A Brighter Year Awaits with ESUK: Unparalleled Safety, Unwavering Commitment

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A Brighter Year Awaits with ESUK: Unparalleled Safety, Unwavering Commitment

As we bid farewell to a year of resilience and adaptation, the Team at ESUK is brimming with excitement for what lies ahead. This past year, despite unforeseen challenges navigating the exit of Covid restrictions, we achieved remarkable milestones, surpassing our Q1 goals and securing partnerships with leading players in the renewables industry.

Authorisation of Electrical Personnel

The purpose of an Authorisation of Electrical Personnel Procedure is to describe the general procedures and methods that should be adopted to ensure that all Electrical personnel who carry out work on Electrical Distribution Systems or equipment connected to them are, and continue to be, competent to carry out the duties of their role.

Why do Arc Flash Calculations

We often get asked, why do arc flash studies matter when there are no prescriptive standards in place in the United Kingdom? Well, one good reason is, the majority of things that we would need to do when carrying out an arc flash study, are things we should have been doing for years before AF studies were even thought about.

Management of Ageing and Obsolete Electrical Equipment

The purpose of a Management of Ageing and Obsolete Electrical Equipment Procedure is to set out how the ageing and obsolescence of electrical equipment should be managed within your business or site. The procedure should provide a proactive system for managing specific ageing and obsolete electrical assets.

Earthing Systems Design and Maintenance

Earthing is defined in BS 7671 as the connection of exposed conductive parts of an installation to the main earthing terminal of that installation. Whilst this may be a useful definition, it does not fully encompass the full meaning of earthing, bonding and automatic disconnection of supply.

Arc Flash Risks could exist within Hospitals and Health service environments

Electrical Safety UK has been privileged to work extensively in most sectors, including the health services, and are experts in managing arc flash hazards.

Electrical Safety in The Water Industries – Some Key Areas of Concern

Electrical Safety UK services to the water industry have included writing electrical safety rules and supporting procedures for household name companies and training 1000s of direct staff and contractors, including designing and delivering competence assessments.

Arc Flash Conference 2023 – A huge success!

On Tuesday, 25th April 2023, we hosted a successful conference on Arc Flash, understanding global standards. The conference featured eminent industry experts who shared their knowledge and insights on the topic, including Jim Phillips, Mike Frain, and Paul Hopton. The attendees were from a diverse range of sectors, indicating the widespread interest in the topic.

Electrical Safety and Arc Flash Risk within The Rail Industry

The electrical risks within the rail industry are frequently underestimated, as is the broader network supporting the rail sector, we see around us. The danger is never far away, as many lines are electrified with overhead gantries carrying 25,000 volts a.c., and the innocent looking third rail at ground level that allows 750 volts d.c.

Solar Farm

Solar Farms

Electrical Safety UK have helped many companies in different industries in a number of locations around the World to improve their electrical safety management systems. In this article we are going to focus on Solar Farms and discuss whether there any hazards that may be specific to that industry.

Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs)

The advent of the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018) saw the introduction of Arc Fault Detection Devices, to which people quickly recognised that the requirement was a recommendation only which in many cases led to the requirement being largely ignored. As Amendment 2 of BS 7671 came into force this year, that original recommendation changed- in some instances, with it remaining a recommendation in many cases.

Electrical Safety Management System – Arc Flash

One question we are often asked is, what should an ESMS contain? This has prompted me to write a series of articles looking at the different aspects of these vital documents. Here is the third article in that series.  

What Are Electrical Hazards?

Electricity is a hazard, as it is dangerous and may cause harm. If properly managed, the likelihood of electrical hazards is minimal, but the severity when things go wrong can be fatality or life-changing.

The Importance Of Data Collection For Arc Flash Analysis

Arc flash PPE has become the default control measure and within the United States, until recently, was the prescribed control measure. However, within the UK and within Europe, this is not the case and legally (through Regulation 4 and Schedule 1 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Re …

Do I Have To Wear Arc Flash PPE?

