Introduction

The training for the use of electical equipment consists of the information provided in the presentation and text below. After reading and understanding this information, you must complete an online test.

Presentation

(PDF) Electricity Presentation

Laws covering electrical safety

Although there are legal duties on manufacturers and suppliers covering the performance and integrity of new electrical or electronic equipment, responsibility for the safe operation of equipment in the workplace rests firmly with the employer. This general requirement is included in the following legislation:

• The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
• The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• The Management of the Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999

However, the particular legal requirements relating to the use and maintenance of electrical equipment are contained in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR). Regulation 4(2) of the EAWR requires that all electrical systems should be maintained, so far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent danger.

Inspection

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are quoted as saying that c. 75% of electrical faults can be discovered by VISUAL inspection alone. The vast majority of equipment we use in the Physics Department can be safely inspected visually.

We have specialised equipment (PAT testers) to test, and log the results of, items which must be tested in addition to a visual inspection.

Visual inspection

Look at the condition of the supply plug and cable.

1. The plug must be intact, with no damage to the moulding or the pins. For rewireable plugs remove the cover and inspect the cable grip, verify correct cable connections, tightness of terminal screws, fuse (and its rating - the fuse should be the correct rating to protect the CABLE). For moulded plugs inspect the fuse, pins and moulding.
2. The cable must be free from cuts, abrasion, crush or knotting damage, heat damage (melting/scorching), and be of the correct rating for the supply voltage and the current to be carried.
3. The cable must be held securely where it enters the equipment, i.e. no rotation, or movement from a gentle tug.

Good practice: A quick visual (QV) inspection (no dismantling required) of the cable and plug top should be carried out regularly, and each time the equipment is used or brought into use.

Important: Damaged parts must be replaced or repaired before the equipment is reused.

Portable appliance test (PAT)

A PAT tester is used to carry out a full test of the plug, cable and equipment. Depending on the type of test to be carried out the tester will check the protective earth resistance, insulation and leakage.

Types of equipment and periods of test

Guidance from the HSE states that items which are subjected to regular movement or are in hazardous areas are to be visually inspected and PAT tested (V+PAT) within a reasonable period determined by risk assessment. Other items can be visually inspected (V).

Below is a list of typical items to be found in the physics department and the recommended type of inspection and period.

Equipment	Recommended Test	Retest Period
Mains extension lead - drum type heavy/regular use	V+PAT QV	6 months On each use
Mains extension lead - drum type light/occasional use	V+PAT QV	12 months On each use
Mains extension lead - multiway block	V+PAT	12 months
IEC lead - rewireable	V+PAT	12 months
IEC lead - moulded	V+PAT	12 months
Water boilers (urns)	V+PAT	12 months
Kettles	V+PAT	12 months
White goods (fridges, freezers, microwaves, etc.)	V+PAT	12 months
Mains powered hand tools	V+PAT	6 months
Laboratory electical/electronic equpiment which is regularly moved or is used in undergraduate laboratories	V+PAT	12 months
Laboratory electrical/electronic equipment which is static for long periods	V V+PAT	12 months 36 months
Furnaces	V V+PAT	12 months 24 months
Any mains powered item in a fume hood	V+PAT	12 months
Any mains powered item adjacent to (< 1 m) or used on a sink unit	V+PAT	12 months
Desk lamps - articulated (anglepoise)	V+PAT	24 months
Desk lamps - not articulated	V+PAT	36 months
Computers, monitors, printers	V	24 months
Desk fans	V+PAT	24 months

Logging

Recording results is important.

• QV inspections are not formally recorded.
• V inspections are recorded by a coloured sticker on the plug top - colour is year specific.
• V+PAT tests are recorded by the PAT tester and thence downloaded to a data base.

Electrical Testing

All electrical equipment with the potential for harm (electric shock, fire explosion etc.) must be inspected. Although this generally applies to voltages in excess of 50 volts AC/DC there is, in fact, no lower voltage limit.

The frequency of inspection/testing will vary with the type of equipment and the way it is used.

HSE guidance distinguishes between the following:

• Simple visual checks by users for obvious signs of damage requiring the minimum of instruction.
• Formal visual inspection requiring some training but not requiring any more expertise than that of anybody fitting a plug competently to a domestic appliance.
• Electrical testing using PAT testing equipment and requiring some specialised electrical knowledge and training.

• Electrical inspection/testing of the fixed installation (supply) is the responsibility of the Estates Office.
• Electrical inspection/testing of fixed equipment permanently connected to the mains is the responsibility of the Department using it (unless this has been formally transferred to the Estates Office).

• Formal visual inspection of portable equipment is the responsibility of the department
• Inventory of equipment is up to date.
• Inspections are made at agreed intervals.
• Simple records are kept (computerised records are acceptable).
• Training of staff to carry out PAT is carried out.
• Electrical testing of portable equipment may be undertaken by any departmental technical staff who are competent to do so.
• Equipment leaving the department for any reason must be examined and tested and checked on return.
• Any piece of equipment that fails on inspection or test must be taken out of service immediately and not returned to use until it has been repaired.

Note: Guidance on the selection and use of PAT testers can be obtained from the Estates Office. Some types of tester are not suitable for use on computers etc.

Maintenance

• Electrical equipment must be maintained in a safe condition by competent persons, preferably on a planned basis.
• Equipment should, if practicable, be electrically isolated before maintenance
• Service engineers must be provided with safety information, equipment etc as necessary.
• The tools used by an electrician or other persons working on electrical installations must be suitable and in good condition.
• Supervisors must inspect tool kits regularly to ensure that the tools are in good condition. This applies whether the tools are issued by the University or owned personally.

Online test

Log into Perception with your IT Services username and password and complete the test called Electricity and Electrical Training Questions.