***Useful Information for Apprentices***

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“ General Health and Safety at Work “

Question 1.1
What do the letters CDM stand for ?
A: Control of Demolition and Management Regulations
B: Control of Dangerous Materials Regulations
C: Construction (Demolition Management) Regulations
D: Construction (Design and Management Regulations ) Answer: D )
Question 1.2
Identify one method of enforcing regulations that are
available to the Health and Safety Executive:
A: Health Notice
B: Improvement Notice
C: Obstruction Notice
D: Increasing insurance premiums
Answer: B Improvement notices require action to achieve standards which meet health and safety law :
Question 1.3
What happens if a Prohibition Notice is issued by an
Inspector of the local authority or the HSE ?
A: The work in hand can be completed, but no new work started
B: The work can continue if adequate safety precautions are put in place
C: The work that is subject to the notice must cease
D: The work can continue, provided a risk assessment is carried out,
Answer: C The work covered by a prohibition notice must cease until the identified danger is removed.
Question 1.4
Health and Safety Executive Inspector can ?
A: Only visit if they have made an appointment
B: Visit at any time
C: Only visit if accompanied by the principal contractor
D: Only visit to interview the site manager
Answer: B Inspectors have a range of powers, including the right to visit premises at any time.
Question 1.5
A Prohibition Notice means:
A: When you finish the work you must not start again
B: The work must stop immediately
C: Work is to stop for that day only
D: Work may continue until the end of the day
Answer: B The work activity covered by the prohibition notice must cease, until the identified danger is removed ,
Question 1.6
In what circumstances can an HSE Improvement Notice be issued ?
A: If there is a breach of legal requirements
B: By warrant through the police
C: Only between Monday and Friday on site
Answer: A Improvement notices require action to achieve standards which meet health and safety law .
Question 1.7
What is an “Improvement Notice”?
A: A notice issued by the site principal contractor to tidy up the site
B: A notice from the client to the principal contractor to speed up the work
C: A notice issued by a Building Control Officer to deepen foundations
D: A notice issued by an HSE/local authority Inspector to enforce compliance with health
Answer: D Improvement notices require action to achieve standards which meet health and safety law .
Question 1.8
If a Health and Safety Executive Inspector issues a“ Prohibition Notice”, this means that:
A: the Site Manager can choose whether or not to ignore the notice
B: specific work activities, highlighted on the notice, must stop
C: the HSE must supervise the work covered by the notice
D: the HSE must supervise all work from then on
Answer: B Prohibition notices are intended to Stop activities which can cause serious injury.
Question 1.9
Which one of the following items of information will you find on the Approved Health and Safety Law poster?
A: Details of emergency escape routes
B: The location of the local HSE office
C: The location of all fire extinguishers
D: The identity of the first aiders
Answer: B The poster also lists the persons with health and safety responsibilities, but not first aiders.
Question 1.10
Who is responsible for signing a Company Safety Policy ?
A: Site Manager
B: Company Safety Officer
C: Company Secretary
D: Managing Director
Answer: D The Health and Safety at Work Act requires the most senior member of management to sign the health and safety policy
statement.

Question 1.11
Which one of the following must be in a company’s written Health and Safety Policy:
A: Aims and objectives of the company
B: Organisation and arrangements in force for carrying out the health and safety policy
C: Name of the Health and Safety Adviser
D: Company Director’s home address
Answer: B This requirement appears in the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Question 1.12
Employers have to produce a written Health and Safety Policy statement when:
A: A contract commences
B: They employ five people or more
C: The safety representative requests it
D: The HSE notifies them
Answer: B This is a specific requirement of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Question 1.13
Companies employing five or more people must have a written Health and Safety Policy because:
A: The principal contractor gives them work on site
B: The HSAWA 1974 requires it
C: The Social Security Act requires it
D: The trade unions require it
Answer: B
Question 1.14
What do the letters HSC stand for ?
A: Health and Safety Contract
B: Health and Safety Consultant
C: Health and Safety Conditions
D: Health and Safety Commission Answer: D
Question 1.15
Which ONE of the following statements is correct ? The Health and Safety Executive is:
A: a prosecuting authority
B: an enforcing authority
C: a statutory provisions authority
Answer: B The Health and Safety Executive enforces health and safety legislation.
Question 1.16
The Health and Safety at Work Act requires employers to provide what for their employees?
A: Adequate rest periods
B: Payment for work done
C: A safe place of work
D: Suitable transport to work
Answer: C This is a specific requirement of Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Question 1.17
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and any regulations made under the Act are:
A: Not compulsory, but should be complied with if convenient
B: Advisory to companies and individuals
C: Practical advice for the employer to follow
D: Legally binding Answer: D
Question 1.18
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which of the following have a duty to work safely?
A: Employees only
B: The general public
C: Employers only
D: All people at work
Answer: D Employers, employees and the self-employed all have a duty to work safely under the Act.
Question 1.19
What is the MAXIMUM penalty that a Higher Court, can currently impose for a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act?
A: £20,000 fine and two years imprisonment
B: £15,000 fine and three years imprisonment
C: £1,000 fine and six months imprisonment
D: Unlimited fine and two years imprisonment
Answer: D A Lower Court can impose a fine of up to £20,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for certain offences. The potential fine in a Higher Court, however, is unlimited and the term of imprisonment can be up to 2 years.
Question 1.20
What do the letters ACoP stand for ?
A: Accepted Code of Provisions
B: Approved Condition of Practice
C: Approved Code of Practice
D: Accepted Code of Practice
Answer: C An ACOP is a code of practice approved by the Health and Safety Commission.

Question 1.21
Where should you look for Official advice on health and safety matters?
A: A set of health and safety guidelines provided by suppliers
B: The health and safety rules as laid down by the employer
C: Guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive
D: A professionally approved guide book on regulations
Answer: C The HSE is the UK enforcing body and its guidance can be regarded as ‘official’
Question 1.22
Regulations that govern health and safety on construction sites:
A: apply only to inexperienced workers
B: do not apply during ’out of hours’ working
C: apply only to large companies
D: are mandatory ( that is, compulsory )
Answer: D The requirements of health and safety law are mandatory, and failure to follow them can lead to prosecutions.
Question 1.23
Which of the following statements is correct ?
A: The duty for health and safety falls only on the employer
B: All employees must take reasonable care, not only to protect themselves but also their colleagues
C: Employees have no responsibility for Health and Safety on site
D: Only the client is responsible for safety on site
Answer: B The responsibility for management of Health and Safety Act at Work rests with the employer
Question 1.25
Which of the following is correct for risk assessment?
A: It is a good idea but not essential
B: Only required to be done for hazardous work
C: Must always be done
D: Only required on major jobs
Answer: C There is a legal requirement for all work to be suitably risk assessed.
Question 1.26
In the context of a risk assessment, what do you understand by the term risk?
A: An unsafe act or condition
B: Something with the potential to cause injury
C: Any work activity that can be described as dangerous
D: The likelihood that harm from a particular hazard will occur
Answer: D Hazard and risk are not the same. Risk reflects the chance of being harmed by a hazard
Question 1.27
Who would you expect to carry out a risk assessment on your working site?
A: The site planning supervisor
B: A visiting HSE Inspector
C: The construction project designer
D: A competent person
Answer: D A risk assessment must be conducted by a 'competent person’.
Question 1.28
What is a HAZARD ?
A: Where an accident is likely to happen
B: An accident waiting to happen
C: Something with the potential to cause harm
D: The likelihood of something going wrong
Answer: C Examples of hazards include: a drum of acid, breeze blocks on an elevated plank; cables running across a floor.
Question 1.29
What must be done before any work begins ?
A: Emergency plan
B: Assessment of risk
C: Soil assessment
D: Geological survey
Answer: B This is a legal requirement of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
Question 1.30
Complete the following sentence: A risk assessment
A: is a piece of paper required by law
B: prevents accidents
C: is a means of analysing what might go wrong
D: isn’t particularly useful
Answer: C Risk assessment involves a careful review of what can cause harm and the practical measures to be taken to reduce the risk of harm.

 

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-&- 2330
Syllabus for the Level 2 Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology :

Introduction to Electrical Installation Work

This Chapter describes safe systems of working and the principle of operation of some electrical machines, equipment and systems.

Health and Safety Applications Avoiding Accidents in the Workplace
The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 places a statutory and common law obligation on employers to take
reasonable care of the health and safety of their workers. The Management of Health & Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 places an obligation on employers to carry out “risk assessments” and, where necessary, to
take action to eliminate or control risks. The Workplace(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the
Construction Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations1996 cover all aspects of the workplace and construction
sites respectively. They include the requirement that all areas where people could fall from a height of two metres or above, are properly guarded. The latest HSE Regulations “Working at Height” were introduced in April 2005. The aim of these Regulations is to avoid working at height, if possible, but where this cannot be avoided, to use the best practicable means of ensuring the safety of those working at height. However, despite all the legislation, we know from the HSE statistics that accidents still occur in the workplace. The most common causes of accidents in the workplace are:
◆ slips, trips and falls
◆ manual handling, that is, moving objects by hand

Healthy and Safety Application and Electrical Principles :

Slips, trips and falls are the most common causes of accidents in the workplace

◆ using equipment, machinery or tools
◆ storage of goods and materials which then become unstable and fall on someone
◆ fire
◆ electricity
◆ mechanical handling To control the risk of an accident we usually:
◆ eliminate the cause, that means, do not do the job or procedure in an unsafe way

Introduction to Electrical Installation Work :

◆ substitute a procedure or product with less risk, that means finding a safer way to complete the job or procedure
◆ enclose the dangerous situation, that means fitting guards or screening off an area and only allowing trained and competent people into a potentially dangerous area
◆ put guards around a hazard, for example, placing guards in front of cutting and grinding wheels
◆ use safe systems of work, that means establishing written procedures for work that is potentially dangerous. These written procedures are sometimes called ‘permits to work’
◆ supervise, train and give information to staff which leads to a ‘competent’ workforce
◆ if a hazard cannot be removed or minimised, then the employer must provide PPE. However, providing personal protective equipment to staff must be a last resort when the hazard cannot be removed in any other way. The PPE must be provided at the employer’s expense

A Hazard is something with the potential to cause harm; for example, electric tools, working above ground level, wet or uneven floors, rotating parts. A Risk is the possibility of harm actually being

A Risk is the possibility of harm actually being done. Is it a high, low or medium risk ? Who is at risk,
done. Is it a high, low or medium risk? Who is at risk the office staff, electricians, the public ? Is the risk adequately controlled ?

