Our policies.
Hotwax Associates Limited operates a very strict health and safety policy, to support and adhere to the conditions of our liability insurance criteria.
We have a comprehensive health and safety policy, in addition to quality assurance extensive fire procedures and our preferred supplier’s charter
Portable Appliance Testing.
Liability insurances
Health and safety policy
Portable appliance testing.
Since April 1st 1990 it has been a legal requirement for employers and the self employed to have all portable electrical appliances and equipment periodically inspected and tested for compliance with the safety regulations. This means that all portable appliances need to be subjected to electrical testing.
All of the equipment that we utilise for full production events to simple dry hires is fully P.A.T tested bi-yearly, and certificated.
Important Information concerning Portable Appliance Testing
What is a portable appliance?
A portable appliance is simply an item of electrical equipment, which is connected to the power supply by means of a plug and socket.
Why do i need to have it tested?
There are a number of reasons why appliances should be tested on a regular basis, but the most important ones are:-
1. To comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations
2. To comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
3. To minimise the risk of fire and injury caused by electrical appliances
4. To satisfy your Insurance Company
5. To comply with all Health & Safety requirements. ISO 9000 & BS 5750
What testing involves :
There are two parts to portable appliance testing. A formal visual inspection and electrical testing.
The formal visual inspection is the most important component of a regular maintenance regime because the majority of potentially dangerous faults can be picked up by such inspections.
The following items are inspected: -
* The lead
Is it in good condition?
Is it free from cuts, fraying and damage?
Is it too long or too short?
Are there any hand-made or taped joints?
Is the cable secure where it enters the plug?
* The appliance
Is it working?
Does it switch on and off properly?
Is there any damage to the external casing?
* The Plug
Are the cable terminations secure and correct?
Is the cord grip effective?
Is the correct fuse fitted?
Are there any signs of internal damage,
overheating or ingress of liquid or foreign matter?
What are the Regulations for Portable Appliance Testing?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAW)
The Electricity at Work Regulations came into force in April 1990. They require precautions to be taken against risk of death or personal injury from the use of electrical appliances. These Regulations were made under the Health and Safety at Work act 1974 and set out the requirements for the safety of electrical equipment.
Failure to comply with the requirements of the Regulations will lead to prosecution and may void insurance leading to compensation claims against the company.
Who will be held responsible for your Appliance Testing?
EAW Regulation 3
The Regulations specify that employers and the self-employed are liable for the correct use and maintenance of all portable appliances at their place of work.
Those companies engaged in the manufacture, repair, hire, or resale of electrical appliances are also legally responsible for the safety of all the items they supply and therefore these also require portable electrical testing.
Which Portable Electrical Appliances need to be Inspected & Tested?
All portable appliances need to be inspected and tested during their working life. In general a portable appliance is one which (a) can be carried from place to place between periods of use and (b) is connected to a power supply via a plug fixed to a flexible supply cable. Any electrical portable appliance which fits this description is subject to electrical appliance testing
Who should inspect and test portable appliances?
EAW Regulation 16, HSE Document GS27 and PM32
Appliance testing, both visual and electrical should be carried out by a trained person with the knowledge and practical experience of electricity and its hazards i.e. a qualified electrician. Since the person must make judgments on the appropriate level of electrical appliance testing required they must understand the operating principles of each portable appliance and have adequate knowledge of the relevant safety standards
Full details of the liability cover and respective certificates regarding powered appliance testing and related product for Hotwax Associates Limited, including health and safety policy and risk assessment is available upon request.
Liability insurances
The boring (but very necessary) stuff
Underwritten by QBE Insurance (Europe) Limited. Plantation Place, 30 Leadenhall Street, London EC3M 3BD Registered in England No. 1761561 (hereinafter called the company)
Authorised and regulated by the financial services authority Registration Number 202842
The Company agrees to indemnify the insured in the terms of this policy and subject to the limits of liability against all sums which the insured shall become legally liable to pay as damages.
Section 1
Employers Liability
Limit of indemnity any one claim £10,000,000
Including costs and expenses
In respect of bodily injury sustained by any employee caused during the period of insurance within the territorial limits and arising out of and in the course of employment by the insured in the business.
Section 2.
Public, Products Liability £5,000,000
Limit of indemnity any one occurrence and in the aggregate any one period of insurance in respect of accidental:
a. Bodily injury occurring
b. Damage to material property occurring
c. Trespass nuisance or obstruction occurring
d. Personal and advertising injury offences committed including slander or libel and other benefits more specifically detailed in the policy.
During the period of insurance within the territorial limits and arising in connection with the business as described above.
The Company will in addition pay Costs and Expenses in respect of any occurrence to which this policy applies.