Understanding Electrical Quality Control Through Template Demonstration

1. Purpose

This Knowledge Providing Task is designed to:

• Demonstrate how to complete key QA/QC documents used in electrical work, such as risk assessments, inspection reports, and QA checklists.
• Enable learners to apply QA/QC principles in practice, linking documentation to real workplace activities.
• Develop analytical thinking and decision-making skills by showing how correct documentation prevents incidents and ensures compliance.
• Reinforce the use of UK legislation and standards, including BS 7671, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and ISO 9001.
• Provide learners with a practical step-by-step template, showing what information is needed and how to complete it correctly.

2. Vocational Workplace Scenario

Scenario Title:

Electrical Risk Assessment for Low-Voltage Distribution Board Installation

Background:

You are the QA/QC Electrical Officer at a UK-based building contractor. You are required to carry out a risk assessment before the installation of a low-voltage electrical distribution board on a commercial project.

The aim is to:

• Identify hazards associated with the installation.
• Assess risks to workers and equipment.
• Implement control measures to reduce risks in compliance with UK legislation and company procedures.

Applicable Legislation & Standards:

• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations
• ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems

Step-by-Step Template Demonstration

1. Document Type: Risk Assessment Template

Step 1: Activity / Task Identification

• Example: Installation of a low-voltage distribution board on Site A.

Step 2: Hazard Identification

• Electric shock from live circuits
• Loose wiring or incorrect connections
• Overloading circuits
• Falling objects during panel assembly
• Fire due to faulty connections

Step 3: Risk Evaluation

• Electric shock → High likelihood, severe impact → High Risk
• Loose connections → Medium likelihood, severe impact → Medium Risk
• Overloading circuits → Low likelihood, high impact → Medium Risk
• Falling objects → Medium likelihood, moderate impact → Medium Risk
• Fire → Low likelihood, severe impact → High Risk

Step 5: Responsibility / Assigned Person

• Installer → Follows PPE and installation procedures
• QA/QC Inspector → Verifies completion of checklist and torque checks
• Site Supervisor → Monitors adherence to QA procedures

Step 6: Review / Date

• Initial review: Before energising distribution board
• Reassessment: After any changes to electrical installation
• Document retention: In QA records for audit

2. Step-by-Step Completion Example

Section	Example Entry	Assessor Notes
Activity / Task	Installation of LV distribution board, Site A	Clearly defines scope
Hazard	Electric shock from live circuits	Hazard identified per Electricity at Work Regulations
Risk Level	High	Likelihood & impact assessed realistically
Control Measures	Circuit isolation, PPE, QA checks	Practical mitigation applied
Responsible Person	Installer & QA/QC Inspector	Roles and accountability clearly defined
Review	05-Jan-2026, after QC inspection	Review process documented

3. Key Points for Learners

• QA documentation is preventive: It ensures hazards are identified before work starts.
• QC documentation is verification-focused: It confirms that the work meets safety and quality standards.
• Accurate completion of documents ensures compliance with BS 7671 and UK legislation.
• Assigning responsibility ensures accountability and reduces risk of human error.

Guided Reflective and Analytical Questions

• Identify which parts of this risk assessment template reflect QA activities and which reflect QC activities. Explain your reasoning.
• If a worker bypassed PPE and caused a minor shock, which section of the template could have prevented this incident?
• How do the control measures in the risk assessment link to BS 7671 and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989?
• Explain why review and reassessment dates are critical in maintaining electrical safety and compliance.
• Suggest one improvement to the template that would further reduce risk during installation.
• Explain how completing this template supports both worker safety and equipment reliability in a real electrical project.

Competency-Based Learning Focus

This KPT develops the learner’s ability to:

• Apply QA/QC principles in completing vocational documentation
• Identify hazards and evaluate risks in real electrical installations
• Link documentation to UK legislation and BS 7671 compliance
• Analyse preventive and corrective actions for electrical safety
• Demonstrate accountability and decision-making skills through documentation

Vocational Tips for Learner

• Always start by identifying the specific electrical task to be assessed.
• Ensure all hazards are practical and site-relevant.
• Assign responsibilities clearly to avoid confusion.
• Include dates and review procedures to maintain compliance.
• Use QA and QC together: QA ensures preventive measures, QC verifies work quality.
• Keep documentation clear and concise for audits and inspections.

Learner Task

Using the step-by-step risk assessment template above:

• Complete a risk assessment for installing a low-voltage distribution board, identifying at least three hazards.
• Assign risk levels and control measures for each hazard.
• Assign responsible persons for each control.
• Explain which sections represent QA and which represent QC.
• Suggest one additional control measure to improve safety and compliance.