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Posted By Johne
Right guys a bit of a conundrum here. I've some continental contractors coming over to do some specialised work for me & they are concerned over the requirement of using 110v power only when it comes to construction work.
Now from my research this seems to be only a mandatory requirement in Ireland but is regarded as 'Best Practice' in the UK. Ireland requirement below from recent General Application Regulations:
An employer shall ensure that—
(a) portable equipment, other than portable transformers and portable generators,
supplied at a voltage exceeding 125 volts alternating current is not used in—
(i) construction work,
(ii) external quarrying activities, or
(iii) damp or confined locations,
unless its rating exceeds 2 kilovolt amperes,
Now it's also my understanding that from the perspective of our EU membership that you cannot actually enforce this requirement due to open market requirements & fair trade in the EU.
My safety buddies tell me that they have on occasion allowed the use of >110v power on site but only after all avenues have been exhausted & strict controls were applied. This was all subject to a specific risk assessment.
If I adopt the same approach will I be flouting the statutory requirements of the new General Application Regulations 2007.
Would appreciate some examples from people who have had similar problems regarding >110v power & their solutions?
Thanks
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Posted By Bob Youel
You are doing the right things as common sense must prevail as sometimes there is no alternative noting that some equipment cannot work off a 110v or lower supply
And the good advice already given is the starting point
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Posted By FAH
Hi John
As you local [ROI] legislation is so explicit I would suggest that you cannot allow or encourage any person within your control to breach that legislation. To do so will place you, your employer, & the contractors at risk of punitive enforcement if the enforcers become aware of it.
And many enforcers browse these open forums looking for exactly what has been suggested here so that they have a "ready made" example to enforce!!!
I would think of some other way to deal with this.
Frank Hallett
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Posted By MickN
John,
I work in the ROI and on construction sites. Without knowing exactly the type of specialist work or equipment these guys want to use it's hard to give an precise answer, however, I'd suggest checking with local equipment hire companies. Maybe you can hire the same equipment locally (i.e. ones that comply with the regs) and have the contractor use them while they're on site. Otherwise, speak with an electrician to see if there are options on the power supply end.
Note that welding equipment is a common exception to the regulation.
Mick
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Posted By Seamus O Sullivan
They must use 110 volt, unless their tools fall under one of the exceptions. They must have a valid safe pass card.Letters from trainers are not to be accepted. In the safe pass course they are told they must use 110 volt supply, fed from a center tapped transformer. Trainer may even have specifically brought the matter to the attention of these guys.
While free movement of workers is one of the freedoms in the Eu, each member state is entitled to put in extra safety rules if they like.
I am aware 110 volt is not used in Germany etc, however, the requlations are clear. The State requires 110 volt to be required.
If they will not use 110v stuff, do not let them on the site. They may be willing to take the risk, but others on site must not be exposed to 230v. If they are caught with 230v stuff on site, sent them home permantly.
Seamus
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