A positive, personal attitude to safety reduces accidents at work. Always work and act responsibly

Healthy and Safety Application and Electrical Principles :

and safely to protect yourself and others. Be aware of the hazards around you, the protection available to you and the means of preventing accidents.

Risk Assessment, the Process
We have already said that an employer must carry out risk assessments as a part of a robust Health and
Safety policy. The HSE recommends five steps to any risk assessment.

Step 1

Look at what might reasonably be expected to cause harm. Ignore the trivial and concentrate only on significant hazards that could result in serious harm or injury. For example:
◆ Slipping, tripping or falling hazards, e.g. from poorly maintained or partly installed floors and stairs
◆ Fire, e.g. from flammable materials you might be using such as solvents
◆ Rotating parts of hand tools, e.g. drills
◆ Accidental discharge of cartridge operated tools
◆ Manual handling, e.g. lifting, moving or supporting loads

Step 2
Decide who might be harmed, do not list individuals by name. Just think about groups of people

Healthy and Safety Application and Electrical Principles

LEVEL 3 - UNIT 1 - MOCK EXAMINATION, Application of health and safety and electrical principles:

What does fire legislation require all public buildings, factories and hospitals to have ?
** fire warning systems and fire fighting equipment
fire marshals in each department
first aid posts on all floors
fire proof clothing and equipment on site

In order to prevent the risk of electric shock when working on a control panel, what action should be taken ?
** isolate and lock-off the supply
operate the emergency stop
disconnect the entire installation
switch off the supply at the switch

Under what conditions is increased profitability most likely to occur ?
** if customer satisfaction is sustained
if higher purchase prices are charged
if retail profits are reduced
if employer salaries are reduced

What is the effect of an inductive load on an AC supply ?
power factor lead
power factor unity
no effect
** power factor lag

What is the primary function of a fuse ?
to protect against motor start-up currents
** to protect circuit conductors from damage
to protect appliances connected in the circuit
to protect against electric shock

How can the direction of rotation be changed on a single phase capacitor start induction motor ?
add a capacitor in parallel to the supply
reverse the supply connections to the motor
reverse the capacitor connections
** reverse the connections to the start winding

How can accidents in the workplace be reduced ?
supply more fire fighting equipment
clearly mark all exit signs
** provide safety education and publicity
supply more first aid posts

Which electronic component has the function of detecting changes in light levels ?
thyristor
** photo transistor
fibre optic cable
opto coupler

What type of safety sign is displays a white pictogram on a blue coloured background ?
** mandatory
safe condition information
warning
prohibition

Minimum wage payment and claims for unfair dismissal are rights under which act ?
data protection act
human rights act
** employment rights act
race relations act

What does the development of new technology in the electrotechnical sector require ?
moving employees into less technical roles
preparing employees for possible redundancy
a need to employ younger members of staff
** a need for continual retraining and development

What cable type is used for underground power distribution ?
HOFR
MIMS
LSF
*** PILCSWA

A work colleague has suffered an electric shock, and has no pulse. The appropriate action is to...
place the victim in the recovery position and dial 999
** perform chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
loosen the victims clothing and call 99
perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

An inductive load with 10 ohms inductive reactance is connected to a 100v 50 Hz AC supply. Calculate the power dissipated in the circuit ( ignoring any conductor resistance.)
** 0kW
1kW
1W
100W

How are the electrical connections made to the rotor of a 3-phase wound rotor induction motor ?
direct connection
commutator
via magnetic connection
** slip rings

What term is used to describe the ability of a capacitor to store a charge ?
volume
charge
capacitive reactance
** capacitance

What does the development of new technology in the electrotechnical sector require ?
a need to employ younger members of staff
** a need for continual retraining and development
preparing employees for possible redundancy
moving employees into less technical roles

The HASAW 1974 act details the basis for how ?
** employers safeguard the health and safety of their employees
employers can reduce any responsibility regarding health and safety in the workplace
how to work in a hazardous work situation without the need for PPE
employees can gain compensation for any accident in the workplace

Which one of the following gases is heavier than air and can cause asphyxiation ?
** methane
helium
hydrogen
nitrogen

By what method are small 3-phase cage rotor induction motors started ?
star/delta starter
** DOL starter
rotor resistance starter
autotransformer starter

Which one of the following is the most common earthing system in the UK ?
** TN-S
TT
TNC-S
TN-C

What is the name given to a person in a company who represents other workers on matters of safety ?
health and safety officer
** safety representitive
safety officer
company nurse

What is the term used to describe the satisfactory performance of systems or equipment ?
fit and performs well
** fit for purpose
performs with minimal maintenance
performs well at all times

What type of machine is a capacitor start capacitor run motor ?
wound rotor machine
3-phase machine
** single phase machine
synchronous machine

The current in a coil changes from 5 amperes to 2 amperes in 50mS and induces a voltage of 30v into the coil. Calculate the value of the inductance of the coil. ?
3H
1.1H
** 0.5H
0.1H

Minimum wage payment and claims for unfair dismissal are rights under which act ?
race relations act
** employment rights act
data protection act
human rights act

 

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Calculate the synchronous speed of the rotating magnetic field in a 4-pole synchronous motor ?
750rpm
3000rpm
1200rpm
** 1500rpm

What are the running characteristics of a 3-phase cage-rotor induction motor under constant load ?
it runs above synchronous speed
it runs at various speeds
** it runs at constant speed
it runs at synchronous speed

Calculate the inductive reactance of a coil with inductance of 0.1H, connected to a 50Hz AC supply. ?
314.2 ohms
3.142 ohms
0.3142 ohms
** 31.42 ohms

A 3-phase 4-wire balanced load is connected to a 3-phase 4-wire supply. Each phase draws 65A from the supply. Calculate the neutral current ?
6.15A
195A
65A
** 0A

A transformer has 1000v (V pri) and 200v (V sec). If current (pri) is 5A, calculate the secondary current ?
** 25A
10A
5A
1A

If a fault occurs in electrical equipment and has the potential to cause harm to employees, what term describes this ?
industrial malfunction
equipment danger
** dangerous occurance
maintenance fault

To what process do the terms storming, norming, forming and performing apply ?
** problem solving
staff organisational restructuring
company manufacturing processes
staff training


Who issues a permit to work ?
a qualified first aider
the tradesperson doing the work
** suitable responsible person
HSE


How is the primary earth connection made on a TT earthing system ?
combined earth/neutral conductor
metallic sheath of the supply cable
utilisation of water and gas pipes
** earth rod into the ground

When should loose clothing or ties not be worn by an employee ?
** when operating rotating machinery
when performing safe isolation
when disconnecting electrical supplies
when working with toxic materials

What is the process of preparing a report on potential health and safety hazards called ?
accident assessment
risk survey
** risk assessment
health survey

Under what fault conditions does a RCD operate ?
phase to neutral fault
** phase to earth fault
open circuit in an earth conductor
open circuit fault in a phase conductor



PPE is provided by an employer, however, it is the responsibility of the employee to ?
report any damaged PPE to the HSE
not to use damaged PPE whilst doing the job
continue to use damaged PPE until it can be replaced
** inspect all PPE before and after use

The peak-to-peak voltage of a sinusoidal waveform is ?
peak
4 x peak
0.5 x peak
** 2 x peak

manual handling regulations

More than a third of all accidents formally reported each year relate to manual handling legislation, the vast majority being ‘over three day’ injuries, most commonly sprains or strains, often of the back. Risks from workplace manual handling tasks are linked to many factors.

Manual handling regulation covers transporting a load and supporting a load in a static posture using the hands or any other part of the body, such as the shoulder. It also includes the intentional dropping or throwing of a load, whether into a container or from one person to another.

Good practice for manual handling health and safety requires employers to avoid manual handling as far as reasonably practicable. They should make a manual handling risk assessment of any hazardous operations that cannot be avoided and reduce risk as far as reasonably practicable and employers need to be up to date with the latest manual handling legislation

Accidents in the workplace

Industrial accident safety information
Workplace accidents are unplanned events (possibly resulting from management failure) that can cause death, injury, pain and suffering to employees, their families, work colleagues and sometimes members of the public.

According to the HSE, over 200 workers and over 300 members of the public die as a result of workplace accidents, over 150,000 injuries to employees are reported under RIDDOR (nearly 6 in every 1,000 employees) of which 40 per cent of these accidents occurred during activities related to manual handling.

Safety in the workplace is a priority because, as well as the human cost, the financial cost associated with accidents in the workplace can be considerable for both the injured person and the employer. Employers are obliged to anticipate danger that could lead to an industrial accident. Safety will be increased if companies follow workplace accident advice by systematically assessing risks and recording the findings.

