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Pat Labels Online are delighted to announce the launch of their new website. After many years of service, the decision was taken to retire the old site and replace it with a new, more advanced website, which not only provides a better user experience across mobile phones and tablets, but also boasts a number of new different product categories. The changes allow customers to order a wider range of Pat Test Labels, Electrical Safety Labels & Inspection Labels quicker than ever before. As always, standard first class delivery is always free and orders received before 2pm are despatched same day. Will Best, Manager at Pat Labels Online commented: Over the last couple of years we’ve noticed a steady increase in traffic to our website from mobile phones and tablets. Knowing that our website was not optimised for mobile users, we took the decision to invest for the future and have our store completely rebuilt using responsive technology. Our website will now re-size itself to fit any screen it is displayed on, giving the best user experience possible. We have also more than doubled our range of products we have available, adding completely new departments to give our customers better choice. We would love to get your opinion on the new site and the changes that we have made, so if you can do take a minute to leave us some feedback. Read Full Story -
Health & Safety
Many people are killed and injured each year by coming in contact with live overhead power lines or when flashovers happen. The risk is even higher if your occupation involves tall vehicles and long equipment, for example, elevated work platforms, vehicle mounted cranes, scaffold poles or combines, sprayer booms and irrigation pipes. Accidents have happened after mistaking overhead power lines for telephone wires; add to the fact that electricity can, under moist conditions, pass through wood, plastic and even rubber then subsequently flash over, you don’t even need to be touching the conductor to be shocked. And don’t be fooled; you cannot rely on gloves or rubber boots for protection. As a consequence of these risks, stringent health and safety measures must be implemented when working with, or near overhead power lines. And here the ball rests firmly in the employer’s court. Any company whose business operations fall into this category must ensure their duty of care is fulfilled at all times and should have conducted an in-depth risk assessment and referred to the various controlling documents regarding the industry sector. Only by doing so, can personal safety be reasonably assured. What should employers do? Planning and management must be meticulous when working near electric overhead power lines so that all persons are free from risk of accidental contact. These areas and their near proximity must be adequately controlled at all times, with sufficient signage clearly visible as a warning. These precautions will vary and depend on the nature of the work. The safety aims may be achieved by a number of actions: Planning and preparation, including risk assessment. Training of personnel. Reduction and removal of risk and danger Control of access Control and manage the work effectively. How to reduce danger and risk Very often, the danger cannot be simply removed from the equation, and where this is the case, the focus then becomes one of reducing danger and minimising risk, making things as safe as practicably possible, such as the control of access and managing the area near and around the ‘works’ in an effective manner. For example, ensure storage areas, materials and temporary structures are erected and sited at safe distances from the work in hand where possible. Divert overhead lines away from the work area, and check if there are times the lines can be made dead while the work is being done. However, where overhead lines pass over permanent work areas this is not always possible. Control of access Controlling access is essential when carrying out work near overhead power lines and where access and passage way is required. And to that end, warning signage, clearly visible at all times, and barriers, are both all seen as effective lines of protection and defence. Barriers must be erected at the correct clearance distance from power lines to warn of the dangers of closer approach. Safe clearance distances can be obtained from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Further essential reading includes HSE guidance document ‘Avoidance of danger from overhead electric power lines and Electricity at Work’ Controlling and managing the work activities Where work underneath live overhead power lines cannot be avoided, in addition to barriers and warning notices, the following additional actions may also be required: Exclusion – any vehicles, plant, machinery, equipment, or materials capable of reaching beyond the safe clearance distance should be prevented from coming too close to live lines. Where this measure is impractical, all equipment, plant, and vehicles that pose such risk should only be modified to include adequate restraint that cannot be tampered with, or changed readily by unauthorised persons. Movement in and around the site should be controlled by, and under the direct supervision of a suitable person appointed to ensure that safety precautions are observed and rules are followed. Frequent safety checks and audits. Induction and safety awareness training. Pat Labels Online have a huge selection of Electrical Safety Labels. We stock everything from Voltage Labels, to Solar PV Warning Labels and 17th Edition Stickers. All of our Electrical Safety Labels are dispatched inside 24 hours of receiving your order. If you can’t find the Electrical Safety Label you’re looking for, please contact our Sales Team for assistance in finding the right Electrical Safety Label for you. Read Full Story -
