Leading safety charity, the Electrical Safety Council (ESC), has just launched an Android version of its safe isolation app. Originally only available for use with Apple devices, the success of the app has resulted in the ESC extending its availability for use with Android-operated devices.
Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations1989 requires the supply to be effectively isolated while work is carried out on or near electrical equipment (other than in certain specific circumstances) and that suitable safety precautions are taken. Unfortunately, this regulation isn’t always complied with and the consequences can be much more serious than a fine or loss of working hours. Safe isolation is crucial in avoiding serious injury - and even death - from electric shock.
To help address this issue, the ESC created a free app based on our Best Practice Guide No 2 (Guidance on the management of electrical safety and safe isolation procedures for low voltage isolation) but now provided in a concise format. Designed to be as easy-to-use as possible, the app offers a step-by-step approach to achieving safe isolation using clear illustrations and simple instructions. Now available for use on almost all smart phones and communication devices, the ESC Safe Isolation app can either be downloaded from the ESC website, directly from your smart phone, or obtained from Google Play or Apple’s i-tunes.
“There have been a number of prosecutions in recent years which have graphically illustrated the dangers of working when electrical systems are live”, explains Phil Buckle, Director General of the ESC. “There is no excuse for inappropriate live working or inadequate safety precautions. By routinely and invariably undertaking safe isolation procedures, injuries and fatalities can be prevented. The ESC’s safe isolation app has been developed to remind everyone working on, or near, electrical equipment how to work safely.”