Incidents (accidents which do not cause injury) are an important learning opportunity and understanding why they occurred can help prevent injury accidents taking place. Understanding and rectifying what causes accidents is an important part of health and safety management.

slips trips and falls

Over a third of all major injuries reported each year are caused as a result of a slip, trip or fall.

Injuries caused by slips, trips and falls are the single most common cause of injuries at work and these accidents cost employers over £500 million a year in lost production and other costs. The risks of employees slipping, tripping or falling should therefore be assessed as part of your general risk assessments.

noise and vibration

Noise affects a wide variety of businesses. When noise is too loud, for too long, it can damage the delicate mechanism of the inner ear, destroying sensitive nerve cells. If you find it difficult to hold a conversation in the workplace, without shouting when standing 2m away from another person, you are likely to have a noise problem.


Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is vibration transmitted from work processes into the hands and arms. It can be caused by operating hand-held power tools, or by holding materials being processed by machinery. Regular and frequent exposure to high levels of vibration can lead to permanent injury. Regular exposure to HAV can cause a range of permanent injuries to hands and arms, collectively known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

working environment

Health and safety in the day-to-day working environment
Workplace safety encompasses everyone from office to factory workers, whether you’re sat at a desk all day or working out in the fields. We spend longer at work than in almost any other situation and location, and how we work can have a huge impact on our own wellbeing.

Health and safety in the workplace is of paramount importance, not only because health and safety at work legislation places obligations on employers and employees, but because you will optimise productivity if you identify and deal with risks before they cause an adverse impact on any individual in the workplace.

Health and safety regulations require you to take action in response to particular hazards such as working at height, the potential for musculo-skeletal disorders, and the risk of slips, trips and falls.

A clear health and safety policy, backed up by effective procedures, will show your employees you have a genuine emphasis on workplace health and safety. A proactively-managed workplace will enable you to minimise the risk, whether it’s an office or a factory, and maximise the opportunities for your employees.

 

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The impact of the amended Work at Height Regulations : May 2008

With the amended Work at Height Regulations now beginning to bite, employers, employees and contractors can no longer just reach for the nearest set of ladders or steps to gain access at height - they must now carry out risk assessments, a method statement and consider whether an alternative form of access would be safer.

Let's make one thing clear - the regulations do not ban ladders, but they do oblige you to ensure that ladders are not an automatic choice and that alternatives should always be considered.
The choice of access equipment will be determined by the height to be negotiated, the site conditions, the duration and extent of work, and the frequency of required access.

Where a risk assessment highlights the need for a powered access platform, hirers will find them to be quick, convenient to use and easily manoeuvrable - increasing productivity for companies.

The Work at Height regulations bring together all existing work at height regulations and state the minimum requirements for the use of equipment. Although previous regulations applied primarily to work over two metres, the new regulations even cover standing on the bottom rung of a small step ladder.
Employers have a duty of care to ensure that work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner. All employers, the self-employed and any other person who controls the work of others should be fully up to date with the new legislation. This includes site managers, contract managers, contractors, and even the building owner who contracts others to work at height.
Employers should particularly note two key areas in the Work at Height Regulations, regulation four and regulation six. Regulation four covers organisation and planning. It states that every employer shall ensure that work at height is:
** Properly planned. You should carry out a risk assessment and have a written system of work. This will only prevent accidents, however, if it is passed on to the employees.
** Appropriately supervised. What experience do your employees have? Are your apprentices competent?
**Carried out in a manner which is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe. Common
** sense has to be used here - cost or history will never be an acceptable excuse.

Regulation 6 - the avoidance of risks from work at height - ensures that the areas above are complied with. It states: "In identifying the measures required by this regulation, every employer shall take account of a risk assessment under regulation three of the Management Regulations. Every employer shall ensure that work is not carried out at height where it is reasonably practicable to carry out the work safely otherwise than at height."
It is essential to ensure that you take time in the planning and conformity of future works. To assist us in compliance with this regulation the British Standard Institute has published a code of practice (BS 8437:2005) for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace. It brings together best practice in personal fall protection.

Requirements on employers

Most importantly, employers must follow all that is reasonably practicable to prevent anyone from falling. To do so, the regulations define a hierarchy of requirements that duty holders must follow. Duty holders must:
• Avoid work at height where they can.
• Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height.
• Where the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.
Concretely, dutyholders must ensure that:
• All work at height is properly planned and organised.
• Weather conditions are taken into consideration.
All those involved in work at height are trained and competent. This includes that those who will be working at height are trained how to avoid falling, and how to avoid or minimise injury should they fall.
• Equipment is properly inspected.
• The risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled.
• The risks from falling objects are properly controlled (e.g. nothing should be thrown or tipped from height if it can injure anyone).
• Each individual place at which work at height is done is checked every time before that place is used. This includes that any platform used for or for access to construction work from which a person could fall more than two meters is inspected in place before it is used.

Requirements on employees

Note that also employees have to contribute to minimising the risk from working at height. All employees and all those working under someone else’s control must:
• Report any safety hazards to them.
• Use the equipment supplied to them properly and follow any training and instruction.
• If you think that following some instructions is unsafe, do seek further advice before continuing. Also bring the situation to the attention of your UCATT safety rep.

What is Work at Height ?

There is a quite simple definition for what working ‘at height’ means: a place is ‘at height’ if a person could be injured falling from it.

Advice for workers: ladder safety
In the construction industry numerous falls take place in conjunction with ladders and scaffolding. It therefore is of major importance that contractors, designers and clients make efforts at a very early stage of a project in order to reduce the time that workers need to use access equipment like ladders or scaffolding.
Note that ladders can be used where a risk assessment shows a low risk and where the duration of usage is short, i.e. not more than 15-30 minutes depending on the task, as well as where a situation requires its usage.
If you have to use a ladder, follow the below guidance which helps you to reduce the most common types of falls.

Check the ladder before using it
It is important that the condition of a ladder is checked before using it. Detailed information on how to check leaning and step ladders are contained at the .
In order not to fall off a ladder:
• Keep your body centered within the ladder.
• Always keep three points of contact with the ladder.
• Wear non-slip footwear, clean the soles of shoes if dirty.
• Keep the rungs clean and in good condition.

In order to prevent the ladder wobbling, slipping and falling:
• Position the ladder correctly on a firm, level surface.
• Check the feet of the ladder daily.
• Fasten the ladder at top and bottom.
• Rest the ladder on a firm surface at the top.

In order to prevent the ladder from breaking:
• Do not exceed the maximum weight limit on the ladder.
• Position the ladder properly at an angle of 75 degree (equivalent to the “1 in 4 rule”: feet of the ladder must be one unit away from hold for every 4 units up)
• Only carry light materials or tools (up to 10kg).
Always speak to your supervisor, employer or safety rep if you think it is not right to use a ladder for the job.

Safe use of ladders and stepladders :

An employers’ guide

* know when to use a ladder;

* decide how to go about selecting the right sort of ladder for the particular job;


* understand how to use it;


* know how to look after it; and


* take sensible safety precautions.


2 HSE believes that misuse of ladders at work can be partly explained by the way they are used in the home. As with all work equipment, users need adequate information and training to be able to use ladders and stepladders safely. Adequate supervision is needed so that safe practices continue to be used.


3 This guidance does not apply to fixed ladders (on buildings, plant or vehicles), other types of fixed access (step irons etc), specialist rescue ladders used by the fire service, roof ladders, step stools, warehouse steps/mobile stairs, or temporary or permanent stairs.


When is a ladder the most suitable access equipment ?


4 This selection process has to take into account the hierarchy of controls:1

* firstly to avoid work at height where possible;
* then to prevent falls from height; and, failing that,

* to reduce the consequences of a fall.


5 Where work at height is necessary you need to justify whether a ladder or stepladder is the most suitable access equipment compared to other access equipment options. You do this by using risk assessment and the hierarchy of controls.

6 When considering whether it could be appropriate to use a ladder or stepladder, you need to consider the following factors.

 

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Is it a suitable activity?
7 This refers to the type of work and its duration. As a guide, only use a ladder or stepladder: * in one position for a maximum of 30 minutes; * for ‘light work’ - they are not suitable for strenuous or heavy work. If a task involves a worker carrying more than 10 kg (a bucket of something) up the ladder or steps it will need to be justified by a detailed manual handling assessment;
* where a handhold is available on the ladder or stepladder; * where you can maintain three points of contact (hands and feet) at the working position. On a ladder where you cannot maintain a handhold, other than for a brief period of time, other measures will be needed to prevent a fall or reduce the consequences of one. On stepladders where a handhold is not practicable a risk assessment will have to justify whether it is safe or not (see paragraph 10 for details).
8 On a ladder or stepladder do not: * overload it - the person and anything they are taking up should not exceed the highest load stated on the ladder; * overreach - keep your belt buckle (navel) inside the stiles and both feet on the same rung throughout the task

9 When working on stepladders you should avoid work that imposes a side loading, such as side-on drilling through solid materials (e.g. bricks or concrete), by having the steps facing the work activity , Where side-on loadings cannot be avoided you should prevent the steps from tipping over, for example by tying the steps to a suitable point. Otherwise a more suitable type of access equipment should be used.

10 You should also avoid holding items when climbing (for example by using tool belts): * on a ladder where you must carry something you must have one free hand to grip the ladder; * on a stepladder where you cannot maintain a handhold (e.g. putting a box on a shelf), the use of a stepladder will have to be justified by taking into account:

- the height of the task;
- a safe handhold still being available on the stepladder;
- whether it is light work
- whether it avoids side loading
- whether it avoids overreaching
- whether the user’s feet are fully supported; and
- whether you can tie the stepladder

> Is it a safe place to use a ladder or stepladder ?