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If you touch a live electrical component, or wire, an electrical current passes through the body and will try to find a path to earth, and in doing so, blocks out the electrical signals between the brain and the muscles, resulting in what is commonly known as an electric shock. An electric shock, in addition to being extremely painful can result in: Unconsciousness Burns along the path of the electric current, and where the current entered and left the body contact areas Muscular spasms, and severe weakness Short, shallow breathing, and rapid pulse rate, which can lead on to serious injury, and even; Death! Electrical shock The severity of electric shock effect is dependent upon a number of things including the amount of voltage received, the parts of the body involved, the presence of moisture, and how damp the person was at the time of exposure, and the length of time the current flowed through the body. Static electricity shocks such as those that take us by surprise when getting out of a car or simply walking across a synthetic fibre carpet can pack a punch of more than 10,000 volts, but because the current flows for only a very short time, these shocks are not so dangerous. But that does not mean static electricity is safe: it can cause catastrophic fire or explosion in certain circumstances. Loss of muscle control Following an electric shock, victims often experience extremely painful muscle spasms that can fracture and break bones, or dislocate joints. Because of this loss of muscle control, very often the person is unable to ‘let go’ of the live source, and escape the electric shock. The impact of the shock can also cause a person to fall from height, or be thrown into the path of hazards, such as machinery, structures, and moving vehicles.elec Electrical burns As an electrical current passes through the human body it heats the tissue along the path of the current flow which can result in serious, disabling burns that often require major surgery. Electrical burns caused as a result of shock are usually associated with higher voltages but injuries can result from domestic electricity supplies if the current flows for even slightly longer than a few fractions of a second. Thermal burns The biggest, most devastating fires and explosions can be caused by the smallest of sparks. Be that from a single low voltage torch battery, or a spark from a damaged extension lead in a paint booth, or gas storage area, the effects can be the same – injury, death, and damage. Electrical overloading, faulty and damaged equipment, and lack of adequate maintenance, can all to lead to overheating in electrical equipment, causing it to become hot enough to burn and inflict injury. So, as can be seen, electricity poses a very real hazard, particularly in the workplace. For this reason most employers implement rigid risk assessment programmes that consider the risks, hazards, and dangers in a given area or during a specific process, to keep electricity safe and protect lives and property. Electrical overloading, faulty and damaged equipment, and lack of adequate maintenance, can all to lead to overheating in electrical equipment, causing it to become hot enough to burn and inflict injury. So, as can be seen, electricity poses a very real hazard, particularly in the workplace. For this reason most employers implement rigid risk assessment programmes that consider the risks, hazards, and dangers in a given area or during a specific process, to keep electricity safe and protect lives and property. Pat Labels Online have a huge selection of Electrical Safety Labels. We stock everything from Voltage Labels, to Solar PV Warning Labels and 17th Edition Stickers. All of our Electrical Safety Labels are dispatched inside 24 hours of receiving your order. If you can’t find the Electrical Safety Label you’re looking for, please contact our Sales Team for assistance in finding the right Electrical Safety Label for you. Read Full Story -
News
Electrical Safety First, the UK’s electrical safety charity has released market research which shows that 18 Million UK residents could be putting themselves and their home at risk because they feel too embarrassed to ask if an electrician carrying work out for them, if they are registered to the UK national safety standard (BS 7671) The charity has since launched a major consumer campaign to increase awareness of the need to use a registered tradesman, especially for any electrical work. Phil Buckle, Director General of Electrical Safety First is quoted: ‘While most of us claim to use registered tradespeople, only one in five of us actually request proof. It seems that British awkwardness is a real barrier when it comes to checking that an electrician is safe to work on your home. But with more than half of all domestic fires in the UK arising from electricity – which also causes 350,000 serious accidents each year – ensuring your electrician is