High-voltage electrical equipment is the driving force in the manufacturing industry, providing the power that production lines need to operate continuously, 24 hours a day if necessary. Any interruption to the power supply or unforeseen electrical problems can cause an abundance of issues such as shutting down manufacturing processes, increasing maintenance costs, and even posing workplace safety risks to personnel.
Regular high-voltage equipment maintenance is critical for several reasons which, in this article, we will explore in more detail.
Electrical Safety
Approximately 1,000 workplace accidents involving electricity are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) each year, with a third of these resulting in fatalities. Where electrical safety is concerned, it’s essential that high-voltage equipment and systems are assessed regularly to ensure that there are no unseen problems that could jeopardise the safety of your workforce. A programme of preventive maintenance that should be scheduled into the site’s risk assessment, will reduce the risk of electrical accidents or equipment failures that could put your staff or your business’s livelihood in danger.
Electrical Efficiency
Energy efficiency is more important than ever as manufacturing companies strive to reduce their electricity consumption to cut their bills and enhance their environmentally friendly credentials.
Deteriorating or faulty high-voltage equipment can significantly increase running costs: a programme of maintenance will ensure that faults are detected quickly so that timely repairs can be made. A proactive approach to electrical maintenance will ensure that your business uses energy in the most efficient way, benefitting your bank account and the environment.
Minimising Downtime
In manufacturing, downtime is the enemy of productivity. When electrical equipment or systems fail, production grinds to a halt, lead times are affected, and customers lose faith in your business’s ability to meet their needs. Preventive maintenance increases the lifespan of high-voltage equipment and ensures that no underlying faults go unnoticed. If repairs are required, these can be planned at a convenient time to reduce the impact on productivity.
Regulatory Compliance
Because of the safety risks involved, high-voltage equipment must be maintained regularly to comply with stringent electrical safety regulations such as The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (the HSW Act), the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (the Management Regulations), and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR), which are applicable to the selection, use, operation and maintenance of high-voltage switchgear.
As an employer, you have a duty of care to your staff and, therefore, all necessary action must be taken to minimise the risk of an electrical accident that could cause life-changing injuries or death. Appointing a qualified and experienced specialist to maintain your high-voltage distribution on site, such as ESE Ltd, will help you to comply with your obligations and keep your team safe.
Contact ESE Ltd To Find Out More
To find out more about our high-voltage maintenance services for manufacturers, please contact ESE Ltd today.
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