PECM Issue 22 2016 | Page 74

Essential solutions for safe maintenance I mplementing safe isolation procedures is essential to achieve compliance with HSG85 Electricity at Work Regulations which are there to ensure that workers on site are not exposed to danger when working on or near live electrical systems. Martindale Electric lead the way in safe isolation, providing simple and reliable solutions to ensure circuits have been de-energised and properly isolated prior to maintenance and modifications of plant and equipment. Selecting the right tools for the job is critical to implementing an effective procedure to stay safe and avoid potentially fatal accidents and heavy penalties. In the latest 2016 sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences, new fines are structured not just to punish employers whose failure to comply results in serious injury, but also those whose lack of compliance put their employees at risk. The consequence of the new guidelines is that the level of fines will be higher and custodial sentences more likely. For the largest companies, who are judged to have a high level of culpability and the highest harm category, fines could be as high as £10M There are still instances every year of serious accidents and fatalities that could have been avoided through using the right test equipment to prove dead and by implementing reliable locking off procedures. The essential test tools and equipment needed are a dedicated voltage indicator, a proving unit to verify the voltage indicator, locking off devices with unique keys and a clear method of labelling the hazard. With a wide range of voltage detectors and indicators available, it’s important to understand that some equipment, such as multimeters, should not be used. Martindale voltage indicators for safe isolation are fully compliant with the latest standards and are designed for safety, with no batteries or switches which could lead to false indication. The latest VI-15000 has an Above Lock off & prove dead with VIPDLOK kits Below VIPDLOK safe isolation kit overvoltage safety rating of 1000V CAT IV making it suitable for all installation categories and supply side applications. There have been many developments which now make it easier to choose the right equipment and ensure the correct locking off device is always available. There have been many developments which now make it easier to choose the right equipment and ensure the correct locking off device is always available. These include complete kits with voltage indicators, matching proving units and a comprehensive range of locking off devices for MCBs and fuse carriers. Kits are supplied in combination carry case s to ensure that proving devices are always at hand and provide the simplest solution for implementing safe isolation practices on-site. Find out more: bit.ly/safe-isolation-video bit.ly/safe-isolation-article 74 PECM Issue 22