Electrical Safety – A quick office guide

Is it safe?

The big question you should be asking yourself? ‘Is my office safe?’. Once you’ve asked this, you’re on the right track. There are two main areas of electrical safety to focus on. Equipment safety and installation safety.

Electrical Equipment Safety

You can easily discover if your electrical equipment is safe by undertaking lnspection and Testing. Checking equipment visually should be your first port of call. Here’s what you are looking for:

1. Are there any signs of damage?
2. Is the environment suitable? (Dry/Clean and Clear)
3. Does it require a specialist inspection?

You can visit our Inspection and Testing page for more information on our services but in the meantime, checks should be carried out regularly and by an accredited professional. Ask your electrician how often items should be checked. Some might be more regularly than you expect!

Note: Make sure your electrical contractor is fully compliant if you are using specialist equipment. Remember, you can choose to contact either the manufacturer, an agent or an accredited local professional.

Electrical Installation

Unlike your equipment it is paramount that the inspection of your installation is carried out by a registered, competent and accredited professional. Not only will this save you time testing sockets yourself but reduces the risk of error and injury.

What to do if it’s not safe

So, you’ve noticed damage or identified a hazard. What next? The first thing to do is warn your colleagues or employees. Once everyone is aware of the issue, and you feel safe to do so, switch it off. Now it’s time to call the professionals.

Who you going to call?

So, you’ve noticed damage or identified a hazard. What next? The first thing to do is warn your colleagues or employees. Once everyone is aware of the issue, and you feel safe to do so, switch it off. Now it’s time to call the professionals.

You’ve inspected your equipment, you think it might be the installation too. So, who do you call? Call an accredited professional! There are lots of different accreditation bodies here in the UK to choose from, including the: Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and The Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland (SELECT) Both have lists of local companies who have met their strict standards of training and compliance. Once you are happy you’ve found a professional and that they are fully trained and have the experience you require. Pick up the phone and get in touch. There’s no better way to find out what they offer. Don’t put off the call. The safety of your staff and colleagues might depend on your quick action.

Stay Safe.