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This website is an independent information resource and does not reflect the views or policy of any organization referred to. The information in this website is believed to be correct but no liability is accepted or implied for the use of information provided in this website. Readers are advised to seek professional legal opinion rather than rely on any information in this website. The following notes are provided to place parts of BS7909:2008 in context, to assist readers in their understanding of how working with the standard may assist them in complying with their duties, however following the standard or any advice may not satisfy the requirements of those duties. General The use of Electricity at work is governed by the statutory Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, these require that “Every work activity, including operation, use and maintenance of a system and work near a system, shall be carried out in such a manor as not to give rise, so far is reasonably practicable danger.” - EAWR 89 Regulation 4 (3) All electrical temporary electrical systems must: be inspected after assembly at a new site or location (PUWER 98 Regulation 6) as their safety depends on the installation conditions. BS7909:2008 Completion Certificates or BS7671:2008 Electrical Installation Certificates may be issued. Competent People “No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger or, where appropriate, injury, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such a degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work” EAWR Regulation 16 For fixed electrical installations in the construction and maintenance sectors, competence is usually defined by having passed a series of exams, acquiring a graded safety card (JIB/CSCS), and being a member of a trade body (NICEIC, ECA, NAPIT etc). The trade associations have a documentary requirement for entry to help ensure compliance with Regulation 16 of the EAWR (possession of the EAWR HSE ACOP, and BS7671). Where larger complex temporary electrical systems are employed a similar standard of competence should be considered (the IET considers such systems to require as much if not more risk assessment) The documentary requirement for technical knowledge should be regarded as possession of the EAWR HSE ACOP, BS7671:2008 and BS7909:2008 [and possibly BS7430]. Competence levels related to buildings (not TES) are detailed in the IET Electrotechnical Assessment Scheme When small electrical systems are used (Using a 13A plug and a single distribution circuit etc) In many cases ordinary people having taken steps to have their system tested, documented and explained will have: “adequate understanding of the system to be worked on and practical experience of that class of system” HSR25 It is advisable that systems are rechecked depending on the amount of disturbance they receive: The frequency of the tests is a matter for individual organizations but systems and equipment must be maintained “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable such danger” EAWR 89 Regulation 4 (2) Licensing Act 2003 It may also be a requirement of a licensed premises under a Licensing Act 2003 Section 182 public safety condition that temporary electrical systems comply with BS7909:2008. Section 182 conditions under section 4(3) have undergone considerable scrutiny, having been issued as guidelines by the Secretary of State, and laid before parliament before being made available for consideration.
They can be applied locally when they
relevant to the licensing objectives: The use of such conditions should be proportionate to the licensed activity involved and as clarified by case law should not be duplicitous in respect of other statutory conditions. From the 2007 Guidance issued by the Secretary of State for Culture media and Sport page 123 which came into force when laid before Parliament on 28 June 2007
"Temporary
electrical installations Such conditions may be applied to Events, Theatres, Public Houses that hold regular entertainment or specific events. Where such a condition supports one or more licensing objectives; in the case of Temporary electrical wiring and distribution systems, the objective is public safety, particularly when electrical systems are used in marquees and other structures not covered by building regulations or where there is an increased hazard such as a venue where large numbers of touring performers using electrical equipment are part of the licensed entertainment on a daily or weekly basis. Lighting Sufficient Working, Safety and Emergency Lighting must be available (PUWER Regulation 21), the choice of lighting should take into account dangers from rotating machinery; lights for workers safety may be necessary to the rear of catering units, or above steps and other hazards. Fixtures must be suitable for the environment and external influences (IP44 outdoors) PME or TN-C-S Supplies The ESQCR 2002 Regulation 9(4) prohibits PME connections to caravans “Distributors must not offer connections to earthing terminals from PME networks for consumers’ installations in caravans or boats. The particular risk at these installations arises from the possibility of the supply neutral conductor becoming disconnected from earth, possibly causing the metalwork in the caravan or boat to rise to live potential (assuming that the caravan or boat does not benefit from an independent connection with earth). Persons entering or exiting the caravan or boat would then be at risk of electric shock.” Mobile catering trailers, tour buses or transportable units may be considered as caravans. Note: there is a distinction in BS7671 between caravans, caravan sites and mobile and transportable units. Caravans are usually under the control of ordinary people and need specific types of supply earthing arrangements; mobile and transportable units are often under the direct supervision of electrically skilled persons who can asses and monitor the risks of connecting to different supply types. Safety Equipment (including RCDs) EAWR regulation 4 requires safety equipment protecting persons at work to be maintained, suitable and properly used. BS7909:2008 provides guidance on the selection and use of RCDs in temporary electrical systems The “T” or test button or an RCD must be pressed to check that it will operate every time equipment is set up at a new location. As RCDs are specifically provided to protect persons at work it is an absolute requirement that they are maintained in a condition suitable for that use, and be properly used. EAWR 4(4) “Regulation 4(4) is NOT qualified by “so far as reasonably practicable” - HSE Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at work Regulations. Selection of Equipment; Control and Isolation “No electrical equipment shall be put into use where it’s strength and capability may be exceeded in such a way as may give rise to danger” EAWR Regulation 5 Generators, cables, lighting dimmers, connectors and other equipment must not be overloaded by connecting appliances that require higher wattage than can be delivered. Care should be taken to ensure that “Efficient means, suitably located, shall be provided for protection from excess of current every part of a system as may be necessary to prevent danger.” EAWR Regulation 11 Joints Plugs and Sockets must be safe and suitable for use “Where necessary to prevent danger, every joint and connection in a system shall be mechanically and electrically suitable for use” EAWR Regulation 10 (table 2 of BS7909:2008 provides a good guide to connector types and current ratings) Equipment providers have a duty to ensure the equipment is safe and sufficient instructions are provided with the equipment this is required by: The Supply of Machinery (safety) Regulations 1992, The provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Many events may supply power from centralised generator(s) together with skilled persons, they should provide individual users with a separate, clearly labeled point of supply and isolation. (Information and Instructions PUWER 98 Regulation 8 and Isolation PUWER Regulation 19, EAWR regulation 12) Care should be taken to ensure that a fault in one operation does not affect others on site. Electrical Environments Using more than one source of power or proximity of one source of power to another (generators, buildings, street furniture) There in a possibility that a “charge” could be introduced Where such a possibility exists a skilled competent person must assess the earthing arrangement in order to ensure that “precautions shall be taken, either by earthing or other suitable means, to prevent danger arising when any conductor (other than a circuit conductor) which may reasonably foreseeable become charged as a result of either the use of a system, or a fault in a system, becomes so charged…” EAWR Regulation 8 Workspace EWAR (reg. 15) sets out requirements for adequate working space, access and lighting. This needs to be taken into account when positioning switching, isolation and control equipment particularly when working with temporary stage structures. Please see the documents pages for more information |
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