Are your facilities “back to school ready"?

Schools are usually high traffic areas and ensuring the safety of students, staff and other users is essential. One of the best ways to do this is by conducting frequent testing of electrical equipment. Equipment testing is the process where all electrical appliances within the institution are inspected for proper function to prevent the risk of fire hazards due to defects in appliances.

What does the National Union of Teachers recommend?

The National Union of Teachers has published a Health and Safety Briefing document on Electrical Safety. This briefing sets out guidance on the law and practical advice on safety precautions necessary to ensure electrical safety in school. The NUT recommend that testing be performed before the start of each term to ensure compliance.

Why is electrical testing so important in schools?

All electrical installations deteriorate with age and use over a period of time. It is therefore imperative to ensure the safety of staff, pupils and visitors that all equipment is regularly tested.

Annually there are over 3,000 electrical accidents or incidents reported to the HSE proving that faulty electrical installations present a real danger. That is why insurance companies can request evidence that the installation has been adequately inspected before assuming cover for a building.

Who is responsible?

Until recently the Local Authorities took responsibility for compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations (EAWR 1989) but now with the growing number of Academies and Multi Academy Trusts the responsibility for this emerging sector now lies with the school maintenance staff and management teams to both organise and budget for this essential work themselves.

How often should electrical equipment be tested?

To help ensure the safety of pupils, staff and visitors the recommended frequency of essential statutory electrical compliance testing and inspection in most schools is:

• Periodic or Fixed Wire Testing (FWT) – every 5 years

• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) - annually

• Emergency Lighting - annually

Our experience

With nearly 20 years experience working with education establishments all over the UK, we are well versed in making sure your establishment remains compliant.

From nurseries to universities, from Penzance to Inverness, we are proud to be trusted to keep educational establishments compliant.

We are a team of highly competent and reliable NICEIC approved electrical contractors who are qualified to carry out electrical testing and can competently and efficiently undertake any necessary repairs.

We will provide you with a full electrical testing report and certificate once the electrical safety testing standards are met.

If you would like our support with any electrical compliance at your school, please don't hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team, you can contact us here: 01604 696113 | enquiries@protestesltd.co.uk.