BS7909
BS7909 :2023 is now live and enforceable
This standard revises the previous edition from 2011 and is now for sale in Book or PDF form from BSi Website
What's New?
Major changes in BS 7909:2023 include:
Information and use of RCDs in Annex E has been updated
“Bypass” and “disable” in relation to the operation of RCDs have been changed to “override” to reflect better the technical meaning
A greater emphasis has been placed on planning and provision of supplies for an event
A new Annex K gives more background information on power quality symptoms and causes
The facility to override RCDs in FDUs has been removed from Annex B
The use of thermoplastic ‘SY’ and ‘YY’ cables has been clarified
A new section gives requirements for battery storage systems
What is BS7909?
BS7909 is the Code of Practice for temporary electrical systems for entertainment and related purposes, and an extension of section 7 of the UK’s Electrical wiring code, BS7671.
Following the Codes of Practice ensures compliance with the Law outlined in the Electricity at Work Regulations, EAWR, 1989 and subsequently the Health and Safety at Work Act, HASAWA, 1974
Under the BS7909 code, a single person is ultimately responsible for all electrical safety associated with a production or event.
This role is the Event Manager, defined as the person who is ultimately responsible for the hiring of crew and equipment.
The Event Manager is automatically deemed the Senior Person Responsible, SPR, regardless of their electrical knowledge.
The Event Manager can assign those duties, but not responsibilities, to a competent person and make them the SPR, with the authority to instigate and maintain safe electrical working practices for the entire production from the moment workers, who may use electrical equipment, are engaged.
In the vast majority of cases, this would need to be a separate role from the Gaffer or other Electrical grade responsible for on set Lighting, as they are typically not contracted early enough in the production process to advise in areas such as;
a temporary production office,
workshops
instigating equipment testing regimes.
other pre-show/shoot electrical advice
and in cannot be expected to undertake SPR duties while carrying out their on-set duties once recces, and principle photography has started.
Depending on the size of the shoot, the SPR may assign duties to Persons Responsible for ease of management.
Examples of Person Responsible;
Gaffer
Location Unit Manager
Construction Manager
Props Master
Costume Supervisor
Makeup Designer
Production Office Secretary
Any other department head, or 2nd in command.
All electrical appliances, including those provided by daily contractors, should carry formal and valid test certification (often referred to as a PAT Test), and evidence provided to the SPR.
Examples of this are:
Battery charging equipment,
Monitors,
Smoke Machines,
Props,
Hairdryers,
lights,
computers,
kettles.
extension reels,
Mobile Transportable Units fitted with permanently installed Electrical Circuits need to carry evidence of formal inspection, (usually referred to as an EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report). Copies of the Units EICR should be held by the SPR.
Examples are;
Dining buses
Costume/Make up trucks
Catering Kitchens
Tech Vehicles,
Portakabins
Honeywagons
Locations, such as private houses, offices and commercial venues, hired out under a commercial agreement, should also supply an EICR for the buildings fixed Electrical systems, along with other proof of safety, such as Gas Safety Certificate , "PAT Testing" Certification and Fire Safety
More on EICRs on the National Safety Inspections website
Who is responsible for an EICR Test - Info from UKsafetymanagement
Who Can Be the SPR?
Criteria outlined in 2012 by the working group set up to instigate an industry specific course state that an SPR should:
be an experienced practitioner with at least 5 years of practical experience in the industry and sector in which they are usually employed - eg, Feature Film, TV Drama, Commercials, Theatre, Exhibitions, Live Events etc.
is electrically competent to current standards - BS7671
have sat, completed and passed, a suitable BS7909 course
It was noted that a qualification in Inspection and Testing for fixed installations would be preferable, but not essential.
Due to the level of knowledge, management and responsibility involved, the ideal candidate for the SPR position would be a Gaffer, Best Boy or Chief LX, but it is important to note that in the majority of cases, the SPR role is a full time job and the technicians employed to manage the production's lighting requirements, would be unable to adequately fulfil the SPR duties in addition to their own.
How can Producers comply with BS7909?
Quite simply, the easiest way to ensure compliance is to engage a suitable SPR using the criteria set out above as soon as collecting EICR and PAT certification is required. This should be addressed early in pre-production to ensure proper communication and procedures, including gathering proof of electrical competences, appliance and system/installation safety, and collection and retention of certificates for 3rd party suppliers and crew supplied electrical equipment.
On larger projects, the Event Manager and SPR may elect to to set up an Electrical Department, separate to the Lighting Department, in order to design, install and operate temporary electrical systems not under the control of onset or rigging lighting crews, such as at Unit base, Tech base, Crowd base, locations, workshops, Studios (construction), catering, and any where Complex Temporary Electrical Systems are in use.
SPR Training
It is important to note that a BS7909 course is NOT a stand alone method to prove an individual’s competence.
Employers and engagers must also seek other evidence of qualifications and experience before engaging an SPR ,or other person, who is to be made responsible for, and will be working on, any and all electrical systems connected with the production.
A training programme, updated with the latest industry guidance, replaces the old Skillset Certificate in Temporary Electrical Systems (SCiTES) and the Bectu NAPIT NA7909(3). The updated course has been created for all of those working with temporary power, particularly (but not exclusively) in the broadcast/film, theatre, festivals, shows and exhibition industries.
Courses are delivered by James Eade, Chair of the BS7909 committee at BSi and Entertainment Electrical Engineer, or his colleagues, who all have extensive experience of working in the industry. This means that candidates can be confident that the tutors will be able to understand their working environment and answer their questions.
BECTU are Hosting the full 3 day course under the
The course consists of written theory assessments and practical exercises and is taught in a modular format with an open-book assessment at the end of each module. The assessments are a mix of short written questions/answers and multiple-choice questions. There is also a practical element where candidates will demonstrate to the assessor their observation and electrical inspection skills and testing of electrical systems using equipment supplied by the tutor.
Successful candidates will receive a certificate Assured by City & Guilds.
Over 1300 people have sat, and passed, the initial 2 day course, under SCiTES, which did not contain the practical & testing elements subsequently added later.
Under the new scheme, 3rd day has been added to teach Inspection and Testing methods to BS7909 standards, followed by a Practical Testing and Certification Assessment.
3 day class based course, with written theory assessments and practical exercises, taught in a modular format
If your Current BS7909 certificate is more than 5 years old, consider updating your knowledge in line with the latest update.
More and more productions are becoming aware of the regulations - be ahead of the game
Resources
The Health & Safety at work Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering all occupational health and safety in Great Britain, and sets out the general duties which: employers have towards employees and members of the public.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 expand on the rules regarding electrical safety in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Most Notable is section 16 that talks about the person who can do the electrical work:
No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger or, where appropriate, injury, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work.
BBC safety guidance covers operational electrical equipment and systems, including the requirements for the distribution of electricity in a temporary environment, particularly on location or in studios. It also explains the application of BS 7909.
Purchase your copy of BS 7909 directly from theOfficial BSi Knowledge Shop
BS 7671 Wiring Regulations is the UK’s main electrical safety standard
Purchase your copy of BS7671 directly from the Official BSi Knowledge Shop
19 minute Member Only Training Resource, delivered by James Eade, Author, Entertainment industry consultant and Chair of the BS7909 committee at BSi, who gives an overview of individual responsibilities, BS7909, PAT Testing and managing electrical safety
Get the Password to the video by logging into your BECTU account HERE