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You are here: Home > Environment > Environmental Health > Health and Safety > Working Environment > Electricity

Electricity

This section provides information and advice about electricity work regulations, hazards and reducing the risk of injury.

Each year there are almost 1,000 reportable accidents at work due to contact with electricity including a significant number of fatalities (about 20 a year).

Even non-fatal shocks can cause severe and permanent injury or lead to other accidents (e.g. falls from ladders).

Almost all workplaces are subject to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 which require employers and self employed people to ensure that everything that uses electricity in the workplace is safe. 

What are the hazards?

• Contact with live parts causing shocks and burns 
• Fires arising from faults 
• Ignition of potential flammable or explosive atmospheres  

The risk of injury from electricity depends on where and how it is used.

For example, risks are greatest:

- In wet surroundings
- Out of doors (includes greater risk of damage)
- In cramped conditions with a lot of earthed metalwork
- Where flexible/extension leads are used

Reducing the risk of injury

1.Ensure the electrical installation is safe:-

New installations of fixed systems or the maintenance of existing fixed systems (where appropriate) should be to a suitable standard e.g. BS7671 'Requirements for electrical installations', or the current edition of the Institution of Electrical Engineers Regulations for Electrical Installations (the IEE Wiring Regulations).

The IEE Wiring Regulations are non-statutory Regulations and are a code of practice widely recognised and accepted in the UK and compliance with them is likely to achieve compliance with relevant aspects of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. 

Provide enough socket outlets.

2. Provide safe and suitable electrical equipment (portable appliances)

• Choose suitable equipment 
  
  Use of alternative power source (e.g. air tools/ rechargeable battery tools) 
  Maintenance, which may involve a combination of the following:
  
  (i) User checks - of cables, plugs, joints, cable clamps, general condition and appearance.
  
  (ii) Formal visual inspection - by a competent person; may involve removal of plug cover to check fuse, cord grip, cable termination etc. but does not involve taking equipment apart. 
  
  (iii) Combined inspection and test - requiring a wider degree of competency; checks are for loss of earth integrity, correct polarity and fusing, cable termination and suitability of equipment. 
  
  NB The frequency of checking/inspection and testing will be influenced by the risk assessment which will take into account such factors such as : 
• working environment 
• if hand-held
• manufacturers' recommendations
• frequency of use
• likelihood of 'abuse'
• previous maintenance history
  
  It is recommended that all reports are kept and used as a management tool to help control electrical safety. 
  
  Accessible and identified emergency cut off (isolation) switch near each fixed machine. 
  Suitable protection for electrical equipment in flammable/explosive atmospheres. 

3. Reduce the voltage

For example

• Use temporary lighting at 12, 25, 50, or 110 volts 
• Use battery operated tools 
• Use 110v center-tapped-to- earth portable tools 

4. Provide a safety device

Provide a safety device such as a residual current device (RCD) with a sensitivity of not more than 30 milliamps (mA).

An RCD is a device which detects some but not all faults in the electrical system and rapidly switches off the supply.

The best place for an RCD is built into the main switchboard or socket outlet, but a plug in RCD can be used as a least-preferred option. Remember to operate or check the operation of the test button regularly.

5. Work safely

Work safely following established safe systems of work and ensuring appropriate levels of competency. Remember the hidden dangers from underground power cables and the particular hazards of overhead power lines. 

Particular Electrical Safety Issues -

Flexible Leads, Plugs and Sockets

Defective leads, plugs and sockets cause more accidents than their appliances. Safety considerations include the following: 

Cables and cords

• If moved only occasionally consider fixed cabling. 
• Ensure insulation and protection of cable is appropriate. 
• Ensure adequate strength/support if needs to be suspended 
• Joints:- it is better to replace cable than to make a repair; if repaired, use a cable coupler with the 'connector' part on the supply side. Insulating tape should never be used. 
• Extension leads preferred to long cable attached to the apparatus. 
• Flexing damage - usually where the cable enters the apparatus at the cord grip. 
• Sheath damage (e.g. floor polishing machines, electric lawnmowers) 
• Adapters  

Use of adapters is not recommended due to increases in mechanical stresses and the potential for electrical overload.

Cord Grips

Failure to grip cable may result in the earth conductor becoming loose near to the live terminal or metalwork of the fuse (and fuse carrier) resulting in metal work becoming live.

Children

Where access by children may be likely, shutters/covers etc could be fitted to socket outlets or connectors.

Checklist for businesses

You can  download the checklist (6.9kB) below to print off for your records.

1. Have you considered the possibility of injury from electrocution, electric shock, heat, radiation or uncontrolled fire arising from the use of electricity?

2. Have you identified what electrical systems and equipment are under your control?

3. Have you informed, instructed and trained your staff to an appropriate level regarding the provisions of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989?

4. Have you policies and procedures that define personal responsibilities and competencies regarding electricity?

5. Do you ensure that the fixed electrical system is checked periodically? (The IEE Regs recommends every 5 years).

6. Do you have a system in place for purchasing, using and maintaining all portable and transportable electrical appliances?

a) Does it include 'user' checks?
b) Does it include 'formal visual inspections'?
c) Does it include 'combined inspection and testing' if necessary?
d) Are written records/registers/maintenance logs kept?
e) Are employees trained etc. in the hazards, risks and precautions of using electricity and your procedures for preventing danger? 
Each year there are almost 1,000 reportable accidents at work due to contact with electricity including a significant number of fatalities (about 20 a year).

Even non-fatal shocks can cause severe and permanent injury or lead to other accidents (e.g. falls from ladders).

Almost all workplaces are subject to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 which require employers and self employed people to ensure that everything that uses electricity in the workplace is safe.