Electrical safety in clubs and associations

Spotty · Dec 12, 2009

Hi All, I've recently joined a local model railway club ( I know - watch out for the ones with the tender behind!) and been "appointed" their electrical expert! Its all very casual and run in rooms of the local conservative club, but does anyone know where we stand on Duty Holders in such situations?

Also, what about PAT? Everyone brings in their own electric soldering irons, drills, etc, so initially I've insisted on use of RCD adaptors in lieu of a PAT system, but suspect that the club that is hosting us should be insisting on something more rigorous. Anyone any experience of similar situations?

All thoughts and bad (or good) jokes gratefully received.

SirKit Breaker · Dec 22, 2009

If its a private building used by the public and members etc then it will come under the EAW act, and the regs will have to be applied to suit. If any part of the building is residential (occupied or not) and shares a supply with the public bit then Part P applies.

My recommendation would be a minimum of having the equipment the club supplies PAT tested and make provision for RCD socket outlets to be avaialble for use with the kit your members are using by replacing existing. My guess is that some ot the model railway people will be of the younger variety and their safety must be paramount.

If you are getting the use of the facilities/heating/water etc FOC, then as a goodwill gesture to the club i would ask your railway mates to chip in to buy the sockets and get you to fit them for free, do the Pat testing free as well, and also do your mates gear PAT for piece of mind. Every one will be chuff chuff chuffed then

Sooner or later the Conservative Club is going to need a sparky and that will be payback time.

Cheers..............Howard

PS I've just changed 3 phase dist board in my local con club last week.

PPS forgot to add i am after a 00 scale thomas the tank engine (not clockwork) for my 2year old grandson, PM me if you hear of one. Thanks

dragon-av · Dec 23, 2009

Hey spotty can i ask where your club meets, as this sounds like something my old man might be interested in, he lives in south staffs not far from bridgenorth so if its local I might mention it to him, feel free to PM me if you like.

Spotty · Dec 28, 2009

dragon-av said:
Hey spotty can i ask where your club meets, as this sounds like something my old man might be interested in, he lives in south staffs not far from bridgenorth so if its local I might mention it to him, feel free to PM me if you like.

Hi dragon-av, The model railway club I've joined is in Leominster, so not much use to your "old man", but this link might help find something closer - Directory - Clubs and Societies - I visited several local clubs before I found one I was comfortable with.
If model engineering is his interest, rather than "toy trains" then try this - Model Engineering Clubs & Societies - U.K.
Good luck.

dragon-av · Dec 29, 2009

Thanks spotty I have found a model eng club 15 minutes from him so will try that first, who new there were so many of these clubs!

issabella10 · Jan 16, 2010

Well, I think clubs and associations should be thankful because they have that electrical safety. Electricity kills and injures people. And fires started by poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances cause many additional deaths and injuries.