Electrical safety inspections.
You’ve no doubt heard of them. But what are they and how can they benefit your business?
Let’s answer those very questions now.
What Is An Electrical Safety Inspection?
An electrical safety inspection is a thorough examination of your electrical systems, equipment and installations. The main purpose of the inspection is to assess the safety and compliance of your electrical elements with relevant codes and regulations.
An electrical safety inspection is carried out to identify potential hazards, prevent electrical accidents, and ensure that your electrical systems are functioning properly.
Here are the key components of an inspection:
- Visual inspection: A visual examination of all your electrical components, like wiring, outlets, switches, circuit breakers and electrical panels. An inspector will be looking for signs of wear and tear, damage, loose connections, and any visible issues that could pose a safety risk.
- Testing and Tagging: Various electric tests and measurements are performed to assess the condition and performance of your electrical systems. Once individual electrical items are deemed safe and functional, they are “tagged” to confirm this.
- Code Compliance: Your systems and installations are checked to ensure they adhere to national electrical codes and standards.
- Hazard Identification: Any potential safety hazards that might cause shocks, fires or accidents are identified - such as exposed wires, outdated equipment, faulty wiring, improper grounding, and overloaded circuits.
- Reporting: Your inspector will provide a detailed report that summarises their findings and includes any recommendations for updates, repairs and preventative maintenance, plus any required actions you must take.
Why Are Electrical Safety Inspections Important?
Electrical safety inspections are really important for a number of reasons. The main ones are:
Preventing Electrical Accidents
Electrical accidents are a real danger in any workplace. So, the ultimate objective of an electrical safety inspection is to prevent electrical accidents and related hazards from occurring.
Electrical faults, such as faulty wiring or equipment, can lead to fires, electric shocks, and even fatalities. Undertaking regular inspections can identify potential issues and give you the chance to rectify them before they escalate into accidents.
Compliance With Regulations
New Zealand has strict regulations and codes of practice that control electrical installations and workplace safety standards. Electrical safety inspections ensure that all your electrical systems and equipment comply with these regulations. That reduces your business’ risk factor when it comes to legal consequences and liability for non-compliance.
Employee Protection
As an employer, employee safety should be a top priority. As such, you have a legal and moral obligation to protect the lives of your team members. Unfortunately, electrical accidents have a high chance of resulting in the loss of life and property damage. Inspections help protect individuals, families, and businesses from these risks by identifying and mitigating electrical hazards in the workplace.
Better Business
Knowing that your electrical systems are safe and up to code provides peace of mind for business owners and employees. It reduces anxiety about potential electrical hazards and allows people to focus on their daily activities without worry.
It also prevents costly unplanning stoppages. Electrical failures can lead to downtime in commercial and industrial settings, resulting in lost productivity and revenue. Regular inspections can identify potential issues early, reducing the risk of unexpected outages and their associated costs.
Cost Reduction
Regular inspections help to identify wear and tear on the electrical components and equipment in your business. Addressing these issues promptly through maintenance can extend the lifespan of electrical systems and reduce the need for costly emergency repairs.
Most insurance companies in New Zealand will require businesses to undergo regular electrical safety inspections as a condition of coverage. Proving that your electrical systems meet safety standards can help reduce your insurance premiums and avoid the potential for having to make costly claims due to electrical faults.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Did you know that good electrical safety can contribute to environmental sustainability for your organisation? Faulty electrical equipment can create electrical leaks or overuse that wastes energy and negatively impacts the environment. Proper inspections and maintenance help prevent unnecessary energy use, reducing this environmental impact.
Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s better for the bottom line too. Electrical inspections identify the causes of energy waste, like inefficient appliances or faulty wiring. Addressing these problems can result in energy savings, reducing your energy bills.
Time For A Safety Inspection?
As we’ve just learned, electrical safety inspections are essential for safeguarding lives, property, and the environment. They also help ensure compliance with regulations, prevent accidents and provide peace of mind to individuals and businesses alike.
Investing in regular electrical safety inspections is a proactive way to protect the safety of your team, create efficiency in your business and maybe even create cost savings.
So, is it time for an inspection in your business?
Electrical safety inspections should be conducted by qualified electricians who are trained to identify hazards and potential safety issues. Here at Retrolec, that is exactly what we do. So, reach out to our team today to book your next inspection. Contact us now.