Arc flash PPE has become the default control measure and within the United States, until recently, was the prescribed control measure. However, within the UK and within Europe, this is not the case and legally (through Regulation 4 and Schedule 1 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Re …

Arc Flash Protection – PPE For Electrical Professionals

We specialise in providing electrical PPE, safety knowledge, equipment, and training for hazards such as arc flash. An important aspect of protecting electrical professionals is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety hazards.

Arc Flash Legislative Requirements And The Role Of Electrical Duty Holders

Is Arc Flash a UK Legislative Requirement? Electrical Safety UK specialises in carrying our arc flash studies for our many clients. One of the things that come up regularly is the question of legislation and whether or not arc flash risk management is required under UK law. The short answer is yes.

Who Can Enter An Electrical Control Panel?

Who Can Enter An Electrical Control Panel?

This is often a question we get asked, and in many cases, our reply is, ‘why do people need to go into an electrical control panel’? Demands on maintenance and service engineers often means that there is a lack of available competent persons who can react quickly when things stop working.

Electrical Safety Rules

Electrical Safety Management System – Electrical Safety Rules

We are often asked, what an ESMS should contain. This question has prompted me to write a series of articles looking at the different aspects of these vital documents. Here is the second article in that series. 

The Design Of Electrical Installations- Low Voltage (LV) BS 7671:2018+A2:2022

The answer is both yes and no. Regulation 4(1) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 states, ‘all systems shall at all times be of such construction to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger’. In this instance, the term construction refers to an electrical system’s design, construction, and operation, including equipment that forms part of that system.

2018 IEEE 1584 Update – Introduction To The Changes

The Second Edition of IEEE 1584 – IEEE Guide for Arc Flash Hazard Calculations Studies was 16 years in the making. In this 1-hour video, Vice-Chair of IEEE 1584, Jim Phillips takes you through the long history of what it took to develop the next edition including establishing a collaboration between IEEE and NFPA, creating a project team for the almost 2000 new arc flash tests, model and equation development and more.

Is Carrying Out An Arc Flash Study A Legal Requirement In The UK?

The simple answer is yes. By virtue of Regulation 4(1) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the need to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of risk and to put measures in place to protect those who could be put at risk is mandated.

Distribution Network Operator Calculated Fault Level Requests

In order that we can accurately carry out an Arc Flash Study on a client’s electrical installation we require the calculated prospective fault level at the point of connection with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

What Is An Arc Flash Study?

Principal Electrical Engineer, Paul Hopton, explores the process of identifying Arc Flash risk, how Incident Energy is calculated, and what is entailed within the Arc Flash Study itself, and so much more.

Arc Flash Personal Protective Equipment Ratings Explained

Principal Electrical Engineer, Paul Hopton, explains Arc Flash personal protective equipment ratings.

Arc Flash Hazard Control Measures

The best and most often used control measure to protect personnel from arc flash is to isolate the equipment before you work on it.

Arc Flash Training; What Is Required & What Does Good Look Like?

 Andy Linley, Compliance Director at Electrical Safety UK Ltd, discusses Arc Flash training; the legislative requirements behind it and what good training should encompass.

Arc Flash Risk In Batteries

Arc Flash risk associated with alternating current systems has been well studied and is becoming better understood. People have become familiar with the increased incident energy levels generally associated with Low Voltage, and less frequently associate Arc Flash as a high voltage problem.

Arc Flash Risk In Wind Turbine Renewables?

Deputy MD, Paul Hopton, outlines the additional considerations in a wind turbine environment and highlights the potential consequences of arc flash incidents.

Arc Flash Protection Boundary Distances

Compliance Director, Andy Linley, discusses Arc Flash Boundary distances, what they are and factors affecting them.

When Is Arc Flash Protection Required?

Paul Hopton, Deputy Managing Director and Principal Electrical Consultant, discusses when Arc Flash Protection is required, carrying out Risk Assessments to determine the requirement and suitable competency of those involved.

