Pete McCallum, the founder of one of the South West's leading electrical contractors has launched a new service for businesses which centres around the four pillars of electrical safety.

Since 2006, TECC Ltd have helped thousands of customers across domestic, commercial and public sectors maintain their four pillars of electrical safety. Founder, Pete says there needs to be far more education and understanding, particularly for businesses with premises, around electrical safety. His team routinely come across ‘bodge’ jobs and unsafe wiring which can be a huge risk for businesses.

“Electrical safety isn’t achieved through a single inspection or service. It relies on several key elements working together to create a safer environment for everyone who lives, works, or visits a property,” he said.

“That’s why we can up with our own quality standard around the ‘Four Pillars of Electrical Safety’:

1.    Electrical Inspections

Regular Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) help identify faults, deterioration, and potential safety risks in electrical installations before serious problems develop.

“Electrical installations naturally deteriorate over time,” said Pete. “Wiring can age, connections can loosen and previous alterations may not meet current safety standards.”

These reports identify damaged or deteriorating wiring, overloaded circuits, faulty consumer units (fuse boards), electric shock risks, inadequate earthing and bonding, and non-compliance with current regulations. Investing in this maintenance can prevent a huge bill down the line when something goes seriously wrong.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a homeowner or a business, everyone wants to make sure their wiring isn’t going to cause a future issue. With EICRs it’s about creating peace of mind by making sure electrical installations are safe and compliant,” he continued.

“What many people don’t realise is that many electrical faults remain hidden until a serious incident occurs. The damage of not checking could be catastrophic.”

2.    PAT Testing

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) also now known as EET – Electrical Equipment Testing, helps confirm that everyday electrical equipment is safe to use, focusing on electrical equipment that is plugged into the electrical system. For employers, landlords and organisations, PAT testing is part of their health and safety responsibilities.

This includes: computers and monitors, kitchen appliances, power tools, extension leads, office equipment, and portable heaters.

“The main concern with plug-in appliances is that they may appear to be working correctly but hidden faults can develop internally and increase the risk of electric shock or fire,” warned Pete.

PAT testing needs to be carried out with specialist equipment.

“We’ve been carrying out PAT testing for years. I see firsthand issues in equipment which could have had disastrous effects. Luckily, these have been dealt with, and people in that workplace are safer because of it.”

For employers, landlords and organisations, PAT testing is part of their health and safety responsibilities.

3.    Fire Alarm Maintenance

“Fire alarm systems are relied upon at the most critical moments,” said Pete,

“They provide early warnings, vital information and give people time to get to safety. If they’re faulty, the consequences can be deadly.”

These alarms are maintained by ensuring detectors are functioning, sounders can be heard throughout a building, any faults are corrected, control panels are operating and any manual call points are operating.

“Fire alarms are at great risk of becoming faulty. Dust can get into the system and cause issues. Also, they’re at risk of general system failures.

“A lot of these things can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Alarms can be out of sight, out of mind. However, you don’t want to find out there's a fault when you’re experiencing a fire, so making sure you’re having routine checks of your alarm systems could be lifesaving.”

4.   Emergency Lighting

This kind of lighting is critical to health and safety in an emergency (is this a legal requirement for all? If not for what sectors?)

“During an emergency, safe evacuation depends on clear visibility. Emergency lighting helps guide people to safety during power failures, fires, or other incidents. Regular testing and maintenance ensure systems will perform when they are needed most.”

It’s often this pillar people don’t think about.

“If normal lighting fails due to a power outage or during a fire-related incident and smoke obscures lights, emergency lighting helps people find escape routes and life-saving equipment. This type of lighting is commonly installed in offices, schools, factories, shops, hotels, apartment buildings and public buildings.

“Emergency lighting needs to be fully operational and capable of providing illumination when required.”

The Electrical Compliance Collective Ltd (TECC) is a UK-based specialist in electrical compliance, supporting businesses with safe, regulation-ready installations and ongoing professional development. For more information, visit https://tecc.ltd/

JournalismUK publishes this press release as it was submitted without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Share with a colleague

Written by
Fiona Scott

Comments