Periodic Inspection Reports (PIR)
Are you aware of the hidden dangers?
Electrical faults may result in injury to employees and are a major cause of
fires. Whilst installations appear to be in good condition, with no obvious
faults, it is essential to establish procedures that ensure safe electrical
installations are maintained through periodic inspections using calibrated
equipment. Failure to produce up-to-date inspection certificates could even make
an insurance claim more difficult.
• Establish a scheduled test and inspection programme.>br/>
• All Wiring should be tested and inspected by a National Inspection Council
for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) or Electrical Contractor’s
Association (ECA) approved contractor, at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or
such other periods as recommended.
• Following each scheduled test and inspection, remedial work should be
carried out as necessary and an appropriate certificate issued.
• Be aware of your responsibility under the Electricity at Work Regulations
1989 to maintain safe electrical installations.
We will be happy to visit your premises to advise you on the appropriate testing
regime.
The Law
The current regulations for electrical installations are BS 7671: 2001
Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations 16th Edition).
Compliance with these regulations and the subsequent issue of certificates of
conformity are not a specific requirement, but are invariably needed by your
insurance company.
However, there is a statutory duty of care under the Electricity at Work
Regulations 1989 for all electrical installations in work places to be maintained
as to be safe and to prevent danger. It is likely therefore that in the event of
an accident the authorities will look at the wiring regulations as the benchmark
for standards that should be adopted.
Landlords or management companies are responsible for the safety of all gas and
electrical appliances, electrical circuitry and furniture and furnishings Checks
will be carried out annually.
THE LAW STATES:
All portable (PAT) and fixed wired electrical appliances must be tested by
qualified persons and conform to the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations
1994, mandatory for rented property since January 1997
Every gas appliance must conform to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use)
Regulations 1994
Only CORGI registered businesses using ACS qualified engineers can carry out
work on gas appliances and piping.
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 became mandatory
from 1st January 1997. They state that all upholstered furniture must comply with
the fire resistance requirements
You are bound by law to keep a service record of all gas and electrical
appliances. Your tenant has the legal right to inspect these records.
Please also be aware of the inspection requirements laid down by the new
Building Regulations 'Part P' which was effective from 1st January 2005 and
affects work carried out on the electrical installation in domestic properties -
we can advise you of whether you need an inspection
Failure to comply with your legal obligations could endanger the safety of your
tenant. It can invalidate your insurance cover and may also lead to prosecution.
The Solution
THE ENGINEERS OFFER A MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT, THE BENEFITS OF WHICH ARE:-
A 'one stop shop'. A telephone call from you is all that is required to enable us
to deal with your gas, portable appliance testing and electrical inspections.
This is supported by our ability to estimate and carry out remedial or repair
work on your instructions.
That all gas work is carried out by our CORGI registered engineers, electrical
repairs by our electricians qualified to the I.E.E.16th edition.
The issue of gas safety certificates and records to support the relevant
inspections, including an estimate for any remedial or repair work.
We will notify you or the landlord one month prior to the next annual inspection
and contact the tenant to arrange for the visit.
The ability to operate at a local or national level. A client who is distant from
you, does not create a problem for us.
The registration of our business under the Data Protection Act, allowing strict
confidentiality with our clients.
Enabling the freedom and opportunity for your staff to concentrate on more
important duties or cultivate new business, whilst retaining control of
inspections, servicing and repair work.
All we ask is that you supply us with a list of properties for inspection,
one month or ideally, a year in advance. This would enable us to produce advance
schedules for our engineers. We would be happy to assist your staff in the
compilation of these lists.
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