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The potential for injury or death arising from work on electrical systems or from coming into contact with electricity must never be underestimated.
Current legislation relating to electricity in the workplace imposes health and safety requirements upon employers, employees and the self-employed.
It is essential that precautions are taken to prevent death and personal injury from electricity in work activities.
This guidance is intended as general information for employers and occupiers of premises.
The construction of electrical systems should be such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger is prevented at all times.
A system refers to all electrical equipment within a fixed system and all electrical equipment connected to it.
To ensure that danger is prevented, current BS/EN standards should be applied to all new systems and to extensions to existing systems. However, where equipment was installed to earlier standards they do not need to be replaced, provided they remain safe.
The term construction covers the condition and arrangements of components of a supply system at any time during its life.
Solvents, damp, sunlight etc. can affect electrical insulation, and it is vital that earth connections are kept in good order so that protective measures do not become damaged.
To prevent danger, all systems need to be maintained. The most effective way of discovering what maintenance is required is by inspecting and testing the system. A competent person must carry out this work. Only competent persons should be engaged in work activities where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger or injury. Those under training may work on systems provided that appropriate supervision is provided, the level of which should be commensurate with the degree of risk associated with the task involved.
Any maintenance work must be carried out in accordance with the current edition of the Institution of Electrical Engineers Wiring Regulations which has been adopted as BS7671.
Installations should be inspected and tested at regular intervals depending upon the type of environment in which they are installed. Recommended intervals are as follows:
Petrol filling stations - 1 year
Hotels, leisure complexes, restaurants and theatres - 1 year
Unobstructed access to all electrical switch and control gear must be maintained at all times. Access to equipment such as distribution boards should be restricted to authorised personnel who are competent to carry out work on such equipment.
To prevent injury, adequate working space, means of access and lighting should be provided for work on or near electrical control equipment.
All portable electrical appliances, that is to say all items powered electrically and supplied via a lead and plug, must be maintained in safe condition. The most effective way of ensuring this is to have a competent person carry out inspections and tests at regular intervals. The frequency of these inspections and tests will depend on the type of appliance, the nature of its use, and the environment it is used in.
In addition, frequent visual checks by the user of the equipment are required.
In order to protect people from the risk of electric shock, a planned maintenance system should be introduced. This should include the following:
Where items are found to be damaged or faulty, a label should be attached securely to the item. The label should clearly show "Faulty Do Not Use" and the fault or damage written upon it. The item should then be put in a secure area to prevent use.
For details on frequencies for inspections of portable electrical appliances see "Suggested Initial Frequency of Inspection and Testing of Electrical Appliances".
Work activities on or near an electrical system
To prevent danger to those working on or near to electrical systems a safe system of work is required. The safe system would include such precautions as removing the power (isolation), locking off and effectively denying access to those working near by. Written procedures for isolation of equipment may be appropriate in some circumstances. Where work to complex systems or supplies of more than 3000 volts is carried out, the written procedure should include a 'Permit to Work' system.
The selection of the correct personal protective equipment is important. It should be suitable for the use for which it is provided and arrangements and training provided to ensure that it is maintained in good condition and properly used. See also guidance on personal protective equipment.
Electrical Safety - Portable Appliances Policy.
Electrical Safety - Portable Appliances Procedure.
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