13 June 2022        Blogs

This week (13th – 19th June) marks Men’s Health Week, seven days dedicated to providing all men access to the information, services, and advice they need to live healthier and longer lives.

Worrying statistics* indicate:

• Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women according to the Government’s national wellbeing survey.
• Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.
• Three times as many men as women die by suicide.

Here at Develop Training we wanted to mark the week by highlighting the support that’s available to all our delegates and bookers.

Develop Training is part of the JTL Group. On the JTL website, you can find a number of free and easily accessible mental health resources on the Tune Up channel.

JTL has also partnered with the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) to offer a range of welfare support services to all learners and employers working within the electrical sector and the wider building services industries. You can find out more here.

You may be interested to hear about a virtual course we offer, Developing Mental Resilience and Wellbeing, which helps delegates to understand what mental resilience is and how this can be utilised to minimise the negative effects of workplace stress.

Here you will find a collection of videos to help in understanding what mental health is, mindfulness and relaxation tips, and most importantly, what the first steps for seeking help are.

We offer an open-door policy here at Develop Training and would openly encourage any of our delegates and bookers suffering from the effects of poor mental health to come and talk to us.

* Statistics source: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/m/men-and-mental-health

   30 May 2022        Blogs

With the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment being one of our top priorities here at Develop Training, we are pleased to announce that we are now able to provide an independent external audit service.

These audits are a first of its kind in the utility sector and are now available following a successful trial with Network Plus. Earlier this year, we were approached by Network Plus to assist them in enhancing the overall quality of their teaching, learning, and assessment provision. Despite this being a unique request within the training sector, we knew we had to step up to the mark and devise a plan to help.

Network Plus audit

The first step in this plan was to work on the logistics of how this help could be delivered. Gary Fisher, Quality Assurance and Audit Manager at Develop Training, worked on pulling together a detailed project which ensured that all trainers at Network Plus would be observed on a rolling basis. These observations were to be carried out in line with and measured against UK educational standards, and the criteria specified by Energy and Utility Skills under the EUSR scheme.

Following on from the observations, Develop Training worked to compile a comprehensive report detailing the standard of the internal training, including the level of competency and assessment that was noted. This report was then sent on to the training lead at Network Plus, featuring many suggested recommendations to assist the business with working towards the EUSR standards.

Ashley Courtney, Training Manager at Network Plus, told us:

Develop Training has been assessing our trainers who deliver EUSR accredited courses to help support us in being able to verify the level of competence and quality being delivered. We have found this process to be extremely helpful, as it allows us to understand in depth where we stand as a business and potential areas in which trainers could improve to ensure the learner gets the most from the course.

The competence assessments will also help us when it comes to EUSR audits. We will be able to provide EUSR with the relevant paperwork to show we value quality and aim to better ourselves, and the service we deliver where possible.

   17 February 2022        Blogs

Stuart Gilby, Operational Training Manager for Estates and Facilities Management at Develop Training, discusses the growing importance of Electric Vehicle Charging Installation for the UK workforce.

The route to becoming a professional EV Charging installer and the benefits of training for employers and employees alike.

Electric Vehicle Charging Installation Training: what you need to know

Electric Vehicle Charging Installation concerns the installing of charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles. Although the actual installation of EV charging points relies on techniques already familiar to practicing electricians, it is required that employees undertake an EV Installation training course to become a qualified installer.

Develop Training’s brand-new Level 3 Award in Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation enables electricians to qualify as an EV charging equipment installer. The two-day Level 3 Award is a City & Guilds accredited course and has been designed to help practicing electricians gain an understanding of the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment.

Electric Vehicle Installation Training: the benefits

Given the current interest in greener technologies, investment in electric vehicles is rapidly growing, making the sector one of the most exciting, fast-paced markets within the industry. The number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the road – and by extension the number of home and office charging points – has already experienced an influx and is only expected to increase. With a UK ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 under government plans, it becomes more important than ever for electricians to equip themselves to deal with increased consumer demand.

