Can a mechanical service engineer disconnect a machine in a plant room from the associated electrical isolator? If so, assuming that the circuit protective device is rated appropriately, can they then connect a new machine in its place? Or is testing needed that would require an electrician?
That all depends on whether the service engineer is competent in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations - and I'm sure some have appropriate electrical training, qualifications, and perhaps even work for companies registered with electrical competent person registration schemes.
It might similarly be said that not all electricians are competent to connect all types of machinery.
Hi, What are the minimum qualifications or credentials required for performing the work described, in the event that a legal dispute arises due to injury or damage caused by the work of a purportedly competent person?
Hi, What are the minimum qualifications or credentials required for performing the work described
The work has not been adequately described to permit me to answer that.
However, I'll be a bit less glib ... no-one in the UK can provide an answer to such a general question. The OP didn't even provide a connection voltage (LV or HV) but also, the nature of supply (for example, differences in skills and knowledge for connecting DC motors and drives).
The real answer is one for the legal side of things ... it's down to the risk assessment of the "employer" (which is in quotes because there may be more than one involved). The relevant legislation includes relevant Sections of the H&S@W etc. Act, Electricity at Work Regulations, and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations ... but may also involve other legislation (for example, if the installation is in an explosive atmospheres installation, this would require additional training (as well as assessments under DSEAR, possibly Confined Spaces Regulations, etc. - although granted hopefully not in a plant room, but it depends on what type of "plant").
The work has not been adequately described to permit me to answer that.
Precisely!
In answer to the first part (and without wanting to sound flippant): yes, provided that the isolator is open.
In answer to the second part: I do not see a problem with a like for like replacement. However, if the new machine is more powerful, somebody needs to be responsible for the design. Whether that be a "service engineer" or "electrician", or in other words a "competent person" turns on the facts.
minimum is a can-do attitude and a set of tools. If it is wise however, is another matter.
UK law does not require any specific qualification, other than personal competence, which is a debatable quantity, not to be confused with confidence, but usually a customer, or more often their insurance provider, may well impose some requirements,
Of course if you do burn the place down or maim someone, then you probably were not competent after all, and even if you have all the qualifications in the book, it will not help you prove otherwise.
Mike
Whether that be a "service engineer" or "electrician", or in other words a "competent person" turns on the facts.
Yes ... Section 6 of the H&S@W etc Act 1974. 6(3) specifically has duties for anyone who "erects or installs" articles for use at work ...
My position is that professional competence in a workplace requires not only training but also assessment of the relevant tasks and the attainment of a satisfactory level of performance.
My position is that professional competence in a workplace requires not only training but also assessment of the relevant tasks and the attainment of a satisfactory level of performance.
My position is that professional competence in a workplace requires not only training but also assessment of the relevant tasks and the attainment of a satisfactory level of performance.
The way this reads is that the above is "relevant to the job being done" or similar?
OK
So, how do you know someone is competent to perform a task that has never been done before?
I've certainly, numerous times, worked on equipment and systems that are "first of kind" or "new way of doing". In the field of Engineering and Technology, and with machinery that can be bespoke, this happens quite a lot.
The first Solar PV systems can't have been installed by someone who had achieved a "satisfactory level of performance" installing Solar PV, because that had never been done before !
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