Electrical Risk Increases

In the past nearly all large industrial sites would have at least one chartered or degree qualified electrical engineer on the staff.

The Basics Of Electrical Control Panels

What is an electrical control panel? An electrical control panel is an enclosure, typically a metal box or plastic moulding which contains important electrical components that control and monitor a number of mechanical processes.

Warm Weather Advice

As most of Britain enjoys an unseasonably warm summer, many of us are forced to suffer the torture of heat whilst at work.

BS7671:2018 – The 18th Edition

How much change is there between the 17th Edition and the latest updates of BS 7671 to the 18th Edition? How much will it affect you and your business?

Common Risk Factors When Working With Electricity

People often underestimate the risks that simple factors play in electrical safety, from missing bolts in panel doors, un-blanked openings, corroded enclosures and ingress of liquids or dust. We explore some of the most common hazards below:

The 18th Edition…Time To Think About Training?

The 18th Edition has been with us now for 9 months and since January has been the defacto standard to which all electrical installation work should comply. For those who have remained abreast of amendments 1, 2 and 3 of the 17th Edition, the 18th Edition and its changes should pose little concern.

Jim Phillips, PE, Founder Of Brainfiller.Com, Associate Director Of ESUK And Vice-Chair Of IEEE 1584 Discusses What’s Changed In The 2018 Edition Of IEEE 1584

The Greek Philosopher Heraclitus is credited with the phrase “The only thing that is constant is change.” That is certainly the case with the new 2018 Edition of IEEE 1584 ‘IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations’. Almost everything has changed – except the title! The first edition of IEEE 1584 was published on September 23, 2002

When Switching Off Is Not Enough

By Andy Linley, Compliance Director

This week I worked with a site engineer in isolating a supply to a section board. All went well with identifying the place of work and the point of isolation, along with obtaining permission to isolate.

COVID-19 & Free Electrical Safety Desktop Audit

Globally, Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting the lives of many businesses and individuals. Employers are implementing policies and procedures never seen before to help ensure businesses survive. These are trying times, but the usual bulldog British spirit is already shining through.

What Is An Electrical Duty Holder?

Coming into force on the 1st April 1990 Regulation 3 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 introduced the term ‘Duty Holder’, or more specifically ‘persons on whom duties are imposed’. The introduction to HSE publication HSR 25: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; Guidance on the Regulations clarifies in paragraph 5 that ‘[t]he guidance is primarily for duty holders (including those involved in the design, construction, operation or maintenance of electrical systems and equipment), engineers, technicians and their managers’.

The Risks In Underestimating The Danger Electricity Poses In The Workplace

The statistics are out for period 2017-2018 relating to fatalities reported to the Health and Safety Executive. The good news is that only two fatalities occurred as a result of coming into contact with electrical energy, one was an employee and the other was self-employed. This represents 1.4% of the total reportable workplace fatalities.

Why Is Electrical Safety Important?

You cannot smell, hear, or see electricity, so making sure you have the right systems in place to manage this hazardous energy is critical to the wellbeing of your employees and your Company. 

PAT Testing Frequency: How Often Should Electrical Equipment Be Tested In The Workplace?

A question that is often asked is how often should my electrical equipment be tested at work? Often referred to as PAT Testing (which in itself is incorrect as it becomes Portable Appliance Testing- Testing) the In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment is required by regulation 4(2) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The regulation requires equipment that may become dangerous if neglected to be maintained to prevent such danger from arising. HSR 25, Guidance on the Regulations identifies inspection and testing as being a means of verifying that maintenance is effective, but recognises that other methods of compliance do exist.

What is DSEAR?

DSEAR stands for Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations. It is important to learn about DSEAR in the workplace to identify serious hazards and know how to assess the risk involved.