13 This covers the specific place where you are going to set up and use it. As a guide, * only use a ladder or stepladder: on firm ground or spread the load (e.g. use a board); * on level ground - for stepladders refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, for ladders the maximum safe ground slopes on a suitable surface (unless the manufacturer states otherwise) are as follows:
- side slope 16o – but the rungs still need to be levelled
- back slope 6º * on clean, solid surfaces (paving slabs, floors etc). These need to be clean (no oil, moss or leaf litter) and free of loose material (sand, packaging materials etc) so the feet can grip. Shiny floor surfaces can be slippery even without contamination; * where it has been secured.
14 The options for securing a ladder are as follows: * tie the ladder to a suitable point, making sure both stiles are tied, * where this is not practical, use a safe, unsecured ladder or a ladder supplemented with an effective ladder stability device * if this is not possible, then securely wedge the ladder, e.g. against a wall; * if none of the above can be achieved, foot the ladder. Footing is the last resort and should be avoided, where reasonably practicable, by the use of other access equipment.
15 Ladders used for access to another level should be tied . Stepladders should not be used for access to another level unless they have been designed for this.
16 Consider tying a stepladder where possible and advantageous to the task (e.g. side-on working or where two free hands are needed).

 

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17 You should only use ladders or stepladders: * where they will not be struck by vehicles, by protecting them with suitable barriers or cones; * where they will not be pushed over by other hazards such as doors or windows, by securing doors (not fire exits) and windows where possible. If this is impractical, have a person standing guard at a doorway, or inform workers not to open windows until they are told to do so; * where pedestrians are prevented from walking under them or near them, by using barriers, cones or, as a last resort, a person standing guard at the base; * where ladders can be put up at the correct angle of 75o. To judge the angle use the angle indicator marked on the stiles of some ladders or the 1 in 4 rule (1 unit out for every 4 units up , * where the restraint devices on stepladders can be fully opened. Any locking devices must also be engaged.
18 On a ladder or stepladder: * don’t work within 6 m horizontally of any overhead power lines, unless the line owner has made them dead or protected with temporary insulation. If this is a regular activity, find out if the lines can be moved; * always use a non-conductive ladder or steps for any necessary live electrical work; * don’t rest ladders against weak upper surfaces (e.g. glazing or plastic gutters). Alternatively, you can use effective spreader bars or effective stand-offs ,
Is the ladder or stepladder safe to be used ? 19 Establish the ladder or stepladder is in a safe condition before using it. As a guide, only use ladders or stepladders that: * have no visible defects. They should have a pre-use check each working day; * have a current detailed visual inspection. These should be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Ladders that are part of a scaffold system still have to be inspected every seven days; * are suitable for work use. Use Class 1 or EN 1314 ladders or stepladders at work because domestic (Class 3 ) ones are not normally suitable for use at work; * have been maintained and stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
> What are pre-use checks and detailed visual inspections ? 20 Both are looking for obvious visual defects, they only differ in detail. Both can be done in-house (pre-use checks should be part of a user’s training). Detailed visual inspections should be recorded. Ladder stability devices and other accessories should be pre-use checked and inspected in accordance with the , manufacturer’s instructions. Ladder and stepladder feet must be part of the pre-use check. Ladder feet are essential for preventing the base of the ladder slipping. Missing stepladder feet cause it to wobble. The feet should be: * in good repair (not loose, missing, splitting, excessively worn, secure etc); and * clean – the feet should be in contact with the ground.

21 Ladder feet should also be checked when moving from soft/dirty ground (e.g. dug soil, loose sand/stone, a dirty workshop) to a smooth, solid surface (e.g. paving slabs), to ensure the foot material and not the dirt (e.g. soil, embedded stones or swarf) is making contact with the ground.
Do my ladder-users know how to use them safely ?
22 These are common issues about setting up and using ladders under the direct control of the user. Users should also be aware of the limitations covered in the other headings. People should only use a ladder, stepladder or stability device if:

* they are competent - users should be trained and instructed to use the equipment safely; * the ladder or stepladder is long enough -
for ladders:
- don’t use the top three rungs);
- ladders used for access should project at least 1 m above the landing point and be tied; alternatively a safe and secure handhold should be available;
for stepladders:
- don’t use the top two steps of a stepladder, unless a suitable handrail is available on the stepladder ;
- don’t use the top three steps of swing-back or double-sided stepladders, where a step forms the very top of the stepladder * the ladder or stepladder rungs or steps are level. This can be judged by the naked eye. Ladders can be levelled using specially designed devices but not by using bits of brick or whatever else is at hand; * the weather is suitable - do not use them in strong or gusting winds (follow the manufacturer’s safe working practices); * they are wearing robust, sensible footwear (e.g. safety shoes/boots or trainers). * Shoes should not have the soles hanging off, have long or dangling laces, or be thick with mud or other slippery contaminants; * they know how to prevent members of the public and other workers from using them; * they are fit - certain medical conditions or medication, alcohol or drug abuse could stop them from using ladders. If you are in any doubt, speak to an occupational health professional; * they know how to tie a ladder or stepladder properly.

23 On a ladder or stepladder, don’t:
* move them while standing on the rungs/steps;
* support them by the rungs or steps at the base;
* slide down the stiles;
* stand them on moveable objects, such as pallets, bricks, lift trucks, tower * scaffolds, excavator buckets, vans, or mobile elevating work platforms;
* extend a ladder while standing on the rungs.

Ladders guidance

* Prevented from slipping,
* Prevented from moving before it is stepped on,
* Long enough to do the job safely,
* Have a handhold available to allow the worker to maintain 3 points of contact where possible,
* Used without overreaching,
* Inspected and checked regularly where necessary.

 

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A toolbox talk

You do not need to fall from a great height to be badly injured. More people get injuries such as broken arms or
legs falling less than 2 m from a ladder than falling from above this height. For example, a person was killed when
they lost their footing on the second rung of a ladder and fell backwards, hitting their head on the floor.

* If the top of a ladder is 6 m up a wall how far out from the wall should the base be ? ( 1.5 m )

* Don’t stand on the top three rungs. Always try and make sure a ladder extends at least 1 m (or three rungs)
above where you will be working.

* If you are using a ladder for access, make sure it to at least 1 m (or three rungs) above the landing place. But
make sure it does not project so far above that it could pivot around the landing point.

* Don’t carry heavy or awkward shaped objects on a ladder. Never carry loads heavier than 25 kg - any over
10 kg should be avoided if possible. This includes long lengths of lightweight material such as plastic guttering,
which can be passed up by a second person instead. ( Where toolbelts have been issued , explain that they are to avoid having to carry tools by hand up and down a ladder )

Changes for 2009

The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 were amended on 6 April 2009. This principally widened the scope of the exemption from hazardous waste :

The construction heath & Safety and Welfare Regulations 1996

1. Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.
2. Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety.
3. Regulation 4(1) of the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 states: Subject to paragraph (5), it shall be the duty of every employer whose employees are carrying out construction work and every self-employed person carrying out construction work to comply with the provisions of these Regulations insofar as they affect him or any person at work under his control or relate to matters which are within his control

 

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Re: Section - 301- Questions - Testing ,

Passing an ECS Health and Safety Assessment is ↔ Compulsory ↔
→→→ For all you Chaps Renewing you ( J.I.B. Card ) ←←← 13 . 11 . 09

 

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Electrical Fundamentals : ( we all take for granted the fundaments ) !!!!!!
Two Current Flow theories exist. The first is:

“ELECTRON THEORY”
The Electron Theory states that current flows from NEGATIVE to POSITIVE. Electrons move from atom to atom as they move through the conductor towards positive.

The second Current Flow theory is:

“CONVENTIONAL THEORY”
Conventional theory, also known as HOLE THEORY, states that current flows from POSITIVE to NEGATIVE. Protons or the lack of electrons (the holes) move towards the negative. (Current flow direction in Hole Theory is the opposite of that in Electron Theory.)

“VOLTAGE”
Voltage is the electrical force that moves electrons through a conductor. Voltage is electrical pressure also known as EMF (Electro Motive Force) that pushes electrons.

The greater the difference in electrical potential push (difference between positive and negative), the greater the voltage force potential. ( Voltage is pressure )

“MEASUREMENT”
A VOLTMETER measures the voltage potential across or parallel to the circuit.

The Voltmeter measures the amount of electrical pressure difference between two points being measured.
Voltage can exist between two points without electron flow.

“CURRENT” (AMPERES)
CURRENT is the quantity or flow rate of electrons moving past a point within one second. Current flow is also known as amperage, or amps for short.

Higher voltage will produce higher current flow, and lower voltage will produce lower current flow.

“AFFECTS OF CURRENT FLOW”
Two common effects of current flow are Heat Generation and Electromagnetism.

HEAT: When current flows, heat will be generated. The higher the current flow the greater the heat generated. An example would be a light bulb. If enough current flows across the filament, it will glow white hot and illuminate to produce light.

ELECTROMAGNETISM: When current flows, a small magnetic field is created. The higher the current flow, the stronger the magnetic field. An example: Electromagnetism principles are used in alternators, ignition systems, and other electronic devices.

“RESISTANCE”
Resistance is the force that reduces or stops the flow of electrons. It opposes voltage.