The benefits of undertaking EV Installation training for the workforce and employers are many. For delegates, there is the chance to gain vital skills and knowledge which will enable them to safely install EV charging points in line with current guidance for both domestic and commercial environments. In learning how to install, inspect and test EV charging points, delegates will also be able to future-proof their toolbox of skills, meaning that they will be well-equipped to deal with developing consumer trends.

For employers, there is also the opportunity to gain a share of a rapidly growing market and to future-proof theirs and their employees’ earning potential. The chance, too, to gain a refreshed employee with current and specific knowledge of the legislation, regulation and best practice of electrical installation will also have enormous benefits for workforce competency and confidence.

Who can take the course?

See the route to qualification in the below flowchart, which you can download as a PDF here.

How can I find out more?

Visit our dedicated EV Charging web page for further information on our training course.

Contact our Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or email customerservice@developtraining.co.uk.

   19 January 2022        Blogs

Matthew Gray, Head of Operations and Training at Develop Training, discusses the growing importance of Continuing Professional Development in the workplace.

Discover the range of benefits experienced for both employers and the workforce when CPD is prioritised.

What is CPD?

Continuing Professional Development, otherwise known as CPD, is the term used to describe the ongoing learning activities professionals engage in for further development of their skills and competency. Here at Develop Training, we are huge advocates of the importance of CPD, as ensuring a workforce has the correct knowledge and skills to carry out their daily duties safely and efficiently is fundamental.

Why is Continuing Professional Development important?

CPD not only involves ongoing upskilling that helps to keep professionals up to date with the latest and most relevant practices, it is also becoming an increasingly important way for workers to stand out from the crowd and remain competitive as more individuals gain similar professional qualifications.

Additionally, CPD can be an excellent option for future-proofing a business as we see regulations becoming increasingly stricter. Upskilling your workforce and ensuring work is carried out in line with the requirements of both your industry and customers is a great way to build trust and a solid reputation.

As part of our innovative Continuous Learning Loop, we offer every delegate who has trained with us the chance to take part in our Post-Course Assessments (PCAs). We understand that learners may experience an ‘information overload’ when revising for exams with the end goal of achieving their qualification, however we know from experience that constant, steady flows of information are more likely to be remembered and utilised in day-to-day occurrences.

With this in mind, our PCAs ensure an ongoing measure of competency, even after all assessments have been completed. This means that delegates can retain the information taught during their previous learning, in turn meaning that they will be safer and more effective in their roles going forward. The PCAs can be scheduled to suit the individual with options for monthly or yearly assessments, and an automated option for Training Managers and Co-ordinators through our Learning & Assessment Portal.

Our Leadership and Management programmes are also a great option for those looking to expand CPD uptake in the workforce and equip staff in all professional interactions. With modules focusing on subject areas such as emotional intelligence, mental resilience and stress management, every individual in any business will benefit from the self-reflection and improvement techniques taught to perform to their optimum potential.

Prioritise CPD

In summary, it is crucial to prioritise CPD in a workforce during a time when many companies are being fined for unsafe practices, as this will ensure that delegates are given the chance to enhance their skillset and reduce any shortfalls in their knowledge. Ultimately, CPD will result in a more motivated workforce working within a safer environment, a company with diversified service offerings and an increased staff retention rate.

To find out more about our Post-Course Assessments and any other offerings that may be relevant to your industry, contact our Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or email customerservice@developtraining.co.uk.

   08 July 2021        Blogs

As the UK’s leading accredited provider of Compliance, Technical, and Safety training we often get questions from employers and learners in regards to PAT Testing, or as it’s now known, In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

Numerous changes to the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing (PAT Testing) were introduced in late 2020. The latest edition (5th ed.) is a significant revision with new guidance on the testing requirements and frequency of inspection and testing amongst other aspects.

It affects all business owners and duty-holders who own or maintain electrical equipment in the workplace.

