Electrical Safety (Scotland) University Health & Safety Policy

Transcription

1 Electrical Safety (Scotland) University Health & Safety Policy

2 Electrical Safety Procedures (Scotland) to support University Health & Safety Policy CONTENT Section Page 1 Introduction 3 2 Legal Framework 3 3 Lines of Responsibility 3 4 Procedure 5 5 Further Support and Advice 6 6 Procedure Version and History 6 Appendices Appendix 1 Notification Process for the Isolation of Mechanical and Electrical Services on Edinburgh Campus and within University Buildings Appendix 2 High Voltage Areas Limitation of Access Form Author: Health & Safety Services 2

3 1. INTRODUCTION This procedure describes the arrangements by which Heriot-Watt University will ensure that its staff, students and any contractors it employs will apply suitable controls to ensure compliance with legislation and relevant good practice guidance during all activities associated with the electrical installations, equipment or systems. This procedure applies to Edinburgh Campus, Jean Muir Student Village, High Mill building at Borders Campus and the elements of Orkney Campus under the direct control of the University. Appendix 1 of this procedure details the requirements for notification for isolation of mechanical and electrical services at Edinburgh Campus. 2. LEGAL FRAMEWORK The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 These regulations apply to electrical installations, fixed and portable electrical equipment. The requirement is that the University ensures such systems are properly constructed, maintained and positioned so that they do not give rise to danger. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 These regulations require the University to prepare suitable and sufficient risk assessments to control any foreseeable risks presented by our work activities, the capacity for early identification of hazards enhance this process. International Requirements Due to different legislative requirements, separate procedures are applied to our Dubai and Malaysia Campuses. 3. LINES OF RESPONSIBILITY Health & Safety Services has overall responsibility for the development of this procedure, and review in consultation with the University Health and Safety Committee. Assistant Director Estates Services shall ensure: compliance with electrical safety regulations, so far as is reasonably practicable appointment of a competent Electrical Services Manager to advise on all aspects of electrical safety and works at Heriot-Watt University premises that any contractual works are subject to the Contractor Management Procedure that all electrical installations, equipment and systems are installed maintained and inspected in line with relevant standards and legislation that all assigned activities, i.e.; the assessment, design and installation of controls, maintenance and modification to the system and supervision of works, will be carried out by electrically competent and authorised persons that all University Electricians are competent and qualified for their role Head of Capital Projects and Planning Estates Services shall ensure: that any contractual works are subject to the Contractor Management Procedure that all Project Teams, Project Managers, Consultant Designers and Project Contractors follow the this procedure for the Isolation of Mechanical and Electrical Services on Campus and within University Buildings (see Appendix 1) the Electrical Services Manager is consulted in all new works and projects involving electrical systems at an early design stage Electrical Services Manager shall: as the University s competent electrical systems manager, provide direction and technical support where required Author: Health & Safety Services 3

4 ensure that access to electrical switch rooms is controlled and that the switch rooms are inspected and kept in good condition carry out monitoring and auditing of electrical systems at Edinburgh Campus manage, issue, control and monitor electrical permits to work/safety documents and their adequacy in controlling risks ensure electrical installation condition reports are carried out in accordance with IET Wiring Regulations and HMO requirements provide technical support to all new works and projects involving electrical systems at an early design stage Electricians shall: ensure that they work in accordance with relevant British Standards and codes of practice carry out work in line with relevant risk assessment and safe working practices carry out requests for isolation in line with this procedure for the Isolation of Mechanical and Electrical Services on Campus and within University Buildings (see Appendix 1) Heads of Schools and Services are responsible for the application of this procedure within their School or Service. They shall also ensure that: work is not carried out on fixed electrical installations by School or Service staff the University s contractor management and permit to work procedure is followed any alterations required to low voltage distribution systems must be managed via Estates Services any electrical activities taking place in their area of responsibility are subjected to suitable and sufficient risk assessments School or Service owned fixed, electrically powered, equipment which does not come under Estate Services remit is periodically inspected, tested and that suitable records are kept access to all electrical switchgear control equipment is unobstructed at all times local arrangements are in place and communicated for the removal and repair of any faulty electrical equipment School or Service staff with an electrical remit are competent, qualified and aware of the limits of their mandate there is a portable appliance testing regime in place the required level of competence is met by those undertaking portable appliance inspection and testing irrespective of whether they are employees or contractors when the School or Service hires portable electrical equipment, it is accompanied by a valid test certificate employees are instructed that no personal electrical equipment may be brought on to the premises and used, where any non University appliances are found to be in use will be removed from the premises any hazards identified or incidents that occur are reported into Shield HSMS School Technical Service Managers responsibilities include: ensuring electrical equipment is considered when conducting regular inspections ensuring that any faulty electrical equipment is taken out of use University employees are required to: comply with this procedure visually inspect all electrical equipment prior to use ensure that they use all electrical equipment in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions ensure that they do not tamper with or repair electrical equipment ensure that any faulty equipment is taken out of use immediately inform their Line Manager if any problem is encountered in connection with electrical supply or equipment ensure that no personal electrical equipment is brought on to the premises and used, where any non University appliances are found to be in use will be removed from the premises report any hazards or incidents via Shield HSMS Author: Health & Safety Services 4