Safe Isolation Procedure For Electrical Isolations

Switching off the supply of electricity to allow for safe working is legally mandated, with work on or near to live electrical systems permitted in exceptional circumstances only. Electrical isolation consists of two clear stages: switching off the supply and proving dead. It is important you follow a safe isolation procedure.

Is BS 7671 Statutory?

BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 is a non-statutory document based on technical substance of European CENELEC agreements, and is published by the British Standards Institute under the joint direction of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and British Electrotechnical Committee (BEC).

Understanding Electrical Inspection And Testing

Inspection and testing can refer to many different situations at all voltage levels. This blog focuses on electrical safety inspection and testing in relation to low voltage systems and includes requirements for electrical installations and also the in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

How To Put Out An Electrical Fire

The best way of dealing with an electrical fire, or more correctly a fire of electrical origin, is to prevent one from occurring in the first place. The cost of correct design, installation and maintenance is minimal when considering the cost of dealing with the aftermath of a fire:- loss of production, temporarily having to rehouse and the potential for loss of life.

Earthing And Bonding 101

The term earthing and bonding for many people often causes confusion, and in some cases a lack of understanding can lead to a very unsafe condition arising. Except in a couple of specific situations where earthing is required for equipment to function correctly, earthing and bonding may seem like an unnecessary effort and expense: after all, equipment will still work without earthing or bonding being in place.

What Happens To Electrical Safety Management Systems When Companies Are Taken Over Or Merge?

By Paul Hopton BEng CEng (Hons) MIET – Principal Electrical Consultant Director

Electric Vehicles And Arc Flash

Test instruments and test leads are a temporary connection to electrical systems, often live at the time, for the purpose of making measurements to establish or confirm various parameters. Andrew Linley, Compliance Director at Electrical Safety UK Ltd looks at some of the standards that exist that we must comply with and that we should take into consideration whilst undertaking measurement tasks using test instruments.

Arc Flash And Electrical Safety FAQ

By: Jim Phillips, P.E. Founder: Brainfiller.com and Associate Director: Electrical Safety UK, Ltd.

Update To NFPA 70E 2021

ESUK Compliance Director, Andy Linley, reviews the changes to the NFPA 70E 2021 standard.

What Is An Electrical Safety Management System?

Principal Consultant, Paul Hopton, answers below.

What Are The Benefits Of Bespoke Training?

“Was this person competent to do that job?” This is the question that could be levelled at any Duty Holder if an electrical incident occurs. When stood in the dock of a courtroom is not the time to consider the meaning of this question.

BS7671 Amendment 2 – What Do We Think Will Change?

Compliance Director, Andrew Linley, discusses the possible changes being released through Amendment 2 to BS 7671.

Electric Vehicles And Arc Flash

In an ever-growing world of sustainable environmental vehicle solutions, Principal Electrical Consultant Paul Hopton discusses the risk of Arc Flash when working with batteries installed in Electric Vehicles. Concerns of Competency for mechanics required to work on these systems, the types of activities that could cause an electrical incident, and what can be done to mitigate risk.

SPA Core Construction

Many people work within the UK Construction Industry some at a technical level and others at a labourer level, with every person hour making a significant difference to the UK economy.

Electrical Safety Management System – Electrical Safety Policy

One question we are often asked is, what should an ESMS contain? has prompted me to write a series of articles looking at the different aspects of this vital policy document ESMS. Here is the first article in that series

BS 7671 2022 Updates – Changes To The Wiring Regulations

The second amendment to the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations are out, and all of the IET Guidance Notes have been updated accordingly. Electricians and engineers have had time to digest every minute detail and discuss the implications at length.

Standards for Electrical Test Instruments and Test Leads

Test instruments and test leads are a temporary connection to electrical systems, often live at the time, for the purpose of making measurements.

ESUK Congratulate Paul Hopton On Appointment Of Deputy Managing Director

ESUK Congratulate Paul Hopton On Appointment Of Deputy Managing Director

The Board of Directors at Electrical Safety UK Limited are pleased to announce the promotion and appointment of Paul Hopton, BEng CEng (Hons) MIET, as Deputy Managing Director.