Common questions related to PAT Testing

We spoke to one of our experienced electrical trainers and asked him to answer some common questions around PAT Testing. We’ve also included some of our most frequently asked questions and answers – here are the results:

Is In-Service Testing and Inspection of Electrical Equipment a legal requirement?

Yes, it is covered under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Provision and Use of Equipment Regulations to name the two 2 most important pieces of Legislation.

What appliances need testing?

The only appliances that don’t need testing are Medical Equipment which comes under different regulations. Everything else at work should be included in a maintenance regime.

How often should equipment be tested?

This should be done on a risk assessment basis. The 4th Code of Practice had a table which suggested initial frequencies. The 5th code of practice contains an example.

Should power leads be tested separately?

If the appliances have IEC or detachable leads these should be tested separately from the equipment because they could be used on another item.

Does 110v equipment require testing?

Yes it does and any associated transformers. This type of equipment is generally tested most often due to the environment in which it is used.

How long does the City and Guilds 2377-77 certificate last?

There is no end date on the qualification although it is good practice to keep yourself up to date when the Code of Practice changes.

You can find out more about the training course, prices and available dates here.

What does the In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (PAT Testing) training course cover?

Develop’s training is a City & Guilds accredited course for practicing electricians who complete testing of electrical equipment/portable appliances, or who are involved in the management of such safety inspections.

Delegates will leave with a greater understanding of the legislation and be able to comply with it. They will also be able to produce better documentation, enforce safe working procedures and have better communication with colleagues.

Learners will specifically learn:

• Requirements of statutory regulation/legislation.
• Class I, II and III appliances.
• Fuse rating and visual inspection of cables and connections.
• Testing of appliances, Earth Bonding, Insulation Resistance, Earth Leakage.
• Labelling and retention of records.

This course incorporates assessment and certification under the City and Guilds 2377-77 scheme; the Level 3 Certificate for the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

How would the change of tenant requirement work within self-catering holiday accommodation?

Equipment in rented accommodation must be kept in a safe condition. Each time a new tenancy is arranged the equipment should be checked.

You will still periodically inspect and test within the risk assessment. Then during the preparation for the next tenant have the cleaners check that the equipment is visually safe. For example, if they saw bare wires on a table lamp they should inform the appropriate personnel. I would also recommend downloading the poster from the IET to show to the cleaners so they know what they should be looking out for.

Does this mean that the previous inspection regimes are now out and the system is to be based on risk assessments?

Yes, but part of the previous regime was you had an amount of time between the tests. If you found equipment was being damaged this would have been decreased. If it had tested okay for years you could increase. The table in the fourth edition was initially for guidance.

I am a landlord of a number of properties, what do I need to be doing moving forward?

Whilst the legislation does not affect the guidance given in the COP, private landlords are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the legislation and its impact on electrical equipment in the rented sector.

What maintenance regime should a hand dryer in a toilet be included under?

It can be done under In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment or under the fixed Installation Inspection. As the duty holder it is your decision which one it should come under.

How often would we have to inspect a hand held grinder on a building site?

The Code of Practice no longer has a recommended periodicity so you will have to perform a risk assessment and decide.

Can my handyman be trained to undertake In-service and Inspection of Electrical Equipment?

Anybody can take this course. City and Guilds recommend it is for “experienced electricians” but it depends on the persons level of competence and also what equipment they will be using on site.

What is the best equipment to carry out the tests?

This again depends on your staff level of competence. You can use everything for a low ohm/insulation resistance tester to a simple stop/go machine all the way up to a really complex machine that will give you values that the operator has to interpret.

Book your place on our In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment training course

Course for practicing electricians who complete testing of electrical equipment/portable appliances, or who are involved in the management of such safety inspections.

FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK YOUR PLACE

   07 May 2019        Blogs

Every year people die as a result of work in confined spaces.

