Electrical Equipment Hazard Checklist
Please refer to the guidance notes supplied at the end of this section before using this checklist.
Visual Inspection of Electrical Equipment
Are there any physical defects that could affect safety, such as:
Do any electrical leads show signs of being cut, frayed, cracked or split?
Have any unsafe repairs been made to leads (taped joints, connector blocks etc.)?
Do any electrical plugs show signs of damage (casing cracked or pins bent)?
Are any outer coverings (sheath) of the cable loose and not being gripped where it enters the plug or the equipment (internal wires are showing)?
Are any plug tops loose or missing?
Are there any signs of burning or overheating on any plug or cable?
Does any piece of electrical equipment show signs of physical damage?
Is any piece of electrical equipment situated in a dangerous position (kettles too close to sinks, trailing leads over hot surfaces, etc.)?
Is any piece of electrical equipment unsuitable for the task (230V equipment used where 110V or battery-powered equipment should be used)?
Are any covers, doors or access panels missing or damaged?
Are there any signs of dirt or moisture getting into equipment?
Electrical Testing and Inspection
Electrical equipment requires regular formal testing, inspection and marking by a competent person to verify they are free from defects and afforded the correct protection:
Is any piece of electrical equipment without a current inspection label (date of next inspection due should be clearly marked)?
Does any plug have an incorrectly-rated fuse (13A fuse fitted instead of lower rating)?
Are any cables incorrectly terminated (wrong polarity, loose terminations, etc.)?
Guidance notes:
Any observed defect should be reported and the defective item should be withdrawn from service, for repair by a competent person or safe disposal.
Portable electrical equipment must be subject to a regular portable appliance test (PAT) by a competent person.
This list is intended as the first stage of a risk assessment to identify any ‘significant hazards’ in the workplace in order to prompt further action or evaluation.
The hazards have been listed as generic groups for ease of identification.
No Indicates that a hazard is not present and no further action is required
Yes Identifies a hazard that should be either:
a. Removed or controlled by some action or;
b. Further evaluated by performing a risk assessment
a. Remove or reduce the hazard
Control measures for removing or reducing a hazard include:
1. Elimination: by removing the hazard completely
2. Substitution: with a less hazardous substance, process or method of work
3. Modification: of the work process
4. Providing formal written procedures in the form of a safe system of work or a method statement
5. Supplying adequate training and information to all those exposed to the hazard
6. General tidiness and good housekeeping
7. Supplying protective equipment or clothing
b. Further evaluation
Any identified hazard should be evaluated using a risk assessment