Freshly minted AUSPTA committee member Peter Milligan found this article online from insurance giant QBE.
"Prevention is better than the cure; the adage goes. And when it comes to ensuring your electrical equipment is functioning as it should, it’s an adage worth paying attention to.
Faulty electrical equipment is a major source of workplace fires – in fact, a report in the US discovered that 21% of industrial fires came from faulty equipment – and fires in the workplace can have a devastating effect on both a business and its employees.
From not being able to operate for some time to the potential loss of specialised equipment, the impact can be far-reaching. And that’s before you consider injury or loss of life."
Members operating in the electrical space will no doubt already be familiar with the ever increasing uptake of thermography as a recommendation, or often requirement, by the major underwriters. It is encouraging to see major players in the insurance industry giving electrical thermography considerable airtime. It is also notable that QBE is aware of, and specifically addresses in their article, requirements surrounding certification.
"Of course, not just anyone can conduct a thermographic scan of your electrical equipment. Accredited Level I, II or III professionals trained in the use of a thermographic camera, scan analysis and reporting and recommendation of corrective action, should undertake thermal imaging projects for businesses.
Commercial electrical contractors may offer thermal imaging as an additional service – and if not, they should be able to recommend an accredited professional."
QBE have also published a fact sheet that's downloadable in PDF format and provides some excellent content for thermographers to forward onto potential, and current, end-users.