27 August 2004 - HSE's 2nd Edition Maintaining Portable and Transportable Electrical Equipment
The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) updated 2nd edition of Maintaining Portable and Transportable Electrical Equipment is intended to provide necessary practical advice to employers and employees including the self-employed, who either use or have control over this type of equipment, whether used connected to mains supply or locally generated supply, has the hazard of potential shocks, burns or fire due to damage, wear and tear or misuse and the updated advice in to ensure that all systems are maintained to avoid dangers.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 R4(2) for employers, self-employed and employees expressed requirements, which the HSE have drawn their update from contains the following:
- contains updated advice;
- features new sections on cables and the repair and replacement of equipment;
- is applicable to a wide variety of equipment, used in all environments, from electric drills and extension leads, to floor cleaners, pressure water cleaners and electric kettles;
- advises on what the legal requirements for maintenance of electrical equipment can mean in practice; and
- offers guidance on how to carry out a risk assessment in this area.
Recommendations within the HSE update are based on simple and inexpensive systems, which can be carried out by an appointed employee visually. It also advises an appropriately skilled person with technical knowledge should test the equipment periodically.
Mr Neil Gove, HSE Electrical Specialist Inspector commented:
"Nearly a quarter of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable or transportable equipment. The vast majority of these accidents result in electric shock. If you use such equipment in your workplace, this guide can help you to maintain it in a safe condition and prevent such accidents from occurring."
For more information click on this link: HSE Topic - Electrical safety at work Copies of Maintaining portable and transportable electric equipment - 2nd edition, ISBN 0 7176 2805 1, HSG107, price £7.95, are available from HSE Books
Article by Alexandra Johnston