Higher resistance will decrease the flow of electrons and lower resistance will allow more electrons to flow. ( Voltage → Résistance ↑ Current → )

RESISTANCE FACTORS
Various factors can affect the resistance. These include:

LENGTH of the conductor. The longer the conductor, the higher the resistance.

DIAMETER of the conductor. The narrower the conductor, the higher the resistance.

TEMPERATURE of the material. Depending on the material, most will increase resistance as temperature increases.

PHYSICAL CONDITION (DAMAGE) to the material. Any damage will increase resistance.

TYPE of MATERIAL used. Various materials have a wide range of resistances.

TYPES OF ELECTRICITY
Two basic types of Electricity classifications:

STATIC ELECTRICITY is electricity that is standing still. Voltage potential with NO electron flow.

DYNAMIC ELECTRICITY is electricity that is in motion. Voltage potential WITH electron flow. Two types of
Dynamic electricity exist:

Direct Current (DC) Electron Flow is in only one direction.

Alternating Current (AC) Electron flow alternates and flows in both directions (back and forth).

DYNAMIC ELECTRICITY
is electricity in motion, meaning you have electrons flowing, in other words voltage potential WITH electron flow.

Two types of dynamic electricity exists:

Direct Current (DC)

Alternating Current (AC)

DIRECT CURRENT (DC)
Electricity with electrons flowing in only one direction is called Direct Current or DC.

ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC)
Electricity with electrons flowing back and forth, negative - positive- negative, is called Alternating Current, or AC.

Wire sizing :

The longer the cable and the smaller the diameter, the higher the resistance : The shorter the cable and the larger the diameter the lower the resistance :

 

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* yellow warning signs comply with the standard design for all warning signs, comprising a yellow triangle with a black border and black graphics. These familiar, bright yellow signs always indicate potential hazards.

* The Warning High Sound Levels Wear Ear Protection sign is a useful way of informing people of the potential risk to their hearing and making sure that they wear the appropriate protection to prevent any possible damage.

Fire Exit Signs Green Safe Condition signs show your employees, visitors, customers, contractors and anyone else on your premises the location of fire safety equipment, and most importantly, the location of fire exits

* A pictogram plus the words FIRE EXIT indicate a specific fire exit route to be used during an evacuation

* The pictogram plus the single word EXIT is only used to indicate the conventional route out of the building

* Running Man Left : Sign

The Running Man Left / Right , sign will advise people to head for a nearest exit. This sign can also be used to symbolise an actual fire exit. It is always a good idea to make sure that all emergency exits are marked clearly so that there would not be any confusion during an actual emergency.

* Arrow Diagonal :
The Arrow Diagonal sign will be recognisable to people, for them to follow, in order to exit a building or to head towards an emergency exit. People often need regular directions, especially at times of emergency and this type of sign can prevent people from panicking unnecessarily.

* Hanging Fire Exit Right Up :
The Hanging Fire Exit Right Up sign will attach to a ceiling and direct people to the nearest fire exit. The sign is ideal as it is visible from both directions along a hall or corridor. The arrow on the right of the sign points to the top corner and this can be a good way of instructing to head up stairs and to the right.

* Hanging Wheelchair Fire Exit
The Hanging Wheelchair Fire Exit Right sign will be hung from the ceiling to advise people in wheelchairs of the location of their nearest fire exit. This sign is ideal as it can be seen by people that are coming from both directions.

Do not presume that people will automatically know the locations of fire exits, especially those in wheelchairs, use this sign to make sure that they remain safe. It will glow in the dark too,

* NHS Estates Signs
NHS estate fire safety signs must comply with the NHS Wayfinding & Signing Systems Guidance for Healthcare Facilities.
NHS estate fire exit and exit signs are similar to the conventional green safe condition signs found in every public building. All such signs are designed to help staff, patients and visitors to locate fire exits in hospitals, clinics, surgeries and other healthcare facilities both quickly and easily.
NHS estate signs feature an additional pictogram of flames alongside the standard BS-5499 running man, in order to present a clear, unequivocal message.

Assembly Point Signs
Like all our green fire safety signs, all assembly point signs at Simply Safety Signs comply with the British Standard Code of Practice for safety signs (BS 5499-10:2006). The Code states that all signs must:
* Provide information in a compact form
* Provide information in a form that is independent of language
* Have visual impact
* Guide the viewer to a desired outcome or appropriate decision
* Our assembly point signs are designed to be as clear and direct as possible. The

* Assembly Point
The Assembly Point sign will provide people with a clear guidance of the fact that they have reached a safe assembly point. People will usually have been notified of the directions to an assembly point beforehand and this sign provides clarification of the fact that they have reached the correct place for them to be.

You should remember that during an emergency especially, people will require reassurance of the fact that they have reached a safe place, well away from any danger.

* Emergency Lighting Stickers
When the power fails and all that remains is emergency lighting, it is vital that anyone on your premises can see all fire exit and emergency exit signs.
self-adhesive legend stickers are designed to stick to any standard emergency light fitting, either wall mounted or hanging luminaires, with a white legend on a green background for maximum effect. the light shines through the white parts, whilst the green part colours the light to make the white letters stand out better!
* Physical Warning Signs
A physical warning sign is designed to alert your workers, guests and anyone else on your premises to potential risks in their immediate environment. From hot water to wet floors, 'Mind the step' to 'Mind your head', it's always better to risk stating the obvious with a warning sign to gambling on people having 'common sense'!
warning signs are designed to alert readers to less obvious risks too, such as incomplete scaffolding, overhead working, and trip hazards. Warning signs can also serve as a deterrent to those who may wish to break into your premises, such as fragile roof warnings, or warnings about guard dogs.

* Flammable & Gas
Warnings signs for flammable and gas dangers are vital in any premises where your staff or customers may be in close proximity to these substances.
Whatever your risk, durable plastic yellow warning sign, from explosion risks to compressed gas, oxygen to petroleum spirit. high visibility yellow triangles with the standard black border and clear black graphics make a strong impact wherever you fix them.

* ABC Powder Extinguisher
*The ABC Powder Extinguisher Missing sign is a clever way of ensuring that an extinguisher is returned to its ideal storage place. On the top of the sign there is vital information on what the ABC extinguisher is safe for and on the bottom there is a picture of an extinguisher, with the word MISSING displayed very clearly. This should encourage people to return the extinguisher to this resting place. This ideal sign is able to do two jobs at once for you to help to keep people safe.

* ABC Powder Extinguisher The ABC Powder Extinguisher sign should be placed beside a fire extinguisher of this description. The sign provides essential information on the fact that it is good for use on fire types
A,B,C and Electrical Fires. ABC Powder : ( A ) Safe for : Wood, Paper & Textiles , ( B ) Safe for : Flammable Liquids , ( C ) Safe for :Gaseous Fires , Safe for :Live Electrical Equipment , to ensure that people only tackle the fires that are safe for this extinguisher type.

BC Powder Extinguisher : The BC Powder Extinguisher Tall sign should be placed right next to a fire extinguisher of this type. The sign will clearly indicate that this extinguisher is good for fire types B, C and electrical. It will stress that the extinguisher is not good for type A fires which involve wood, paper and textiles. ( B ) Safe for : Flammable Liquids , ( C ) Safe for :Gaseous Fires , Safe for :Live Electrical Equipment , NOT for : Wood , Paper ,& Textiles ,

 

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* Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher ( B ) Safe for : Flammable Liquids , Safe for :Live Electrical Equipment , NOT for : Wood , Paper ,& Textiles , NOT for : Flammable metal Fires ,

* BC Powder Extinguisher The BC Powder Extinguisher sign will have the relevant symbols on the left and the types of fires that the extinguisher will be safe for, on the right hand side. It is called BC because these are the categories of fire that the extinguisher is safe to use on. The sign advises of this and that the extinguisher is not good for type A fires or those that involve live electrical equipment. ( B ) Safe for : Flammable Liquids , ( C ) Safe for :Gaseous Fires , Safe for :Live Electrical Equipment , NOT for : Wood , Paper ,& Textiles ,

* Fire Hose Extinguisher The Fire Hose Extinguisher sign should be placed alongside an actual fire hose. The sign will contain the information that the hose extinguisher is good for type A fires, but not for other types. It would therefore tackle fires which involve paper, wood and textiles.

By displaying this sign, you will ensure that people are safe and only tackling the fires that extinguishers should handle. The sign can be a potential life-saver. ( A ) Safe for : Wood , Paper & Textiles , NOT for :Live Electrical Equipment , NOT for :Flammable Liquids , NOT for :Flammable metal fires ,

* Emergency Shut Down The Emergency Shut Down sign indicates a hand hovering over an appropriate button to shut a piece of machinery off in an emergency. The sign should always be used to display beside such a piece of machinery if safety would be an issue in an emergency.

* Emergency Shut Down The Emergency Shut Down sign should be placed in an area where somebody will be able to carry out this command. This sign can be a potential life-saver and so it should be displayed prominently for all to see. ( E.S.D )

* Fire Alarm Activated The Fire Alarm Activated sign will advise people that the alarm has been activated if a nearby beacon flashes. This will mean that they will not need to worry about raising the alarm themselves and can concentrate on leaving the premises via the nearest fire exit.

