2.11 Portable Electrical Equipment

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Classes of Portable Equipment
3. Selection of Equipment

1. Introduction

All portable electrical appliances used in resources will conform to all and any safety requirements in order to ensure safety. This will include any appliances brought on to the site by an employee, contractor or service user.

Staff are discouraged from bringing their own electrical equipment to their place of work without the express permission of their supervisor or manager. If permission is given the appliance must be registered and tested by a competent person before being used.

Portable electrical appliances are subject to more abuse than fixed systems, they are more likely to present a greater risk and as such should be subject to a greater level of control.

The Company will:

• Implement a procedure to ensure that all portable electrical equipment purchased is assessed before purchase
• Provide a system to identify and register all portable electrical equipment
• Ensure that the equipment can be readily identifiable (serial number)
• Ensure that portable equipment is suitable for the use to which it is put
• Where necessary train and instruct employees in the safe use of portable electrical equipment
• Produce a written scheme of inspection and testing based on the risks associated with its use
• Appoint competent persons to undertake the task of inspection and testing
• Implement a testing and inspection programme for all portable electrical equipment
• Ensure that users are aware of the need for visual checks
• Establish a system for reporting defects and effecting repairs
• Keep appropriate records

Electrical equipment that is:

• intended to be moved
• likely to be moved
• is connected to a fixed supply by a plug

2. Classes of Portable Electrical Equipment

Portable electrical equipment can be categorised into four types:

• Class 1 or earthed equipment. This equipment will have conductive materials such as a metal case that could become 'live' if there was a fault in the equipment. An example would be a metal kettle or metal-cased drill. In order to provide protection, the conductive parts are 'earthed' by means of an earth wire.
• Class 2 or double-insulated equipment. This equipment has two layers of protective insulation and is therefore unlikely to become live. This equipment does not require an earth wire.

This symbol is to be found on the serial plate of such equipment:

• Class 3 equipment. The protection against electric shock relies on the voltage not exceeding 50v (safety extra-low voltage). This equipment is more specialised and requires special outlets and transformer
• Battery-operated equipment s.. This is generally used where there is an increased danger of electric shock or where portability is important. Such equipment is not normally subject to inspection and testing for electrical safety.

Portable electrical appliances are responsible for many serious accidents each year and their use in the workplace must be strictly managed.

3. Selection of Equipment

Before purchasing new portable electrical equipment, an assessment of the use to which it will be put should be made. The equipment must be suitable for purpose and will be purchased only from reputable suppliers. Wherever possible only battery powered portable tools will be used. Portable 240v power tools should not be used.

Before purchasing equipment consideration should be given to:

• any future maintenance requirements
• foreseeable work locations and environmental conditions
• the most appropriate voltage for the equipment
• the likely risk that the equipment will pose while in use

Before new electrical equipment is put into use for the first time, checks should be made to ensure that:

• The plug, flex and casing are in good condition
• The correct rating of fuse has been fitted (Seek advice from a competent person)
• Persons have received adequate training and instruction on its use
• The equipment has been entered into the inspection and maintenance cycle
• An adequate risk assessment has been carried out
• A safe system of work has been established and documented if necessary

End