registered could end up saving your life’ The charity’s website has a search function, allowing you to easily and quickly find a registered electrician close to you. The search function can be found here: www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/find-an-electrician The authorities are also coming down hard on unqualified electricians; working without being registered is against the Electricity Regulation Act of 1999. The Act covers all of the industry in the UK. It’s not just in your home where poor quality electrical work can cause problems, businesses and organisations of all sizes are also at risk. One of the most efficient and cost effective ways of securing electrical safety for your business is PAT testing, a testing process which examines each and every portable electrical appliance used by a company. The testing is usually carried out yearly and ensures piece of mind for both company owners & employees. There are many PAT testing companies around, although some companies prefer to train a member of staff internally to carry out PAT Testing work, to avoid disruption work is often carried out on weekends. Pat Labels Online are Suppliers of High Quality PAT Testing Labels, Electrical Safety Labels and Inspection Labels. Read Full Story -
Health & Safety
While most of us know that without a fuse, a household plug, and whichever appliance it’s attached to, won’t work. A question frequently asked is “How does a fuse work, what is its purpose, and why it is important to fit the correct one?” In our world of hi tech appliances, fuses play a very important, but sometimes overlooked role which is frequently misunderstood. This can leave expensive electronic equipment inadequately protected and at risk. A plug fuse is a safety device which is connected into an electrical circuit to prevent excessive current flow during fault conditions. Upon overload, the wire fuse element heats up and melts, or blows with a resounding bang, interrupting and cutting off the current flow. The plug fuse may be thought of as an electrical safety valve which provides extra protection in addition to the main house fuse box or circuit breaker. By doing so it helps reduce the risk of electric shock and fire. All electrical appliances in the UK must be marked with the correct plug fuse rating by law. This figure is generally found on the plugs rating plate, or on an affixed label. In the UK, most household appliances with a motor and/or heating element, such as a washing machine, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, etc, will usually require a fuse with the maximum rating of 13 Amps. Appliances with a small heating element (toaster, clothes iron, electric kettle) will also need a high rating fuse of 7 or 13 Amps. Lamps, radios, small TV sets, computers, power drills, video’s, etc. with a rating up to 100 Watts (or 100 VA) need a fuse of 3 Amp rating. UK household plugs are generally fitted with either a 3A or 13A fuse. For appliances up to 700w you need to use a 3A fuse and for appliances over 700w you need to use a 13A fuse. Most appliance manufacturers have now standardised plug fuse ratings to either 3A or 13A. But take care; some older equipment may use 5 amps fuses which are still available today. Having discussed the importance of fuse ratings, the other safety aspect relating to safety and reducing risk in the home is the plug into which the fuse is fitted. Damaged electrical plugs pose a risk of fire and injury making a quick periodic check essential for peace of mind. Checking the plug and cable from time to time is simple and takes minutes at most. Check the following; With the plug removed from the socket, check the cable for signs of wear or damage. Never repair damaged electrical cables with insulating tape or join with connectors Check the cable is securely attached to the appliance and plug. Check that the plug cable is securely clamped into the plug with no plug wires showing. Check for cracks or damage on the plug casing. When replacing plugs, check it meets British Standard BS 1363. Pat Labels Online are Suppliers of High Quality PAT Testing Labels, Electrical Safety Labels and Inspection Labels. Read Full Story -
Health & Safety
PAT testing is often a subject stumbled upon that many people didn’t know about. The requirements of PAT Testing is something we get asked for a lot, so we thought we would put a blog together covering some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. How often do my appliances have to be tested? In accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) all electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is kept in a safe condition. The most effective way of ensuring that these regulations are adhered to is through a program of PAT testing. Furthermore, PAT Testing helps your business comply with the Health and safety at work act, the provision and use of work equipment regulations of (1998) and the management of health and safety at work act (1999). What does PAT testing involve? Proper PAT testing can be broken down into three separate activities. A visual inspection to look for any superficial damage and poor electrical standards A series of tests using specialist equipment, this step is to check for earth continuity, insulation resistance and earth leakage tests. A function check would then be carried out, to check that the appliance is in working order Should I test new