 

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The actual AM2 is split into 4 sections:

• Section A involves a composite installation. It is a partially completed installation which you must finish. You need to know how to terminate SWA (armoured) cable, MIMS (Mineral Insulated Metal Sheathed or simply Pyro to many) and be comfortable with simple motor circuits, although you are given a wiring diagram. Once complete a visual and a functional test needs to be carried out.
• Section B involves an inspection and test of the installation
• Section C involves safe isolation procedures and a risk assessment
• Section D is fault diagnosis and rectification
Some colleges often offer revision sessions for the AM2, although it is part of the AM2, MIMS (or pyro as often referred to) can often only be used by specialist companies or on specialist installations and is easily forgotten after being covered in college. If you get the chance, practice it.
AM2 Hints and Tips
Below are some ideas to help you pass the AM2 practical exam.
• Practice reading from a circuit diagram before you start
• Be especially comfortable with motor circuits and follow the wiring diagram given to you beforehand
• The motor can be wired in 1.5mm2 cable with the control circuit (to the remote starter
• Set the overload on the contactor
• Be comfortable with lighting circuits in singles, make sure you know how to wire a landlords override switch and a two-way & Intermediate lighting circuit override circuit
Landlords override circuit
• If the centre supply heat proof sheathing for the bulkhead light fitting, use it
• Take a padlock with you just in case and keep your tools locked
• Take a sharp knife such as an electricians knife , Stanley knives or craft knives will not be permitted
• Fully understand the correct safe isolation procedure, make sure you keep the key in your pocket or locked away
• Know how to fault find, remember, continuity and insulation resistance tests are your friends
• Practice MIMS cable but leave it until the last task on the installation.
• Make sure you do not twist the MIMS conductors in the pot when you crimp the seal in place and make sure that the seal CANNOT be pulled out (this is a fail)

• Identify all the ends using the correct colours
• Practice doing back to back bends in steel conduit, you can use a coupler but you will start losing marks
• Make sure you can find your maximum Zs values, you may be asked to perform a Zs test and compare it to the On Site Guide or an equivalent table
• Bond the gas pipe in 10.0mm2 below the tee piece
• Bond the trunking and the tray in 4.0mm2cable
• Bond the back of any metallic backboxes

AM2 changes due in 2010
Plans are currently in progress to overhaul the AM2 and potentially bring it under a QCF unit. Changes mooted are the removal of the motor control circuit completely, taking out the MIMS (MICC) installation as it is thought to be a specialist cable and taking out the conduit forming as it is thought to be a level 2 skill.

In comes a S plan heating circuit, segregated trunking and data cabling.

Other changes include the trainee having to complete a full Electrical Installation Certificate, including a Schedule of Inspection and a Schedule of Test Results instead of the old method with a couple of random boxes of information.

The AM2 is planned to be split into 4 sections, A - Installation, B - Inspection and Test, C - Fault Diagnosis and a new section D - Knowledge Assessment. The last part is planned to be a 30 question multiple choice exam with a 90% pass mark. The exam will cover health and safety, working at heights, security systems, building regulations, protective devices, hand tool and single and three phase supplies.

About AM2

Apprentices approaching the end of their training for the JIB Apprentice Training Scheme and the Electrical Installation Modern Apprenticeship, or others wishing to accredit practical experience, must take the Achievement Measurement 2 (AM2) skill test.

The Test

The AM2 skill test comprises four sections: A1 Composite Installation A1 COMPOSITE INSTALLATION

- PVC/SWA/PVC Cable 10mm² four core :

- Skill Activity, Measuring, cutting to length, installing and terminating between pre-fixed equipment.

- Metal Conduit 20mm : Measuring, cutting to length, filing and reaming, bending, threading, installing between pre-fixed equipment.

- Main Equipotential and Supplementary Bonding : Measuring, cutting to length, filing and reaming, bending, threading, installing between pre-fixed equipment.

- Main Equipotential and Supplementary Bonding : Measuring, clipping and dressing, terminating and fixing bonding clamps on service pipes etc..

- Mineral Insulated Cable (PVC sheathed) 4L 1.5mm² MICC : Measuring, cutting to length, shaping, dressing, securing, terminating, glanding; identifying conductors and connecting between pre-fixed equipment.

- Circuit Wiring - Lighting Circuit : Install PVC insulated cables for the two-way and intermediate lighting circuit. Install key operated override 'on' switch adjacent to the intermediate switch.

- Emergency Luminaire : Install FP200 2 core and earth cable between the plastic dado trunking and 20mm end box. Connections to be to the Luminaire Support Coupler (LSC).

- Industrial Socket Outlet (400V) : Install and connect the 16A triple pole and earth socket outlet to the output terminals of the 20A TP&N switchfuse.

- Three Phase Motor Circuit : Installing cables in trunking and conduit; terminating and making connections between a three phase squirrel cage motor, a motor starter, a remote start/stop/inch station and run and trip warning lights, with the aid of a wiring diagram ,
( MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUIT SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM ) ←←

- SRCD : Install cables in metal trunking to SRCD.

- Circuit Wiring - Ring Circuit : Installing cables in metal and PVC trunking and PVC conduit; terminating and making connections from the distribution board to:
* a ring circuit of 13A switch socket outlets.
* a spur to a 13A socket outlet including flexible cable to a tubular heater via a 13A plug.

The Test :

A - ASSESSMENT OF SAFE WORKING PRACTICES :
Each candidate, prior to the commencement of the Composite Installation will be required to demonstrate as assessment of Safe Working Practices.

B - COMPOSITE INSTALLATION :
This is the wiring of an installation, which includes a range of electrical circuits, each devised to assess a candidate's proficiency in particular aspects of electrical work. The electricity supply will be provided from a TN-S three phase 4 wire 400V system.

Composite Installation - Functional Operation :
After the installation has been inspected and tested each candidate will be required to demonstrate that the following final circuits operate correctly:
• Two way and intermediate switched lighting circuit
• Operate the Landlords Key Switch
• Operate the Emergency Luminaire Key Switch to effect simulated mains failure
• Ring circuit socket feeding heater
• Motor and control circuit

C - INSPECTION AND TESTING :
On completing the composite installation, each candidate will be required to carry out prescribed pre commissioning electrical installation tests in accordance with the lEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

Each candidate will be supplied with necessary instructions, a copy of the current lEE On Site Guide, test results sheets and a range of instruments from which to select and prepare the one appropriate for each test.

D- SAFE ISOLATION OF SUPPLIES :
Candidates will be required, under observation, to demonstrate how to safely isolate circuits or items of equipment to ensure and verify it is safe to work on. This section of the assessment is carried out on the Fault Diagnosis Unit. Safe isolation procedure is shown in .

E - FAULT DIAGNOSIS :
Candidates will be required to diagnose and locate seven faults, introduced to the Fault Diagnosis Unit by the examiner, selected from a range of common faults , Each fault will be introduced individually to the candidates by either the examiner demonstrating the fault symptom or by the use of job cards.

F - FAULT RECTIFICATION :
Candidates will be required to diagnose, locate and rectify (where possible) five faults, which will be introduced to the Fault Diagnosis Unit. Each fault will be introduced individually to the candidates with the use of job cards

G - UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT :
Candidates will be required to undertake a 30 question multiple choice assessment paper. The questions will cover Health and Safety, Assessment of Safe Working Practices, Inspection and Testing, Safe Isolation and Installation Techniques. Each candidate will be supplied with a copy of BS7671, IEE on-site guide, memorandum on the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 HS(R)25 and Electricity at Work - Safe Working Practices HS(G)85.

The sections must be completed within the specified target times. The work must comply with the
requirements of the current lEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and Health and Safety Regulations.
Candidates will be permitted to refer to the current edition of the lEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671),
lEE Guidance Note No.3 Inspection and Testing and the lEE On-Site Guide (OSG) during the tests.

 

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B – COMPOSITE INSTALLATION :

This is the wiring of an installation which includes a range of electrical circuits, each devised to assess a candidate’s proficiency in particular aspects of electrical work. The electricity supply will be provided from a TN-S three phase 4 wire 400V system.

INSTALLATION ASPECTS :
Main and Supplementary Equipotential Bonding :
* Measuring, clipping and dressing, terminating and fixing bonding clamps on service pipes etc.

Circuit Wiring - Lighting Circuit :
* Install PVC insulated cables for the two way and intermediate lighting circuit. Install key operated override 'on' switch adjacent to the intermediate switch.

Industrial Socket Outlet (400V) :
Install and connect the 16A triple pole and earth socket outlet to the output terminals of the 20A TP&N switchfuse.

Three Phase Motor Circuit :
Installing cables in trunking and conduit; terminating and making connections between a three phase squirrel cage motor, a motor starter, a remote start/stop/inch station warning indicator lights, with the aid of a wiring diagram.

Circuit Wiring – Ring Circuit :
Installing cables in metal and PVC trunking and PVC conduit; terminating and making connections from the distribution board to:
- a ring circuit of 13A switch-socket outlets.
- a one gang 13A socket outlet to supply a tubular heater via flexible cord and 13A plug.

Composite Installation – Functional Operation :
After the installation has been inspected and tested each candidate will be required to demonstrate
that the following final circuits operate correctly:
• Two-way and intermediate switched lighting circuit
• Operate the Landlords Key Switch
• Operate the Emergency Luminaire Key Switch to effect simulated mains failure
• Ring circuit socket feeding heater
• Motor and control circuit

C - INSPECTION AND TESTING :
On completing the composite installation, each candidate will be required to carry out prescribed pre-commissioning electrical installation tests in accordance with the lEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

Each candidate will be supplied with necessary instructions, a copy of the current lEE OnSite Guide,
test results sheets and a range of instruments from which to select and prepare the one appropriate for each test.

