Health and Safety Policy Arrangements – Electric and Portable Electric Appliances
Electrical and portable electrical appliances are integral to modern workplaces but pose significant safety risks if not properly managed. In the UK, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to ensure the safety of electrical systems and equipment used in the workplace. This involves ensuring that all electrical installations and equipment are designed, installed, operated, and maintained to prevent danger. Portable electrical appliances, in particular, must undergo regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to ensure they are safe to use. Employers must conduct risk assessments to identify potential electrical hazards and implement appropriate control measures, such as using Residual Current Devices (RCDs), ensuring proper insulation, and maintaining equipment in good condition. Additionally, employees should receive training on the safe use of electrical appliances and be aware of the risks associated with electricity. Effective management of electrical safety not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also significantly reduces the risk of electrical accidents, contributing to a safer and more secure working environment.
Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…
Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.
The [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;
- A detailed Risk Assessment is undertaken for any works involving the probability of contact with underground or overhead electrical services, and will implement appropriate control measures to ensure the safety of all personnel associated with the work
- During repair and/or refurbishment work an assessment will be undertaken using all means available (locators, plans, etc.) to ascertain the location of any hidden electrical services, i.e. in ceiling voids, plastered in, etc. and take any means available to make safe
- Users of electrical equipment will carry out checks daily or before use covering; the plug, cable/s, machine body, controls, guards and any accessories fitted.
- The use of 110v or lower on site wherever practicable, if 240v is used the main supply point must be fitted with a Residual Current Device (RCD).
- All electrical tools to be in good condition and double insulated where practicable
- Portable Appliance Testing is carried out on a regular basis and records kept
- Any electrical tools and equipment are serviced, maintained and repaired by an authorised competent person
- Any electrical tools and equipment that involves a specific risk to the health and safety of employees, will only be used by competent trained persons and where appropriate nominated persons only will use such equipment
- When any electrical equipment is found to be defective it will be immediately withdrawn from use, and be prevented from reuse until repaired/replaced
- All safety devices and guards will be in place and operable at all times
- All employees operating electrical tools and equipment will be provided with adequate supervision, training, instruction and information necessary to operate the equipment safely
Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;
- HSG 107 – Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment
- The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
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