Happy New Year – A Word From Our Managing Director

Happy New Year – A Word From Our Managing Director

Firstly we’d like to wish a very Happy New Year to all our customers, partners, suppliers, and colleagues. From what has been an extremely difficult year for all in the world to what is seeming like another challenging few months ahead.

Cash For Kids – Mission Christmas

The wonderful team at Electrical Safety UK Limited has been having a think about…. Christmas…. (There I said it! Even though its only November) but it’s for a good reason.

What Training Do You Have In Place For Your Staff During The Next Lockdown?

What Training Do You Have In Place For Your Staff During The Next Lockdown?

As we enter the second lockdown in the UK a lot of our clients still require essential training sessions. We have been working ever more closely with our clients and have successfully been able to provide solutions to ensure training can continue.

Jim Phillips, P.E. Receives Two Prestigious Awards From IEEE PCIC

Jim Phillips, P.E. Receives Two Prestigious Awards From IEEE PCIC

Jim Phillips, founder of Brainfiller.com and Associate Director of Electrical Safety (UK) Ltd. recently received TWO prestigious awards from IEEE PCIC.

2021 NFPA 70E Major Changes

2021 NFPA 70E Major Changes

After 13 years of Employment with Electrical Safety UK Limited it is Mike’s decision to retire from the company. Mike Frain founded Electrical Safety UK in September 2004. Mike has contributed many years of experience and knowledge to the Electrical Industry.

Local Businessman Recognised In New Year’s Honours

Local Businessman Recognised In New Year’s Honours

On the advice of the Honours Committee, the Prime Minister recommended, and the Queen approved, that Mr Terence J Lowe be awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for outstanding service in the electrical engineering industry.

A Lifetime Of Achievement

A Lifetime Of Achievement

Our Executive Chairman Ted Lowe scooped the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award at the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber Awards 2019 Ted has spent over 50 years in the electrical engineering industry with over 40 of those at a senior management level.

Jim Phillips

An Interview With Jim Phillips, P.E., MIET

Established in 1991, The Faraday Centre is renowned for its standards in both High and Low Voltage electrical safety training. They provide training throughout a range of industries varying from domestic through to commercial and industrial.

Rotherham Apprenticeship Awards

Rotherham Apprenticeship Awards

We attended the Rotherham Apprentice of the Year awards on 20th June 2019 where our Business Administration Apprentice Safa was shortlisted for an award in her category of Advanced Apprenticeship.

Keysight Technologies Chose Electrical Safety UK To Assist Them With Their Global Electrical Safety Standard

Keysight Technologies Chose Electrical Safety UK To Assist Them With Their Global Electrical Safety Standard

KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES – MARKET LEADER WITH 75+ YEARS OF EXPERTISE What started in the original Silicon Valley garage has transformed into a world-renowned think tank for design, measurement, and cybersecurity intelligence research.

Merck chose Electrical Safety UK for new Global Safety Standard

Merck Chose Electrical Safety UK For New Global Safety Standard

Merck, a truly global company, with around 51,000 employees in 66 countries chose ESUK to help them with their new Global Electrical Safety Standard.

Is The Biggest Risk Of Industrial Arc Flash At High Voltage Or Low Voltage?

Our analysis using arc flash voltage charts show the biggest risk may occur at a low voltage instead of high voltage. The incident energy level defines the severity of the arc flash hazard when using the IEEE 1584 standard.

Hazard

Contractor Receives Injuries When Switchgear Was Not Isolated

The company employed contract workers to undertake repairs and improvements to their paper manufacturing plant when production was stopped. During this time, an employee of an electrical contractor undertook an inspection of 11,000 Volt switchgear with the authorisation of the company.

