Visual Inspection of Electrical Equipment
Why Inspect Electrical Equipment?
Health and Safety legislation requires that electrical equipment used at work should be maintained in a safe condition.This can be achieved by undertaking a visual inspection of the equipment.
There is a requirement to inspect all equipment that is portable. Generally, this means equipment that has a cable and a plug that can be inserted into a 13A socket outlet.
Who Should Carry Out Inspections
It is not necessary for an electrician to carry out equipment inspections. Any member of University staff following this guidance can complete a visual inspection.
Visual Inspection Procedure
By following the simple steps laid out below staff should be able to carry out visual inspections of electrical equipment both safely and competently.
As the title visual inspection implies, all you really need to do is look closely at the equipment. The majority of equipment faults can be found by undertaking a visual inspection.
Step 1 – Electrical Isolation - Switch of the power and unplug any equipment from the mains. Never open the casing of the equipment. If you suspect there is a fault inside the casing, or you can see any visible damage to the casing, such as scorching, you should seek help from someone who is appropriately qualified.
Step 2 – Electrical Cable -Inspect the electrical cable by running the cable slowly through your hands and feel for any lumps, cuts or rough areas. At the same time inspect all round the cable whilst working down it a little section at a time. Watch out for any areas that are discoloured, this might indicate an area of damage.
Be particularly vigilant with any part of the cable that may be prone to having equipment sitting on it or that may be habitually curved or twisted. These are sections that are likely to become damaged. Uncover any areas of cable that have been covered (e.g. with tape or a label) as they may be obscuring joints or areas of damage. Cables should not generally have any joints that are made by means other than standard connectors.
If any part of the outer insulation of the cable is breached or if you have reason to believe that the wires within it may be damaged then the damaged equipment should not be used.
Step 3–Cable Entry to Plug - Begin your inspection of the plug by looking at the point where the cable enters it. The outer insulation of the cable should be tightly gripped by the plug cable grip and none of the thinner internal wires should be visible from the outside of the plug.
FAILPASS
Step 4 – The Plug Casing - Next, look at the plug itself. The casing should not be cracked, chipped or damaged. There should be no bent or missing pins.
Fails (Damaged Casing /Visible Scorching)
Fail (damaged pins)
Step 5 – Pass or Fail – If none of the faults identified are visible the equipment has passed a Visual Inspection and the equipment can be used. However, a full Portable Appliance Test should be carried out as soon as possible. If any of the faults identified are visible then the equipment has failed the inspection and must not be used until it is repaired and passes a full Portable Appliance Test. Items that fail should be moved to a secure area or isolated by removing the plug.
Published by
Teesside University
Health and Safety Centre:
Telephone
01642 342213
Document Title: Visual Inspection of Electrical Equipment GuidanceLast Review Date / 3rd May 2018 / Author / S Westcough
Next Review Date / 3rd May 2019 / Author Role Title / Health and Safety Adviser