Electrical Equipment Hazard Checklist
Electrical safety checks are essential in any workplace to ensure that devices and equipment operate properly without causing harm. The likes of frayed cables, faulty wiring, and loose plugs can all lead to electric shocks, burns, and other injuries. Use this electrical equipment hazard checklist to identify and minimise such risks.
A risk assessment of any workplace including offices, shops, restaurants, and construction sites should consider all electrical elements. Equipment and devices alongside wiring and batteries can harm individuals if not regularly checked and maintained. Neglect, damage, and aging electrical equipment can lead to problems that cause injuries.
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to run risk assessments and create a safe workplace for staff and anyone else who uses or visits your premises. Conduct the relevant electrical safety checks to protect employees, customers, visitors, and the general public with this free electrical equipment hazard checklist.
Electrical inspection checklist
Following an electrical inspection checklist helps ensure your workplace adheres to safety regulations. It includes steps to examine and test the electronic devices, equipment, and electrical elements in the workplace. This helps check each one runs properly, safely, and is well-maintained to reduce the chance of anything electrical causing an accident.
An electrical inspection should be carried out alongside a risk assessment. The risk assessment may identify potential hazards such as frayed wires or old electrical equipment. Running an additional electrical inspection helps you investigate and identify any specific issues so you can fix them before they cause any harm.
Use our risk assessment software to create unlimited risk assessments online, including around electrical equipment. You can try a free 15-day trial of the software to get an idea of how it works. Otherwise, use the following electrical inspection checklist to identify and check electrical hazards in your workplace.
Visual inspection of electrical equipment
Are there any physical defects that could affect safety:
- Do any electrical leads show signs of being cut, frayed, cracked, or split?
- Have any unsafe repairs been made to leads (like taped joints or connector blocks)?
- Do any electrical plugs show signs of damage (casing cracked or pins bent)?
- Are any outer coverings (sheaths) of cables 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 (such as kettles too close to sinks or trailing leads over hot surfaces.)?
- 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’re 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 or loose terminations)?
Electrical safety checks – guidance notes
Any observed electrical defect should be reported, and the defective item should be withdrawn from service. It should be repaired by a competent person or sent for 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 to prompt further action or evaluation. The electrical 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:
- Removed or controlled by some action
- Further evaluated by performing a risk assessment
Removing or reducing electrical hazards
These are the control measures to remove or reduce an electrical hazard:
- Eliminate by removing the hazard completely
- Substitute with a less hazardous process or method of work
- Modify the work process
- Provide formal written procedures in the form of a safe system of work or a method statement
- Supply adequate training and information to all those exposed to the electrical hazard
- Ensure general tidiness and good housekeeping
- Supply protective equipment or clothing
Further evaluation
Any identified hazard should be evaluated using a risk assessment. Create unlimited risk assessments online with our health and safety software. Start your free 15-day trial to make as many risk assessments as you need and improve the electrical safety in your workplace.