Hazard

£900k Fine For Painter’s Station Roof Fall

18th April 2018 saw BAM Nuttall fined under section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work act through Croydon Crown Court £900k following an incident where a painter, working for subcontractor McNealy Brown, fell through a fragile railway station ceiling into a passenger waiting room.

The Faraday Centre

Faraday Centre Become Partners With ESUK

Established in 1991, The Faraday Centre is renowned for its standards in both High and Low Voltage electrical safety training. They provide training throughout a range of industries varying from domestic through to commercial and industrial.

Mike Frain Retirement

Mike Frain Retirement

After 13 years of Employment with Electrical Safety UK Limited it is Mike’s decision to retire from the company. Mike Frain founded Electrical Safety UK in September 2004. Mike has contributed many years of experience and knowledge to the Electrical Industry.

New EasyPower 10.0 Release

Arc flash PPE has become the default control measure and within the United States, until recently, was the prescribed control measure. However, within the UK and within Europe, this is not the case and legally (through Regulation 4 and Schedule 1 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Re …

Electrical Safety (UK) Limited Merged With Pennine Elec-Tech Limited

Electrical Safety (UK) Limited Merged With Pennine Elec-Tech Limited

We are pleased to announce that, effective May 1, 2016 Electrical Safety (UK) Limited merged with Pennine Elec-Tech Limited. The combined companies will conduct business together under the name Electrical Safety (UK) Limited, with their main office in Rotherham, United Kingdom.

Electrical Safety (UK) Has Been Awarded Accreditation From Safecontractor For Its Commitment To Achieving Excellence In Electrical Safety.

Electrical Safety (UK) Has Been Awarded Accreditation From Safecontractor For Its Commitment To Achieving Excellence In Electrical Safety.

Safecontractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme which recognises very high standards in health and safety management amongst UK contractors. Safecontractor is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to Food Manufacture, Oil & Gas, Energy & Engineering.

Mike Frain Of Electrical Safety UK, Speaks At SABIC Arc Flash Workshop In Jubail, Saudi Arabia

Mike Frain Of Electrical Safety UK, Speaks At SABIC Arc Flash Workshop In Jubail, Saudi Arabia

Mike Frain of Electrical Safety UK, speaks on behalf of Dupont ™ at SABIC Arc Flash Workshop in Jubail, Saudi Arabia 13th Oct 2012. SABIC is the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Mike Frain Of Electrical Safety UK Will Be A Guest Speaker At The Workwear & Corporate Clothing Show – Wednesday 17th April At Silverstone Racing Circuit

Mike Frain Of Electrical Safety UK Will Be A Guest Speaker At The Workwear & Corporate Clothing Show – Wednesday 17th April At Silverstone Racing Circuit

Mike will provide an insight into the electrical arc hazard, its measurement and risk assessment. Using his vast experiences Mike will simplify the approach to the process of reducing the arc flash hazard severity and of developing protection solutions.

Mike Frain Of Electrical Safety UK Will Be A Guest Speaker At The National Food & Drink Manufacturing Conference – 8th October At The Oxford Belfry Hotel.

Mike Frain of Electrical Safety UK, speaks on behalf of Dupont ™ at SABIC Arc Flash Workshop in Jubail, Saudi Arabia 13th Oct 2012. SABIC is the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the top six petrochemical companies in the world, and the large …

Mike Frain Writes An Article For The Maintenance And Asset Management Magazine – July 2012

Mike Frain Writes An Article For The Maintenance And Asset Management Magazine – July 2012

So you’ve got your personnel in place to ensure that you’re compliant with the legislative requirements around electrical safety in the workplace. Personnel within the business don’t come in to contact with high voltage equipment so arc flash just isn’t a concern for you, right?…Wrong!

Mike Frain Was Invited To Speak At The Electrical Safety Workshop

Mike Frain was invited to speak at the Electrical Safety Workshop in Daytona Beach Florida recently after co-authoring “A European View of Arch Flash Hazards and Electrical Safety” which was published by the IEEE. The workshop took place in February 2012.

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