On average 15 people are killed each year in the UK during work in confined spaces and even more are seriously injured. Fatalities are not just confined to those carrying out work in confined spaces, but also those who attempt to rescue trapped personnel without proper confined space training and rescue equipment.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees and others. This is further reinforced by the Confined Spaces Regulations (1997) which are in place to protect staff and others against risks to their health while working in a confined space.

Proper training helps employees remain competent and provides them with the knowledge to spot workplace risks, implement safety controls, write risk assessments and more.

What is classed as a confined space?

Confined spaces are not defined by the physical dimensions of a space but by the hazards that may arise in the space. Therefore, a confined space is defined as any place such as ducts, vessels, culverts, tunnels, boreholes, manholes, excavations, sumps, inspection pits, experimental hutches, tanks, building voids or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of:

• Serious injury arising from a fire, explosion or excess of oxygen
• Loss of consciousness arising from an increase in body temperature
• Loss of consciousness or asphyxiation arising from gas, fume, vapour or the lack of oxygen
• Drowning arising from an increase in the level of liquid
• Asphyxiation arising from a free flowing solid or the inability to reach a respirable environment due to entrapment by a free flowing solid

Under this definition, if an area is substantially enclosed and also presents a reasonably foreseeable risk of one or more of the specified risks, then it should be defined as a confined space.

What responsibility do I have as a business?

Every business has a duty of care to its employees to keep them safe while at work, and this is especially important when confined space working is required.

In the UK, the Confined Space Regulations (1997) is the legislation specifically developed for this type of work. The Regulations and Approved Code of Practice L101 (ACoP) must be considered before any attempt to enter a confined space and emphasise the importance of understanding the environment as well as providing staff with a practicable method of completing the work in a safe way.

Confined space risk assessments

The Confined Spaces Regulations (1997) apply when the risk assessment identifies a serious risk of injury. When this happens, the regulations advise workers check to see if the work can be done another way to avoid entry/work in a confined space.

If this is unavoidable, then the regulations advise taking several precautions, including:

1. A supervisor to remain alert through each safety stage.
2. The air may need testing to see if it is free from toxicity and flammable vapours. If the air isn’t fit to breathe then utilising breathing apparatus is essential.
3. Do your workers have the relevant training or sufficient experience?

Key hazards associated with confined spaces

Employee injury, illness and death are real possibilities when working in confined spaces. That’s why proper training is so crucial to the safety of all workers. Some of the key hazards workers may face are:

• Poor visibility
• Substances entering through piping or other openings
• Moving parts of equipment and machinery
• Temperature extremes
• Noise
• Electrical shock
• Restricted access and egress
• Risk of drowning
• Loose and unstable materials
• Slip, trip, and fall hazards
• Restricted movement
• Falling objects

This list is by no means exhaustive as the hazards are numerous for those who work in confined spaces.

How to manage work in confined spaces

Work in confined spaces should always be avoided unless it is essential to do so. However, if the work is unavoidable then those undertaking the work must ensure that they aware of the risks that may occur and that they are capable and trained in the work due to be carried out. Any emergency equipment must have also undergone appropriate confined space training.

Any confined space work should have:

• A Supervisor – Someone in charge of the job who can ensure safe systems of work are adhered to.
• Persons Suitable For The Work – Someone who has the appropriate confined space training, experience, build, minimal risk of claustrophobia, and fitness to wear breathing apparatus.
• Isolation – In all cases a check must be made to ensure isolation of all flows, pipelines mechanical and electrical equipment is effective.
• Check The Size Of The Entrance – The access to the confined space must be big enough to allow workers wearing all the necessary equipment to enter and exit the confined space easily, and provide ready access and egress in an emergency.
• Atmosphere Testing – Testing for toxic and flammable gas should be carried out before and whilst in the confined space. Remember to use a gas monitor with appropriate sensors and a fitted oxygen sensor.
• Provision of Special Tools and Lighting – Non-sparking tools and specially protected lighting may be required. Use low voltage tools if working in metal tanks.
• Provision Of Breathing Apparatus – Essential if the air inside the confined space cannot be made fit to breathe because of present gases, fumes or vapours or lack of oxygen.