equipment? New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition, when dealing with new equipment, often a simple visual inspection will suffice. If you think that a product may be damaged, carry out a full inspection. What experience do I need to become a PAT tester? There is no previous experience needed to become a PAT tester. Many companies send their own employees to training courses so they can become competent PAT testers. If you undertake PAT testing regularly, there will be no need to attend a ‘top up’ course. How long does PAT Testing take? Typically, a competent tester can test up anything up top 200 appliances each day, depending on the type of appliance, access to appliances and appliance condition. How do I know an item has been PAT tested? PAT Test labels are used to identify the pass/fail rating of the appliance, the test date and who the appliance was tested by. Many PAT testers also choose to log the results as data within a spread sheet. What happens if an item fails PAT testing? The first step after identifying a failed appliance is to label it as failed. The item is then taken out of circulation and can either be disposed of or repaired. Read Full Story -
Health & Safety
Electricity is essential to us, it plays a part in most peoples working life; many of us could not do our jobs without it. It does have a dangerous side and needs to respected and treated with caution. You can’t usually see electricity, smell it or actually hear it, but there can be serious consequences if you are exposed to it. The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 states employers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of their employees and the public, if they are at risk from work activities. With regard to the dangers associated with electricity in the workplace, this responsibility is further detailed under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Although these acts have been in force for some time now, every year thousands of accidents in the workplace involving electricity are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Often, many of these accidents could have been avoided if a risk assessment had been carried out, and careful planning and appropriate precautions had been implemented. So what and where are the risks associated with electricity at work? Here we take a look at some of the hazards encountered by workers, and some of the precautions that help avoid accidents; How electricity poses a danger to employees Electric shock and burns from contact with live parts. Shocks can lead to other types of personal injury, such falls from height, ladders or scaffolding. Due to unsuitable, inadequate, and damaged/faulty electrical equipment. Injury due to poor equipment maintenance, testing and repair. Static electricity can ignite flammable liquids, vapours, airborne dusts. Faulty electrical appliances often lead to fire, which may affect and cause injury to others. What should employers do? All employers are affected by the health and safety act and have duties and responsibilities. All employers must assess the risks posed by their business activities. If employing five or more employees, the risk assessment must be carried out with written records maintained as evidence. The risk assessment should include; The type of risk posed. Those who might be affected? How the level of risk was established. Precautions taken to control identified risks. Equipment and installation maintenance programs and records. The risk assessment must consider the type of electrical equipment used and the environment that it is used in. Employees working with electricity and electrical equipment must be competent to do the job. Records must detail safety training where deemed appropriate. Industry is often a harsh environment. Damage to equipment can occur at any time and go unnoticed. Periodic inspection of electrical appliances is an essential part of the process of ensuring personal safety. If an electrical appliance fails any part of its examination the technician must ensure the equipment cannot be used before it is made safe. The appliance should be removed from the work place, and segregated and a red ‘fail’ identification label affixed and clearly visible. No further electrical testing is carried out to appliances that fail visual inspection. Safety signs save lives Safety signs warn employees and others of hazards; they inform and prepare anyone within the vicinity of the hazard of its existence. Appropriately displayed signage is an employer’s responsibility and visibly displays the commitment to health and safety, and in preventing accidents and injuries in the workplace. Electrical equipment labels help identifies specific electrical details and safety features. They provide assurance of continued fitness for purpose, or warn otherwise. Safety signs provide a constant visual reminder of the need to take care. At Pat Labels Online we offer the quality and reliability of a big business at a small business price. Whether you are an established PAT Testing company or have just finished a PAT training course, our labels will suit every type of PAT tester. We offer our full range of labels in both sheet and roll format. Read Full Story -
