Further to the reopening of the UK economy following lockdown, Government ministers want offices, pubs, and restaurants to identify poorly ventilated spaces as part of their risk assessment to continue help prevent further outbreaks of COVID-19. Previous Government advice stressing the importance of face-coverings and social distancing has now been amended so that ventilation is now a ‘priority’ for risk assessments. Developments in the scientific understanding of how the virus spreads - mainly through aerosol transmission -  has prompted these changes. 

Carbon Dioxide monitors have long been a plausible method of monitoring air quality in public environments such as offices, schools, factories, and hospitals to name a few.

A recent report by the UK Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), suggested that ventilation plays a considerable role in keeping coronavirus at bay indoors, and that ventilation could be tested using CO2 monitors.

The group concluded that measuring CO2 levels would be an effective way to observe whether air quality levels have reached a level where COVID-19 is more likely to circulate through aerosol transmission.

“Continuous CO2 monitoring is not likely to be a reliable proxy for transmission risk in most environments,” the report informs.

“However preliminary research suggests that in spaces where the same group of people regularly attend, for example schools, universities and offices, continuous monitoring may be possible

The 1st of January 2019 was a significant date on the electrical calendar, it was the day we at last saw the implementation of the 18th Edition of the IET wiring regulations. First introduced in July 2018, changes were made across the board as chapters were redesigned, rewritten or indeed introduced for the very first time. Definitions were altered, the scope was extended, and a declaration was made concerning only using the approved parts. Beyond these amendments however, perhaps the most important difference was the emphasis placed both directly and indirectly on green energy.

From providing brand new functions, improving on the old or simply finding solutions to make the operators job easier, this year has produced some incredible new innovations in the field of test equipment. We've put together a convenient shortlist of what we believe to be the top five devices released in 2019. With such an incredible range of products available - if you work in gas, electrical or buildings sectors - we guarantee you should give these a look!

Sulphur hexafluoride – SF6 – is widely used in the electricity distribution industry in medium- and high-voltage installations such as substations, transformers and power stations. It is an odourless, colourless, non-flammable gas that acts as an insulator and prevents explosions and fires brought about by short circuits.

These qualities have made it the most common gas insulator for HV switchgear and use is increasing as a greater number of smaller generators come onto the grid. However, concern has been raised about the global warming potential of SF6 as use increases, perversely driven by increased demand for renewable energy.

On 9th August, Britain experienced one of the biggest power cuts in a decade as over 1,000,000 people were left without power across England and Wales. As well as thousands of homes going without power, the blackout also had a massive disruptive effect on transport with problems on the rail network and at Newcastle airport in addition to disruption for community facilities and businesses. But what lessons can be taken from the outage?

We are pleased to announce the launch of a brand new Safe Isolation Awareness Course delivered by Test-Meter.co.uk. The new course covers statutory requirements and is intended to teach all candidates how to electrically isolate installations during maintenance. It can be delivered at an appropriate venue of the client’s choosing and can be tailored according to any specific needs or requirements.

Test-Meter is proud to announce the launch of an all-new version of PAT-Training.co.uk. The new site is the go-to destination for PAT testing courses with an online booking tool, course information and an extensive PAT equipment shop. Take a look to see our enhanced PAT training offering with new course venues and great bundles that build on our strong track record delivering PAT testing courses across Great Britain.

A variety of different factors must be considered when designing and maintaining a safe working environment for employees. Aside from obvious risks such as heavy machinery or frequent lifting, a range of other less obvious variables can contribute to serious work-related ill health. With 25.7 million working days lost to work-related ill health in 2016/17, monitoring and controlling these variables can benefit businesses and staff by providing a safer, more comfortable workspace.

2018 has been an exciting year for test equipment with several big releases that have introduced new functionality to help technicians in their work. New products have been released in the gas, electrical and building sectors so we’ve taken a look back at the previous year and chosen our five favourite new products of 2018!