2021 has seen the continuation of
challenging times, but the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) has not let that
stop its progress. Our significant accomplishments this year demonstrate
participant commitment and dedication to improving electrical safety standards
and encouraging technical excellence.
Our first Virtual Conference,
Shining a Spotlight on Initiatives Impacting Electrical Safety in Homes and
Workplaces, took place in May 2021 and was a huge success. Speakers included
Clive Betts MP, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select
Committee, and Lorna Stimpson, Chief Executive Officer of LABC, among others
with the event attracting nearly 200 guests. Many people from the industry,
including local governments, electrical contracting companies, manufacturers,
and government officials, attended the event, which was kindly sponsored by
NAPIT and Megger.
Clive Betts, Chair of the
Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, commenting on the
conference said: “I was very pleased to be invited to speak at the
Electrical Safety Roundtable’s first Virtual Conference and welcomed the
opportunity to share highlights from the Housing, Communities and Local
Government’s pre-legislative scrutiny of the Draft Building Safety Bill. I look
forward to continuing to engage with the work of the Roundtable in the future
and value the positive impact on enhancing electrical safety which has been
made since its inception in 2012.”
Chris Bielby MBE, our wonderful
chair of the ESR in the Home Group for the past ten years, also stepped down in
2021. With his wealth of industry knowledge and experience, as well as a career
dedicated to improving safety, the Roundtable thrived under his leadership. Commenting
on his time as Chair, Chris Bielby said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time
as Chair of the Electrical Safety Roundtable. It has been a pleasure to work
with such a variety of knowledgeable and passionate industry stakeholders. I
wish the ESR continued success in the future and will follow its progress with
interest.”
Chris Pack, a previous
participant in the Electrical Safety Roundtable while working for BEAMA,
stepped up as the Home Group's new chair in November and
chaired his first meeting in December. Commenting on his new appointment,
Chris Pack said: “I was delighted to accept the position as Chair of the
Electrical Safety Roundtable in the Home group. Although I have only been Chair
for a few months, I am looking forward to 2022 and am committed to helping the
ESR in their mission to improve Electrical Safety.”
In October, our Social Housing
Sub-group chaired by Martin Simmonds published a new guidance document, How to
Manage Electrical Systems in Higher-Risk Buildings (HRB). Created to assist
those responsible for managing electrical risks within HRBs, its launch event
was attended by 90 people from more than 50 different organisations.
The guidance was commended by
Dame Judith Hackitt, Government-appointed Independent Advisor on Building
Safety, who said: “I am very pleased to see this guidance on managing
electrical systems in higher-risk buildings published. It shines a spotlight on
the importance of electrical safety in higher-risk buildings and the complexity
of effective management. I encourage all those involved in the management of
buildings to use this guidance.”
Commenting on the guidance and
launch event, Peter Baker, Chief Inspector of Buildings at Health and Safety
Executive, said: “The ESR guide is a welcome example of how industry has
taken the initiative and is sharing the knowledge, experience and expertise of
several organisations to help those responsible for the safety of high-rise
buildings manage electrical safety risks and prepare for when the building
safety reforms become law.”
Commenting on the last year,
Martin Simmonds said: “It has been an honour to chair the Electrical Safety
Roundtable Social Housing Sub-Group this year. The publication of the How to
Manage Electrical Systems in Higher-risk Buildings Guidance document was
extremely well received by the wider industry and I’d like to note my thanks to
the participants of the group for their efforts and commitment. I look forward
to continuing to represent the Social Housing sub-group at stakeholder meetings
and l am excited to see what we can achieve in 2022.”
Additionally, during 2021, the ESR’s
Workplace group continued to meet virtually to discuss how to increase
awareness around the many regulations and guidance documents that govern how to
manage and monitor electrical safety in the workplace. The Group has been developing
a series of technical information leaflets to provide an overview of often complex
regulations and Government legislation such as the Electricity at Work
Regulations.
Remarking on the past year, Paul
Meenan, Chair of the Workplace Group, said: “I have been overwhelmed by the
commitment of the members of the group and grateful for their engagement,
innovative solutions and incredible technical expertise. I am looking forward
to 2022, which will see the creation of our ambassador endorsement and the
publication of more technical leaflets to help raise awareness and standards
across the industry.”
Looking ahead, this year the
Electrical Safety Roundtable’s work will continue to focus on improving
electrical safety and standards within the industry. Building on the success of
the two virtual events in 2021, we look forward to delivering another engaging
event in 2022 to further enhance electrical safety.
For more information about the Electrical Safety Roundtable,
please visit: www.electricalsafetyroundtable.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter: @ElectricalSR
Connect with us on LinkedIn: electrical-safety-roundtable