The Health and Safety Executive has recently updated its popular guide aimed at employers, employees and the self-employed who use, or have control over, portable or transportable electrical equipment.
“Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment” gives practical advice on how to maintain equipment in a safe condition and prevent accidents. It covers equipment that may be connected to either fixed mains or a locally generated supply, and that could result in an electrical shock, burn or fire due to damage, wear or misuse. First published in 1994, this second edition contains updated advice, with new sections on cables and the repair and replacement of equipment.
The guidance applies to a wide variety of equipment, used in all environments, from electric drills and extension leads, to floor cleaners, pressure water cleaners and electrical kettles. It includes advice on what the legal requirements for maintenance of electrical equipment can mean in practice and guidance on how to carry out a risk assessment in this area.
The maintenance strategy recommended by the guide is based on a straightforward, inexpensive system of visual inspections that can be undertaken by an appointed employee. In additional, a person with appropriate skill and technical knowledge should test equipment periodically.
Nearly a quarter of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable or transportable equipment. The vast majority of these accidents result in electric shock.
Copies of “Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment – 2nd edition”, price £7.95 are available from HSE Books and can be ordered online at http://www.hsebooks.co.uk
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