Electrical Safety at Norwich International Airport.
The importance of Electrical Compliance Testing was demonstrated during the month of March when CGE were commissioned to carry out a Fixed Wire Test of the Terminal Complex and other site buildings at Norwich International Airport. In line with current legislation, the Health and Safety Executive recommend that in order to comply with the regulations an electrical inspection and testing programme should be undertaken at all places of work. Norwich International Airport is committed to ensuring that all their premises and services are compliant and safe for all their staff and clients.
Prior to the start of the Periodic Inspection an in-depth survey of every electrical circuit to identify business critical circuits which would have to be tested out of the normal working hours for the airport. Equally as important we were then able to identify which areas could be completed during normal working hours with minimal disruption.
Fixed Wire Testing (FWT) is a popular phrase used to describe an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) the new name from 2012 and formerly called Periodic Inspection Repot (PIR).
The Risks
The two main dangers associated with electricity are the risk of shock and the possibility of fire. Over a period of time those risks are increased because installations deteriorate due to age as well as due to normal wear and tear.
Periodic Fixed Wire Testing (FWT) in accordance with BS7671 involves the testing of electrical circuits and systems that distribute electricity around a building.
How it Works
The wiring of each circuit undergoes a series of tests to make sure the wiring is safe and that the circuit is wired correctly. Each circuit's cable and accessories including light switches, light fittings, socket outlets, supplies to air conditioning and other fixed plant are tested and inspected for visual damage and wear and tear. Any ‘damage, deterioration, defects and dangerous conditions within the installation’ is then identified on the EICR.
A testing and inspection schedule was created from the original survey carried out by the contract manager. The project lasted three weeks and covered the Terminal Building, both the North and South Side and surrounding buildings plus the Control Tower and even included some of the runway lights, most of which being completed during normal working hours causing minimal disruption. Out of hours Inspection and Testing was only required for business critical circuits relating to the Control Tower and surrounding areas.
We are really pleased and proud to have been able to carry out this work for one of the foremost regional airports in the UK. We would like to thank Steve Woods the Senior Electrical Technician and his very knowledgeable site electricians for their help and co-operation.