onsite by a UKAS Accredited Certification Body to verify their inspection and testing competence
• Ensure the enterprise they are employed by has a minimum of £250,000 Professional Indemnity Insurance
Every effort will be made to arrange a convenient time and date with the resident for access to complete works. Appointments will be made and where necessary, written notice provided. In cases where access is denied on several pre-arranged occasions and following written notification, we will consider using legal action to gain access.
Where a contractor experiences problems with access, the Court Manager or Contracts Manager will assist and attempt to rectify whilst the contractor is on site.
Contractor Performance
Contractor Performance will be reviewed/audited, and compliance monitored regularly by the Compliance Team to ensure that the programme and resulting tests comply with this policy.
The data held will consist of dates the last test was carried out and the resulting certificate.
To raise concerns about a contractor, complete the M&E Contractor Escalation Form which can be found under Tools and Applications on the WILMA homepage. The issue log is regularly reviewed by the Contracts Managers and issues raised at performance meetings, once complete the Contracts Manager will update the log with action taken.
Risk Management
Prior to commencement of any electrical work activity, the appointed Building Safety Manager and appointed contractor shall undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment covering the full scope of the works. This assessment will include the impact of the works on all tenants/leaseholders affected, especially those who are vulnerable or at risk.
The main hazards associated with electrical works are:
• Contact with exposed live parts.
• Faults which could cause fires or electrocution.
• Fire or explosion where electricity could be the source of ignition.
• Defective and inoperable systems.
• System overload.
• Inadequate or deficient earthing and bonding.
• Failure to comply with legislative requirements
