ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTION IN NEW ZEALAND
Care Labs offers professional electrical safety testing and inspection services to companies in New Zealand. Our service ensures that all electrical systems and appliances at your company are operating safely and effectively. Our electrical safety inspection also guarantees that your property complies with New Zealand Electrical Codes of Practice (ECP).
Care Labs primary goal in performing electrical inspections is to prevent harm to life, property, and valuables. Our skilled technicians will examine your work procedures, maintenance records, and safety protocols to ensure that your electrical safety policy is up to date, compliant, and in accordance with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and the New Zealand Legislation (2004) Building Act.
An electrical safety inspection can:
- Improve overall operational safety
- Can extend the life of an electrical installation through proper maintenance.
- Reduce the electricity bills.
- Reduce or remove the need for emergency repairs and downtime.
- Assist in predicting potential installation breakdowns.
- Comply with electrical regulatory safety obligations
Need for an Electrical Safety Inspection:
An electrical safety inspection is essential for institutional, commercial, and industrial establishments as it can help determine the extent of an electrical risk, whether existing control systems are effective, what action is required to control the electrical risk, and how quickly the action needs to be taken.
According to the Energy Safety Annual Report of WorkSafe, New Zealand – trends, consequence, and frequency of casualties due to electrical hazards for 26 years between 1993 and 2018 is as follows:
There were 280 electricity-related accidents which resulted in fatalities and injuries to 296 people. It is observed that 111 (37%) of the estimated 296 casualties are minors under the age of 17.
Figure. Age distribution of victims of electrical accidents
WorkSafe, New Zealand also listed the most common causes of electrical accidents. It was found that lack of maintenance in 65 cases (23%), failure to follow safe work procedures in 61 cases (22%), and misuse actions in 46 cases (16%) was the primary cause of electrical hazards.
The other factors for electrical hazards are as follows:
- Non-compliance to adequate standards and procedures
- Malfunction of the electrical equipment
- Design faults
- Improper working procedures and carelessness
- When installation and repair are carried out by unqualified technicians.
- Exposure to live parts of the electrical system
Figure. Factors leading to electrical hazards in New Zealand
In general, about 50% of injuries affected electrical workers, 30% involved workers in other trades, and 20% involved members of the general public.
Here are a few visible signs that tell you that you need to get your inspection done immediately.
- Excessive heating from electrical wiring, switches, equipment, and outlets.
- Frequent tripping of fuses and circuit breakers
- The appearance of sparks in your electrical system is a potential fire hazard.
- Flickering or dimming of light
- Burning smell and electric buzz/humming
Care Labs offers electrical safety inspection with the objective of:
- Identifying any potential electrical hazards
- Evaluating the quality and reliability of electrical appliances and installations
- Examining for faulty appliances and facility
- Identifying Overload Points
- Examining the electrical panel
- Examining electrical outlets and lighting
- Assessing the risk of a ground fault
- Checking for uncovered and out-of-date wiring
- Switchgear and safety switches are checked and tested.
- Checking and testing protective equipment and schemes
- Smoke alarms and alarm systems are checked and tested.
- Checking electrical components for their adherence to codes, standards, and regulations laid out by the country.
Acts, Regulations and Standards:
The following mentioned standards and regulations must be followed where ever applicable:
- Electricity act 1992
- Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
- Building Act 2004
- Building code – Building Regulations 1992, clause G9
- AS/NZS 3000:2018 Australian/NZ wiring rules
- AS/NZS 3760:2014 In-service safety testing and inspection of electrical equipment
- AS/NZS 3017:2007 Electrical installations: Verification guidelines
- AS/NZS 3019:2007 Electrical installations: Periodic verification
- AS/NZS 3820:2009 Essential safety needs for electrical installation.
Several businesses invest in high-quality facilities, but smart businesses also pay attention to the safety and reliability offered by the facility. Electrical safety inspection in New Zealand is a comprehensive approach to meet safety standards.
Care Labs offers electrical safety inspection services performed by experienced professionals who’ll help evaluate all possible risks and recommend suggestions for improvement.
Care Labs offers its services across New Zealand including Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Otago. Book your electrical safety inspection in New Zealand or get a quote today by contacting us!