D- SAFE ISOLATION OF SUPPLIES :
Candidates will be required, under observation, to demonstrate how to safely isolate circuits or items of equipment to ensure and verify it is safe to work on. This section of the assessment is carried out on the Fault Diagnosis Unit. Safe isolation procedure ,

E - FAULT DIAGNOSIS :
Candidates will be required to diagnose and locate seven faults, introduced to the Fault Diagnosis Unit by the examiner, selected from a range of common faults. Each fault will be introduced individually to the candidates by either the examiner demonstrating the fault symptom or by the use of job cards.

F - FAULT RECTIFICATION :
Candidates will be required to diagnose, locate and rectify (where possible) five faults which will be introduced to the Fault Diagnosis Unit. Each fault will be introduced individually to the candidates with the use of job cards.

G – UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT :
Candidates will be required to undertake a 30 question multiple choice assessment paper. The questions will cover Health and Safety, Assessment of Safe Working Practices, Inspection and Testing, Safe Isolation and Installation Techniques. Each candidate will be supplied with a copy of BS7671, IEE on-site guide, memorandum on the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 HS(R)25 and Electricity at Work – SafeWorking Practices HS(G)85.


FAULT DIAGNOSIS UNIT ↔↔↔

Fault ,
Motor circuit ,
Circuit arrangements , Fed from way !!!! RYB3 10amp Type C, MCB ,
Fault Symptoms :
The motor control does not work correctly when operated from the remote control station ,

Replacement 2330 Units

Unit 1 - Health and Safety & Legislation
Unit 2 - Environmental & Legislation
Unit 3 - Understand procedures for organising the work environment for the installation of electrical systems and equipment in buildings and structures.
Unit 4 - Understand procedures for planning, preparing and installing electrical systems and equipment in buildings and structures
Unit 5 - Understand procedures for terminating and connecting electrical systems and equipment in buildings and structures
Unit 6 - Understand procedures for the inspection, testing and commissioning of electrical systems and equipment in buildings and structures.
Unit 7 - Understand procedures for diagnosing and correcting faults in electrical systems and equipment in buildings and structures.
Unit 8 - Understand electrical principles associated with the design, building, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems

units:
Currently units 1, 2, 3 and 4 are covered in the unit 201 of the 2330. Unit 5 is very similar to the old 236 Part 2 syllabus and is close to the 2330-205 and 2330-302 in content. Unit 6 is similar to the 2330-302 and Unit 7 to the 2330-303. Unit 8 appears to be the science unit and will be close to the 2330-203 and the 2330-301 and is also very similar to the old 236 Part 2 syllabus content.

 

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You are advised that it is unlawful under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to work on any electrical installation in the UK unless you are a ‘competent person’ as follows:
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires persons to be competent to prevent danger and injury. No person should be engaged in any work activity unless he or she possesses such technical knowledge or experience, or is supervised as appropriate for the work.

The Memorandum qualifies technical knowledge or experience as being:

1 Adequate knowledge or experience;
2 Adequate experience of electrical work;
3 Adequate understanding of the system being worked on and practical experience of that class of system:
4 Understanding of the hazards that may arise during the work and the precautions that should be taken;
5 Ability to recognise at all times whether it is safe for work to continue.

LEVEL 2 - UNIT 4 : Cable Selection Correction Factors

what is the correction factor for 3 circuits grouped together, installation method F (single layer multicore on a perforated vertical cable tray)? ( 0.82 ) 4C1 p-268

what is the correction factor for 4 circuits grouped together, installation method B ? ( 0.65 )

What is the installation method reference for multicore armoured cable in cable ducting in the ground? ( B )

What is the installation method reference for multicore cable installed on unperforated horizontal cable tray? ( C )

what is the correction factor for 90 degree/C, PVC thermosetting cable, in free air, in an ambient temperature of 45 degrees/C ? ( 0.87 ) 4B1 p-267

What is the installation method reference for multicore cable installed on perforated horizontal cable tray? ( E )

what is the correction factor for a BS3036 semi-enclosed fuse used for overload protection ? ( 0.725 )

what is the correction factor for a 90 degree/C PVC Thermosetting cable buried in the ground where the temperature of the ground may reach 70 degrees/C ? ( 0.53 ) 4B2 p-267

What is the installation method reference for a multicore cable installed directly in a thermally insulated wall ? ( A )

What is the installation method reference for multicore armoured cable in cable ducting in the ground? ( D )

Electrical Testing.
To achieve compliance with the legal requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires proof that an electrical system is safe, which involves amongst other things, proper inspection and testing of a system by competent people and the creation and maintenance of records.

Persons to whom duties are imposed by these regulations
Status – Absolute
Duty of every employer, self employed person or employee to ensure that compliance to the Regulations is absolute, except where the duty is subject to the qualifying term “Reasonably Practicable”. The extent to which these duties are imposed on an individual is determined by the degree of “control” the individual may have. These duties are enforceable by law and failure to comply would provide for an offence that could be seen as a criminal act punishable by a fine,imprisonment or both.

All systems shall be at all times of such construction as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger.

As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger.

Every work activity, including operation, use and maintenance of a system and work near a system, shall be carried out in such a manner as not to give rise, so far as is reasonably practicable, to danger.

Any equipment provided under these Regulations for the purpose of protecting persons at work on or near electrical equipment shall be suitable for the use for which it is provided, be maintained in a condition suitable for that use, and properly used.

No electrical equipment shall be put into use where its strength and capability may be exceeded in such a way as may give rise to danger.

Electrical equipment which may reasonably foreseable be exposed to:
• Mechanical damage.
• The effects of the weather, natural hazards, temperature/pressure.
• The effects of wet, dirty, dusty or corrosive conditions
• Any flammable or explosive substance, protected as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger arising from such exposure.

All conductors in a system which may give rise to danger shall either be suitably covered with insulating material and as necessary protected so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger or have such precautions taken in respect of them (including, where appropriate, their being suitably placed) as will prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger.

Precaution shall be taken, either by earthing or by other suitable means, to prevent danger arising when any conductor (other than a circuit conductor) which may reasonably foreseeably become charged as a result of either the use of a system, or a fault in a system, becomes so charged and for the purposes of ensuring compliance with this regulation, a conductor shall be regarded as earthed when it is connected to the general mass of earth by conductors of sufficient strength and current-carrying capability to discharge electrical energy to earth.

If a circuit conductor is connected to earth or to any other reference point, nothing which might reasonably be expected to give rise to danger by breaking the electrical continuity or introducing high impedance shall be placed in that conductor unless suitable precautions are taken to prevent that danger.

Where necessary to prevent danger, every joint and connection in a system shall be mechanically and electrically suitable for use.

Efficient means suitably located shall be provided for protecting from excess of current every part of a system as may be necessary to prevent danger.

Subject to paragraph (3) where necessary to prevent danger, suitable means (including where appropriate, methods of identifying circuits) shall be available for:
• Cutting off the supply of electrical energy to any electrical equipment
• The isolation of any electrical equipment
In paragraph (1) “isolation” means the disconnection and separation of the electrical equipment from every source of electrical energy in such a way that this disconnection and separation is secure.

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to electrical equipment which is itself a source of electrical energy but, in such a case as is necessary, precautions shall be taken to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger.

Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent electrical equipment, which has been made dead in order to prevent danger while work is carried out on or near that equipment, from becoming electrically charged during that work if danger may thereby arise.

For the purpose of enabling Injury to be prevented, adequate working space, adequate means of access, and adequate lighting shall be provided at all electrical equipment on which or near which work is being done in circumstances which may give rise to danger.

No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger or, where appropriate, Injury, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work

If the Résistance of a 1.0mm2 conductor is 19.5mΩ/m , what would be the Résistance of ?

1) 85m of 1.0mm2 conductor :
2) 1m of 6.0mm2 conductor :
3) 25m of 4.0mm2 conductor :
4) 12m of 0.75mm2 conductor :

1) 1.0mm2 is 19.5mΩ/m , so 85m would be 19.5 x 85 ÷ 1000 = 1.65Ω
2) a 6.0mm2 conductor would have a Résistance six times less than a 1.0mm2 conductor , i.e. 19.5 ÷ 6 = 3.25mΩ
3) 25m of 4.0mm2 would be ( 19.5 ÷ 4 ) x 25 / 1000 = 0.12Ω ↔ ( 19.5 ÷ 4 = 48.75 , x 25 ÷ 1000 = 0.12Ω
4) 12m of 0.75mm2 would be 19.5mΩ/m x 1.5 x 12m = 0.351Ω

A 3kW / 230V immersion heater has ceased to work although fuses , etc , are all intact , a test using a low résistance ohmmeter should reveal
The heaters résistance , which can be determined from ,

P = V2 / R
So , R = V2 / P

= 230 x 230 = 52.900 ÷ 3000 = 17.6Ω

This can be compared with the manufacturers intended résistance ,
This would show that the element is not broken and further investigation should take place ( probably a fault thermostat )

 

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Steel Armoured Cable is protected by a sheath of galvanised steel. This makes it suitable for direct burial, cable ducting or it can be surfaced mounted without any further protection. It can be used for indoors and outdoors.
Steel Armoured Cable (SWA) Cores Colours

2 core = Brown/Blue
3 core = Brown/Black/Grey
4 core = Blue/Brown/Black/Grey
5 core = Green-Yellow/ Blue/Brown/Black/Grey
Alternative core colour - Black numbered

Blowing a fuse with an earth fault.

When there is an earth fault we not only want the fuse to blow but we also want it to blow quickly and it has been calculated to get a 13 amp fuse to blow in 0.4 seconds it will take 95 amp. In order for 95 amp to flow using ohm's law (230/95) we know we know the resistance needs to be 2.42Ω this is referred to as the earth loop impedance.

