For businesses and sites which are security sensitive or work with vulnerable groups, additional steps such as garda vetting and background checks may be required for electricians and electrical engineers before commencing works and/or inspections, such as PAT and PIR testing, which should always be carried out by qualified and registered electricians.
Garda Vetted PAT and PIR Testers
However, it is important to note that garda vetting is mandatory for work which involves access to children and/or vulnerable adults through a relevant organisation. While it is typically unlikely that vulnerable persons would be sharing spaces when works are being undertaken, some businesses and organisations, in addition to schools and hospitals require garda vetting for electricians and other tradesmen when hired for jobs taking place inside spaces where children or vulnerable adults are present.
Backgraound Checks and Security Clearance
What is often more common are background checks or security clearance needed for sensitive sites, which are not required by law, but are mandatory through employer policy or security protocols. Common examples of sites which require background checks would be those which have restricted or secure areas like airports, hospitals, government and military buildings, banks, correctional facilities and tech/data centres. To ensure compliance, internal safety protocols from the employer will determine what is needed before commencing works on sites.
Site-Specific Protocols
Site-specific protocols, as noted above, can include additional documentation which is not required legally or goes beyond legal minimums. For example, electrical works in data centres or banks would require following strict access controls and working with sensitive systems, and in hospitals, infection control and patient safety procedures would apply, while schools require restricted work hours and supervision if children are present. To ensure compliance and documentation for insurance and safety purposes, records noting any garda vetting/background checks, will be kept with the testing reports for ease of reference.
Garda Vetted PAT & PIR for Sensitive Testing Sites
Our team of qualified and registered electricians and technicians electricians at the PAT Group have decades of collective experience and have done significant work at security sensitive sites, such as government buildings, hospitals, schools and tech/data centres, and are well versed in professionally working with the needs and protocols of secure and restricted areas or systems. As each site is different, we encourage prospective sites to contact us to determine the safety needs required for any testing service. Give us a call now on 01-9602636 or contact us online for more info.
If you found this post helpful make sure you check out our post about Electrical Building Services.
