5th Edition

Electrical Safety and the Law

By John Madden Copyright 2017
    406 Pages 113 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    406 Pages 113 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Electrical Safety and the Law describes the hazards and risks from the use of electricity, explaining with the help of case studies and accident statistics the types of accidents that occur and how they can be prevented by the use of safe installations, equipment and working practices. It describes the British legislation on the safety of electrical systems and electrotechnical machinery control systems, much of which stems from European Directives and which will therefore be affected by the UK’s decision to leave the EU (Brexit), and the main standards and guidance that can be used to secure compliance with the law. There are detailed descriptions covering the risks and preventive measures associated with electrical installations, construction sites, work near underground cables and overhead power lines, electrical equipment and installations in explosive atmospheres, electrical testing and electrotechnical control systems. Duty holders’ responsibilities for designing, installing, and maintaining safe systems are explained, as well as their responsibilities for employing competent staff.

    The fifth edition has been substantially updated to take account of considerable changes to the law, standards and guidance; it has been expanded to include:

    • a new chapter on the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act;
    • a new chapter describing landlords’ legal responsibilities for electrical safety in private rented properties and social housing;
    • a new chapter on the Electricity Safety Quality and Continuity Regulations;
    • new information on offences, penalties, sentencing guidelines, and relevant case law;
    • a description of the main requirements of BS 7671:2008 and other principal standards, many of which have been amended in recent years;
    • new cases studies to illustrate the hazards and risks;
    • information on changes to GB’s health and safety system.

     

    1. The Hazards and Risks from Electricity 
    2. Electrical Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences 
    3. Principal Safety Precautions 
    4. The Legislative Framework 
    5. The Health and safety at Work etc Act 1974 
    6. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 
    7. The Electricity Safety Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002
    8. European-derived Law with Electrical and Electrotechnical Control System Safety Requirements
    9. Other Legislation with an Electrical Safety Content 
    10. The Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Legislation Act 2007
    11. Standards and Guidance 
    12. BS 7671:2001 Requirements for Electrical Installations – IEE WiringRegulations 16th Edition
    13. Construction Sites 
    14. Underground Cables and Overhead Lines 
    15. Electrical Equipment in Flammable and Explosive Atmospheres 
    16. Tests and Testing
    17. Safety-related Electrotechnical Control Systems 
    18. Maintenance 
    19. Competence 
    20. Electrical Safety in the Rented Property Sector

    Biography

    John M. Madden CEng FIET is a former HM Principal Specialist Inspector (Electrical Engineering) with the Health & Safety Executive and now an electrical safety consultant. He has substantial experience of accident investigation and acting as an expert witness in criminal trials, civil proceedings, Fatal Accident Inquiries, and inquests.