So what is the earth for ?
The earth ensures in the event of a fault the supply is automatically disconnected. There are two main ways of doing that the first is to open an over current device i.e. blow a fuse and the second is by measuring power in and power out and if they are not equal it is assumed the difference is going to earth and it operates what is called a residual current device RCD in both cases the supply is automatically disconnected.

Definitions
.
Earth fault current. An overcurrent resulting from a fault of negligible impedance between a line conductor and an exposed-conductive-part or a protective conductor. This is a direct short to earth and the maximum that can flow.

Earth leakage current also called Prospective conductor current. Electric current appearing in a protective conductor, such as leakage current or electric current resulting from an insulation fault. In this case not necessary a short circuit maybe only a few milliamp.


Circuit protective conductor (cpc). A protective conductor connecting exposed-conductive-parts of equipment to the main earthing terminal.

Main earthing terminal. The terminal or bar provided for the connection of protective e conductors, including protective bonding conductors, and conductors for functional earthing, if any. to the means of earthing.

Exposed-conductive-part. Conductive part of equipment which can be touched and which is not normally live, but which can become live when basic insulation fails. For example the metal of an electric towel rail.

Extraneous-conductive-part. A conductive part liable to introduce a potential, generally Earth potential, and not forming part of the electrical installation i.e. the soil pipe I talked about.

Is low voltage the same as low energy ?
No! It's the watts that count, not the volts.
There is a common misconception that low voltage lighting systems are the same thing in terms of energy efficiency as low energy lighting systems. On this page we will try to explain why this is.
Measuring energy

Energy is measured in watts - your electricity bill probably shows how many kilowatts you have used. A kilowatt is 1000 watts.

Therefore, if you can produce a lot of light while using a small amount of watts you have a low energy light, and a cheaper electricity bill.

You probably know that low energy light bulbs have a small wattage rating and are often compared to an equivalent wattage. You might see that an 11w low energy bulb is the equivalent of a 60w normal bulb. This is only comparing the amount of light that is produced, it has nothing to do with the amount of energy consumed.
Volts, amps and watts
To show that a low voltage light is not a low energy light, we will compare these three lights:
• 50w low voltage spot light
• 50w mains voltage spot light
• 9w low energy spot light.
All three examples will produce about the same amount of light, but only one will cost less to run.
You might remember from your school days that watts = volts x amps. Once we know this we can easily show that the maths confirms the number of watts used by each of the three example light:

Volts (The electric supply connected to the light) Amps ( watts divided by volts) Watts (as described by the product)
………………………………………………. Volts ………………… Amps ………………. Watts 50w low voltage spot light …….12 …………………… 4.17 ……………………. 50 50w mains voltage spot light ….230 ………………….. 0.21 …………………… 50 9w low energy spot light ……….. 230 ………………….. 0.03 ………………….. 9

As you can see - the 230v 50w bulb uses exactly the same amount of watts (power) as the 12v 50w bulb.
But doesn't it use less power because it's running at 12 volts ?

No - watts are watts. It doesn't matter what the voltage is. We can show this more clearly by explaining about transformers:
Transformers
Low energy lighting such as the 9w bulb in our example will generally run at the full mains voltage, without requiring any change in the voltage.
Most low voltage lighting runs at 12 volts so unless you're running it from a battery (e.g in your car) there has to be a transformer to reduce the mains electricity supply from 230 volts to 12 volts. Some light fittings have a transformer built into them, and sometimes a separate transformer is required.

Transforming volts and amps
When a transformer transforms a voltage it also transforms the available amount of amps - In the table above you can see that the 12v light uses a lot more amps then the mains voltage lights.
The available amps are transformed by the same ratio as volts but in the opposite direction, so if the voltage is reduced by 20 times (230v to 12v) the amps are increased by 20 times (0.21 to 4.2).
In our above example the voltage has been reduced by 20 times, so the amps have increased by 20 times, but the wattage is the same.

Additionally because the transformer efficiency will not be 100% (some energy is lost in the transformation) the 12v bulb might even more use more power than the 230v one, as the transformer will be 'using' some as well as the light.

Is low voltage the same as low energy ?
No - it's the watts that count, not the volts.

 

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One thing to always remember is that nothing is 100% foolproof. All of these tests are those used by the IET as the best tests available to ensure maximum safety.

Tests done before the power is turned on, these establish that nothing will go bang and that all protective devices (circuit breakers and RCD) will work from the moment the power is turned on.

Continuity of protective conductors - Here Continuity really just means that the earth cabling is continuous and has no breaks.
This involves checking that all 'earth' connections are sound so that if a fault develops the voltage will go to earth.
Why this is important is that if an appliance is faulty, i.e. loose wire in a washing machine touches the casing, and there is no path to earth the circuit breaker will not work. So the machine stays live until there is a path to earth, such as someone touching it.
If there is a good earth connection then this will cut the power immediately before any harm can be done.

Continuity of final circuit conductors - This is to ensure that the 'live' and 'neutral' are the same in each socket and appliance on a circuit.
It is important that these are not mixed up causing someone to think the cable is the neutral when it is actually live.
Although people will tell you this doesn't matter in France it does. It is less important as French circuit breakers cut the power to both live and neutral, whereas in the UK they only cut power to the live side.

Insulation Resistance - Believe it or not power can 'leak' through insulation on cables, this tests for any leakage.
The test is done by applying a high voltage through the cables and noting the resistance. In new cables this is usually very high but if old or damaged it can give a low reading.
All readings should be high but if not this indicates possible damage to the insulation or even such things as a faulty or damaged socket.
Best to find these before the power is switched on, as you can imagine.

Polarity - Tests that live is live and neutral is neutral.
This especially applies to appliances such as washing machines, also to fluorescent lighting and especially screw in type lamps.


So - At this point when we turn on the power there should be no surprises.

Tests once the power has been turned on. Now we know nothing will go bang and that if there are any problems people will be protected we can turn on the power. Then we can use the power now in the circuit to do tests to confirm the test results done with the power off.

Earth electrode resistance - This only applies if you have an earth rod fitted.
It is possible to measure this before power is turned on using special test equipment.

Earth fault loop impedance - Sounds very grand doesn't it, basically it means measuring the maximum true resistance for a circuit.
This is important as if it is too high either the RCD will not work in the required time, or not at all.
Circuit breakers will also fail to work if this resistance is too high.
This requires a specialised meter to do this, a cheap one from a DIY store will not give this reading as accurately as it needs to be done.

Prospective fault current - Based on the Earth fault loop impedance really. This shows what the current will be if you do have a fault such as the live cable shorting out. This can be hundreds of Amps so this is where the Circuit Breaker comes in as it will cut the power before this massive current can do any damage.
You need to know this in order to ensure that all circuit breakers etc. can withstand this amount of current without damage.
Most can but best to be sure, the lower the loop impedance the higher the fault current.
Loop impedance is usually high where an earth rod is used, but will be low where a supplier's earth connection is used. As a general rule the closer to the supply transformer then the lower the resistance is, so the higher the fault current.

Functional tests - Just testing that all the items work. Lights come on as expected, sockets all work etc.
Simply testing the switches to see that all works as it should. Switching on high load appliances to see that they can all be put on at the same time and so forth.

Conductor Materials :

The Primary Materials in use today are Copper & Aluminium ,
These two Materials are used because they are reasonable in cost and are good Electrical Conductors ,
Good Conductors ;

Silver :
* best Conductor ,
* used for contacts ,
* plated onto some Conductors ,
Copper :
* good Conductor ,
* most widely used ,
Aluminium :
* not as good as Copper ,
* strong , light , and cheap ,
* used for transmission Conductors ,
* used for power distribution ,
Gold :
* almost as good as Copper ,
* extremely résistance to corrosion ,
* too expensive for general usage ,
* used primarily for contacts and terminals on printed circuit boards ,
Fair Conductors :
Brass , Zinc , Iron , and Nickel
Tungsten ( used for filaments )
Nichrome ( used for heating elements )
Mercury ( used for thermostats’ and switches )
Copper : Copper is most important and commonly of all conductor materials . copper is used because it possesses several

Desirable characteristics ,
* Copper is highly conductive ( both thermally & electrically ) it is second only to silver and gold in conductivity ,
* Copper is plentiful and relatively inexpensive when compared to silver & gold ,
* Copper is both ductile and malleable . these properties make it ideal for use as a conductor ,
* Because it is resistant to both corrosion and fatigue , copper may be used in a variety of industrial and commercial environments ,
Aluminium , Aluminium is the second most popular material used in fabrication of electrical conductors , it is cheaper and lighter
Than copper and has almost as good thermal and electrical conductivity , unlike copper , aluminium does not possess it the tensile
Strength . it transmission lines , aluminium is reinforced with steel to give it the tensile Strength required , aluminium possesses several other characteristics ,
* Aluminium expands and contracts on copper terminals , causing high résistance and resultant heat , High résistance builds up because
The copper and aluminium have different thermal coefficients ; therefore , the terminals loosen when aluminium is used with copper ,
* Aluminium corrodes when connected to copper conductors because of galvanic chemical action caused by the reaction of the two
Dissimilar metals , No-oxide chemical compounds must be used to prevent this reaction ,
* Aluminium is used in power systems , depending upon the design and code requirements ,
* Aluminium is used in transmission , shipyard , building ,
* Aluminium does not conduct as well as copper and , therefore , must have a slightly larger cross-sectional area for the same ampacity
In spite of this , Aluminium conductors are generally lighter and less expensive than copper conductors of the same ampacity ,