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When mankind first discovered how to control fire, everyday life changed on Earth – the balance tilted in man’s favour. Fire brought light into the darkness; man’s activities were no longer restricted to daylight hours – he had more productive time at his disposal. He cooked food, kept warm and stayed protected. As time went on, fire became not only a survival tool but also a risk. As a consequence, since these earliest of times, man has had a love-hate relationship with fire…and all too often fire wins with devastating results. Here we take a look at just a few of the biggest, strangest, and worse fires in recent years – all were catastrophic, most could have been avoided. Piper Alpha The Piper Alpha North Sea oil disaster killed 167 workers on 6 July 1988. The incident led to a major overhaul in offshore safety. A report following the disaster made over 100 recommendations on how safety could be improved across the North Sea. Oil fires of Kuwait The Kuwaiti oil fires were caused by Iraqi military forces setting fire to a reported 605 to 732 oil wells in 1992. The raging oil fires polluted the soil and the air – devastated wildlife in the region – the effects of which have had serious regional environmental implications. This war driven fire drama drew fire-fighters from all corners of the Earth and was brought under control as quickly as possible. In the months until the wellhead fires were extinguished it rained oil, and the sun was hidden by the darkest of black palls. Texas City, Texas The Texas City fire disaster was an industrial accident that began on April 16th, 1947 when a fire started in the cargo hold of the French-registered freighter SS Grandcamp which was carrying 2,300 tons of ammonium nitrate fertiliser. Steam instead of water was used to fight this relatively small fire in the hope of preserving the cargo. But this was a mistake, as ammonium nitrate produces its own oxygen – and neutralises the extinguishing properties of steam, it is though that steam turned the ammonium into nitrous oxide. The blast and subsequent fire destroyed more than 1, 000 buildings and claimed 600 lives, including the whole of the volunteer fire department who tackled this devastating inferno. San Francisco The 1906 San Francisco fire began as the result of a devastating earthquake that struck the coast of Northern California. The destructive fires that broke out in the city lasted for many days and claimed the lives of around 3,000 people, by the end of the fires more than 80% of San Francisco was destroyed. Corrupt city officials had mishandled and redirected emergency funds leaving fire services under resourced and incapable of controlling the fire. Many insurance companies were bankrupted due to the huge number of damage claims. The Mount Carmel forest – Israel The Mount Carmel forest fire was a deadly forest fire that started on Mount Carmel in northern Israel in December 2010, and spread rapidly, consuming much of the Mediterranean forest covering the region. The fire was reportedly started by hot coals when a number of youths found themselves a quiet, isolated spot to smoke a traditional hookah pipe; the fire went on to claim 44 lives, making it the deadliest in Israeli history. It can be seen from the examples above that fires can start in the unlikeliest of places and each can pose its own unique set of circumstances and problems, making the job of controlling them more difficult. Today’s modern fire fighters have at their disposal the most up to date equipment and technology, yet still fire wreaks havoc and destruction, claiming lives, not least those tackling the fire. Pat Labels Online are Suppliers of High Quality PAT Testing Labels, Electrical Safety Labels and Inspection Labels. Read Full Story -
Health & Safety
On walking into a pub, an office or a shop many would be mistaken to think that you had time travelled back to Britain pre 2007, pre smoking ban. Seemingly ‘Harmless’ Vapour hangs in the air as people socialise, drink and work. E-cigarettes, the industry worth hundreds of millions pounds is responsible. Around 2.1 million people in the UK have embraced E-cigarettes and subsequently the 2014 word of the year was in fact ‘Vape’, coming from the act vaporising the liquid in E-cigarettes. Little is known about the long term health effects of using E-Cigarettes, universally however they are seen as an improvement over cigarettes. Health benefits or risks aside, we look at the dangerous side of E-cigarettes. Over the last couple of years there has been multiple accidents arising from the use of E-cigarettes, some which have been fatal. A Merseyside man was killed last year after his E-cig exploded and lit his supply of medical oxygen. A Wigan man suffered ‘bullet hole like’ injuries when his E-cig overheated and exploded in his hands. Faulty batteries and mechanical damage from over tightened connections are to blame. It’s not just in use when E-cigarettes can cause damage. There have been explosions and fires in homes, cars, workplaces and pubs across the country. Incorrect chargers, cheap electronics & low quality batteries are to blame. To ensure that you stay safe when using E-cigarettes take the following precautions: Never mismatch different E-cig components Never leave chargers unattended Never overtighten the batter and the charger Clean the battery pin and charger contact weekly, alcohol wipes are ideal for this Always remove the battery from the charger when fully charged Pat Labels Online are Suppliers of High Quality PAT Testing Labels, Electrical Safety Labels and Inspection Labels. Read Full Story