This list is by no means comprehensive and should by no means take the place of any formal confined spaces training.

For more information about the importance of confined space training visit the Confined spaces section of the Health and Safety Executive website at www.hse.gov.uk/confinedspace/

Confined Spaces training with Develop Training

A wide range of solutions are available for businesses that must operate in confined spaces, including advice on the identification of confined spaces from industry experienced specialists, help and advice with developing safe systems of entry, developing training packages relevant to the confined space entry being planned, and advising on the selection, supply and use of all the necessary equipment.

Everyone should go home safe at the end of the day and this is why DTL offer a full range of comprehensive confined space training.

Click here to browse our full range of confined space training courses. Alternatively, you can give our friendly Customer Service team a call on 0800 876 6708.

DTL also offer bespoke training programmes tailored to your organisations’ specific requirements – simply give us a call to get the ball rolling today!

   18 March 2019        Blogs

For years, employers have been calling for more vocational training in schools and further education. Now the government has introduced the T Level.

It’s a technical course that is an alternative to A Levels. Like A Levels, students will spend two years after completion of their GCSEs studying for the T Level, but unlike academic A Levels, T Level students will instead study one of a choice of vocational subjects.

There is still plenty of classroom work but the big difference is that each T Level will include at least 45 days on-the-job work placement with a participating employer.

T levels launching in September 2020

The new qualifications are coming in from September next year (2020). Successful participants will earn a single T Level, which the government says will be equivalent to three A Levels. The idea is that they will then go on either directly into skilled employment – quite possibly with the employer who provides them with work experience – or to further study.

Work experience or further study?

That further study could be in an academic environment (three A Levels will get you a university placement, so a truly equivalent qualification should offer the same). But it’s very likely that many students who have done well in the practical/academic mix of the T Level would go on to a higher apprenticeship. So it’s easy to see employers who have bought into the idea of apprenticeships as a great way to tackle the skills shortages in key industries doing the same with the T Level.

T Level are being designed on the same standards as apprenticeships

In fact, T Levels are being designed on the same standards as apprenticeships, and as with apprenticeships, employers are working with academic institutions to develop the first programmes.

The idea with the T Level is that it gives students an in-depth flavour of a particular industry or industries – at 1,800 hours total study time, they’re a bigger commitment than other technical qualifications – whereas apprenticeships are more likely to suit school-leavers who have a clear idea of the career they want to pursue.

The link between T Levels and career progression

As with apprenticeships, it’s important to put away assumptions about the kinds of careers that T Levels will support. There are already a large number of subject areas that will start coming on offer next autumn, including professional services such as accountancy and creative industries. Click here to visit the Gov.UK website and find out more about T Levels.

Subject areas

At Develop Training, we’re pleased to see subjects on the list that will potentially allow our customers in the utilities and construction sectors to provide vocational training to T Level students, as they already do with apprenticeships.

Here’s the current list of subject areas:

• accountancy
• agriculture, land management and production
• animal care and management
• building services engineering
• catering
• craft and design
• cultural heritage and visitor attractions
• design, development and control
• design, surveying and planning
• digital business services
• digital production, design and development
• digital support and services
• education
• financial
• hair, beauty and aesthetics
• health
• healthcare science
• human resources
• legal
• maintenance, installation and repair
• management and administration
• manufacturing and process
• media, broadcast and production
• onsite construction
• science

   06 March 2019        Blogs

Here’s our quick guide to apprenticeships and where to find out more…

If you’re someone thinking about becoming an apprentice, a family member or an employer, the most important thing to realise is that apprenticeships have changed a lot. So, before you read any further, forget your existing ideas about what apprenticeships are like, and prepare to discover the new opportunities now available.