5 Students and Visitors are required to: ensure that they do not leave charging devices plugged into the mains sockets switched on but not connected to the device, as this presents a fire risk ensure that they use all electrical equipment in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions ensure that no unapproved electrical equipment is used in laboratories ensure that any faulty equipment is taken out of commission and reported inform their Supervisor, Tutor or Host if any problem is encountered in connection with electrical equipment Students Residents are also required to participate in the portable appliance testing regime managed by Hospitality Services. The Head of Hospitality Services is responsible for providing a portable appliance testing regime for Students Residents. Contractors are required to: comply with the Contractor Management Procedure comply with procedure for the Isolation of Mechanical and Electrical Services on Edinburgh Campus and within University Buildings (see Appendix 1) ensure that all work complies with relevant British Standards and codes of practice ensure that any electrical equipment used on the premises must meet legislative requirements and be fit for purpose 4. PROCEDURE High Voltage (HV) (>1000v A.C.) work can only be authorised by Electrical Services Manager. No one except an Authorised Person or person acting under his immediate supervision shall have access to any High Voltage Sub-Station. Limitation of Access Access to High Voltage Sub Stations for minor building maintenance work shall require a Limitation of Access Form (see Appendix 2) issued by the Electrical Services Manager or Authorised Person, defining the limits and nature of work which may be carried out in the vicinity of LIVE apparatus. Heriot-Watt University s Electricians are the only staff permitted to work on the University s fixed electrical installations; under the direction of the Electrical Services Manager. Appointed electrical staff within the Schools or Services are permitted to work on School or Service owned equipment subject to a risk assessment. Any work on mains fixed wiring or 3- phase systems must be arranged through and approved by Estates Services. Competent electrical contractors are permitted to work on the University s fixed electrical installations subject to approval by the Electrical Services Manager and in line with the Contractor Management Procedure. All work on low voltage electrical equipment including conductors should be carried out while such electrical equipment and conductors are dead and isolated from ALL sources of supply and after being proved dead at the point of work. The following precautions must be applied as required to ensure that electrical equipment and systems are dead and cannot be energised prior to work commencing: isolation locking off/ safety tag out discharge of stored energy insulation and earthing of adjacent conductors test before work commences Author: Health & Safety Services 5

6 Installations electrically powered fixed equipment - hard-wiring connections Fixed electrical equipment requiring hard-wiring into the electrical installation of a building must only be carried out by Estates Services. Consultation with the Electrical Services Manager is required at the earliest planning stage of the proposed installation. Installation of 13A mains powered equipment Portable mains powered equipment is subject to local procurement and installation procedures, ensuring existing power provision is adequate. Any equipment connected to the mains power supply must be via a 3-pin UK plug, equipment procured with other connections must have a 3-pin UK plug fitted by a competent electrician. Cube adaptors or daisy-chaining of more than two extension leads (subject to loading of the socket) are not permitted. Isolations All electrical and fire detection isolations must be carried out in line with Appendix 1. Servicing, Maintenance and Repairs The servicing and maintenance of portable mains powered equipment is the responsibility of each School or Service and must only be carried out by electrically competent and authorised persons; in accordance with the IET code of practice for in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Where School or Service equipment has a hardwired supply and the service, maintenance or repair involves work on the power supply, approval from Estates Services is required. Estates Services must manage any work, including fault-finding, on the mains and 3-phase supply. Removal electrically powered fixed equipment Removal and disposal of portable mains powered equipment is the responsibility of the School or Service. Where fixed electrical equipment has a hardwired supply, Estates Services must disconnect the supply prior to removal. Estates Services must approve and undertake any removal and isolation of electrical connections and supplies. Portable Appliance Testing Portable appliance testing regimes must be based on a risk assessment of the equipment, taking cognisance of the type of equipment, degree of usage, likelihood of it being damaged and the environment in which it operates. This testing can be carried out either by electrically competent and authorised member of staff or through an external contractor. Records of testing should be kept by the School or Service. 5. FURTHER HELP AND ADVICE Health & Safety Services on healthandsafety@hw.ac.uk 6. POLICY VERSION AND HISTORY Version No Date of Approval Approving Authority V Health & Safety Services Brief Description of Amendment 1 st version of document in this format/content replaces: HSP06 and HSP06a Author: Health & Safety Services 6