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Power, Precision, and Protection: Navigating Electrical Risk in Modern Engineering

Power, Precision, and Protection: Navigating Electrical Risk in Modern Engineering

Finch’s Chartered Electrical Engineers ensure electrical integrity across LV/HV networks. We provide proactive consultancy and forensic investigation to meet Electricity at Work Regulations and BS 7671, securing your critical manufacturing infrastructure against risk while ensuring operational robustness.

Posted

15.01.2026

1. Electrical Risks

  • Is wiring or insulation faulty?
  • Is earthing and grounding suitable?
  • Is there exposure to live components?

2. Environmental Conditions

  • Is there excessive noise, vibration, heat, or cold?
  • What are the effects of chemical exposure or corrosion?
  • Is the lighting poor and is ventilation adequate?

3. Human Factors

  • How good is operator training and are they competent (how is competence measured)?
  • Has a lack of understanding or fatigue increased incidents of misuse?
  • What are the ergonomic risks?

4. Maintenance and Wear

  • What effect does safety critical deterioration have on equipment?
  • Is there an inadequate level of and detail in scheduled inspections and servicing?
  • How comprehensive is record-keeping of the change and maintenance history?

5. Control Measures and Safeguards

  • Are guards, emergency stops and interlocks ineffective or missing?
  • Are signage or warning systems adequate?
  • Is there an absence of personal protective equipment (PPE) and how well is it used?

6. Documentation and Compliance

  • Are there missing risk assessments or inspection records?
  • Are manufacturer’s safety instructions followed or compliant?
  • Is there a failure to meet industry-specific standards?

Key Benefits of a PUWER Assessment

  • PUWER is a legal requirement in the UK. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action and serious penalties.
  • PUWER helps prevent accidents and injuries by identifying and mitigating equipment-related risks.
  • PUWER guides preventive maintenance reduces repair costs.
  • PUWER can highlight outdated or inefficient equipment, prompting upgrades.
  • PUWER promotes morale through a safer environment.
  • PUWER demonstrates a commitment to safety, which builds trust with employees and stakeholders.

PUWER Inspection

PUWER Inspections, required by Regulation 6, help ensure that work equipment is safe to use and has not deteriorated. They typically involve checking safety-critical components and can be visual or involve testing or dismantling. Inspection frequency should be regular and risk based, taking into consideration several factors, for example:

  • Exposure to conditions causing deterioration or frequent use.
  • Alignment of inspection frequency and schedules with manufacturers’ requirements.
  • After installation and before first use conditions.
  • After re-positioning, repurposing or reassembly.
  • Industry requirements for minimum inspection intervals and details.

After exceptional circumstances (e.g. damage, failure). Inspections must be undertaken by a competent person who is sufficiently independent, and inspection results must be recorded.

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