For a long time, young people and their families have seen universities as the pinnacle of further education, but that’s changing. Fewer young people are choosing to go to university, partly because of higher tuition fees, but also because they realise that a degree is not necessarily a passport to a job.

Apprenticeships, on the other hand, provide a direct path to a career, and better still, you earn while you learn. And those careers are by no means confined to the traditional factory-based jobs that used to be filled by apprentices. You can even do an apprenticeship in management.

High-quality apprenticeship opportunities

There are lots of high quality apprenticeship opportunities available at all levels around the country, in a huge variety of sectors, including aviation engineering, nursing, finance and policing. At Develop Training, we help employers in the country’s vital utilities – that’s gas, electricity, water and energy – to keep Britain running. They can’t do that vital work without highly skilled people, and we are running apprenticeship programmes for big-name employers to help to fill that skills gap. Our successful apprentices are well-qualified and almost always go on to well-paid roles.

Get paid to train

As an apprentice, there are lots of opportunities. Being paid while you go through your training is a big attraction for many young people, and some older ones too because apprenticeships aren’t just for young people.

Receive a recognised qualification

When you complete your apprenticeship, you receive a recognised qualification, which will help you to find work elsewhere if you need to. But, in fact, most apprentices go on to full-time jobs with the employer they trained with.

Classroom and practical-based training

Apprentices get personal support in the company that takes them on as well as guidance from external teachers. Alongside programmes where you learn on the job, you will probably do some classroom and practical training with an approved provider such as Develop Training before you qualify.

Receive paid holidays and student discounts

As an apprentice, you’ll get at least 20 days’ paid holiday a year and you’ll still be entitled to an NUS card entitling you to discounts on everything from rail travel to entertainment.

Find apprenticeship opportunities

The government has launched a new campaign called Blaze A Trail to tell everyone about the opportunities. Watch out for the events and advertisements and take a look at the website https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/.

Employer benefits

For employers too, apprenticeships offer significant benefits.

Large employers pay the apprenticeship levy, a kind of tax on their payroll, but they can recoup this by investing it in apprenticeship programmes. It’s been slow to take off, but more employers are now taking it up.

Employing apprentices saves on recruitment costs, and it’s also been shown to deliver a more motivated and loyal workforce, who have been trained to work the way that your company operates. Of course, a loyal, well-motivated and well-trained workforce will deliver better service so as well as saving on up-front employment costs, apprentices also deliver a measurable effect on your bottom line.

Apprenticeship programmes run by Develop Training Ltd

Apprenticeships are clearly good news for apprentices themselves and their employers, and we’re proud to be playing our part in their growing popularity. We’ve been successfully running apprenticeships in leadership & management, gas, water, smart meters and electrics for a number of years with some of the biggest names in the utilities industry. Click here to find out more about all our apprenticeship programmes.

   08 August 2017        Blogs

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 places a duty on employers to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all activities when working in Confined Spaces.

Risks posed by infrequent, but necessary, activities need to be given as much consideration as those of day to day procedures and practices.

For work in confined spaces, the risk assessment should include consideration of:

• The task
• The working environment (e.g. the general condition of the confined space, including contents, residues, contamination, oxygen levels, physical dimensions etc., and potential ingress of substances from outside)
• Working materials and tools (i.e. use of chemicals, sources of ignition or gases, heat generation, electricity)
• The suitability of those carrying out the task
• Arrangements for emergency rescue

The person carrying out the risk assessment must have knowledge and experience of all the relevant processes, plant and equipment so that they understand the risks and can devise necessary precautions. More than one person may need to be involved, and employees and their representatives should also be consulted.

Where the risk assessment identifies a risk of serious injury through confined space working, then the Confined Space Regulations 1997 apply, even if the specified risk is controlled.

