With 2024 expected to see a significant rise in in-office working across the UK, NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification body for the electrical contracting industry, is urging compliance managers to prioritise electrical safety training for their facilities management (FM) teams.
A recent study shows 42% of employers plan to increase in-office working1. This shift necessitates thorough risk assessments, including rigorous electrical safety measures, to fulfill legal and ethical obligations to building occupants.
NICEIC Technical Director Paul Collins highlighted: “As the UK transitions back to more in-office working, ensuring electrical safety in buildings is paramount. Businesses have a legal obligation and moral duty of care to protect their colleagues, contractors, members of the public and other building occupants from harm when visiting their premises, by reducing or eliminating risks. It’s essential FMs have a fundamental understanding of electrical safety so that electrical systems are well-maintained, secure, effective and safe.”
To address this growing need, NICEIC is offering training solutions suitable for upskilling facilities management teams with electrical safety knowledge:
Electrical Fundamentals for Maintenance Operatives – 3 days (classroom based with in-company option)
This course is intended for operatives engaged in maintenance activities involving single-phase electrical equipment. Attendees will also learn how to identify where their remit ends, and a qualified electrician is needed. Delegates will gain an understanding of how to safely isolate the supply to an item of electrical equipment to allow for the removal and replacement of individual items of electrical equipment on a ‘like for like’ basis.
E-learning module – Electrical Fundamental – 100 mins (online)
These modules are ideal for those who manage or administer the work of electricians and maintenance operatives or are looking for a demystification of the electrotechnical sector. Each of the five e-learning modules are 20 minutes long and makes attendees aware of some of the key aspects relating to electrical installations. They also highlight the risks associated with electrical systems, and the procedures which should be followed to ensure that work is safely carried out, and that completed installations are left in a safe condition for the end user.
NICEIC Head of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Neil Vincent added: “Today’s increased focus on safety creates a growing workload for facilities management teams, juggling multiple projects and regulations. Electrical safety, in particular, demands a best practice approach. Our aim is to empower compliance managers to invest in their FM teams, so they have the tools and knowledge they need to confidently navigate electrical situations. This not only contributes to a safe workplace but also fosters a more efficient work environment.”
To discover more about the latest qualifications offered by NICEIC Training, please visit niceic.com/training.
1 https://employeebenefits.co.uk/42-of-employers-plan-to-reduce-flexibility-for-staff-in-2024/