The Regulations place the following duties on an employer:

• to avoid entry to confined spaces
• if entry to a confined space is unavoidable, follow a safe system of work
• put in place adequate emergency arrangements before the work starts

Avoiding entry

The priority must always be to try to avoid workers having to enter or work in a confined space. Employers should consider whether the work is really necessary and, if so, whether the space or working practices can be modified to eliminate the need for entering the space. For example, could the work be done from outside or by remotely operated equipment?

Safe system of work

If confined space working cannot be eliminated, the employer must design a safe system of work for the tasks to be undertaken. Priority must be given to eliminating any sources of danger before establishing precautions. Any actions taken to mitigate a risk must be monitored to ensure they remain effective throughout the work.

Where there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of serious injury, a permit-to-work system may be required. This provides a formal written way of recording and checking authorisations, precautions, test results and emergency arrangements. It is important to recognise that a permit-to-work system supports rather than replaces the safe system of work, monitoring and auditing that the system is working as intended. It does not in itself make the job safe.

Any safe system of work must consider the suitability of the people who will carry out the work. This should include physical and mental attributes, such as physical build, strength or pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or claustrophobia, as well as competence in the specific tasks to be undertaken.

Emergency arrangements

The Regulations stipulate that no one should enter or work in a confined space unless there are suitable emergency arrangements in place. These must include procedures for raising the alarm and getting the workers out, and the provision and use of rescue and resuscitation equipment. Procedures for shutting down or making safe any plant or equipment being used in the confined space must also be considered.

Many fatalities and injuries occur when workers impulsively attempt to rescue trapped or injured colleagues and are overcome by the same conditions as the original victims. It is vital that everyone understands what should be done in the event of an emergency and who should undertake any rescue operations. Employers must ensure rescuers are properly trained, protected and equipped to deal with any potential emergencies that could arise.

Download our in-depth whitepaper on Confined Spaces

The above article is taken from our detailed whitepaper, which looks at working safely in confined spaces.

   07 June 2016        Blogs

Work on live or exposed conductors should rarely be permitted as many accidents occur when working on equipment that could have been isolated. However, sometimes there is no other option but to work live and in those circumstances, three conditions must be met for the work to continue.

Is it unreasonable for the work to be done dead?
Is it reasonable for the person to be at work near the conductor while it is live?
Have all suitable precautions been taken?

Where work cannot feasibly be done dead

There will always be circumstances where work cannot be completed dead because of the difficulties it may cause. Such as:

• Difficulty commissioning a complex control cabinet without having it energised
• Monitoring the performance of a control system
• Tracing a malfunction
• Connecting a new service to an existing main without disconnecting a large amount of customers
• Switching off a system that may cause disproportionate disruption and cost, such as the supply to a railway track

Plan the work

Many electrical accidents are a result of failure to plan ahead. Effective planning should take into consideration the management, supervision, implementation and completion of the work, covering the following areas:

• The work itself
• The hazards associated with the work
• The competence of those doing the work
• The level of supervision necessary
• Any suitable precautions that need to be taken
• The potential for the work at hand to change

Risk assessments

If the work has been decided to be unfeasible whilst dead, a risk assessment is necessary, and it must be carried out by someone with comprehensive knowledge of the work at hand and the means of controlling the risk. These might include:

• Temporary insulation, protective enclosures and screens
• Temporary barriers to keep unauthorised people away from the area
• Ensuring that adequate clearances are established and maintained
• Making sure all workers are trained and experiences
• Providing lighting and a clear working space
• Using robust and insulated tools
• Storing all tools correctly
• Avoiding lone working
• Using correct PPE at all times

Our courses

Develop Training courses are ideal for competent persons, authorised persons, engineers and managers, with responsibility for electrical high voltage and low voltage systems. Our courses reflect the latest methods, practices and legislation and provide hands-on experience on specialist equipment.

Our experienced teams can also provide consultancy on safe systems of work and create bespoke programmes aligned to business procedures. Courses are suitable for all commercial sectors, as well as healthcare, including the National Health Service and the Ministry of Defence.

Develop Training offer a large range of electrical courses for people of all skill-sets.