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Strategy
Explanation of terms used
Controlling the risk
Use of the equipment
Construction of the equipment
Cables & Flex
Environment
Maintenance
Repair and Replacement
Legal Requirements
Summary
Further Information
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Failure to maintain the equipment is a
major cause of accidents involving portable
equipment. The likelihood of accidents occurring
and their severity will vary, depending on the
type of electrical equipment, the way in which it
is used and the environment in which it is used.
An example of a high-risk activity is the use
of a pressure water cleaner, powered by a 230 V
electrical supply, with the cable trailing on the
ground where it can be damaged by vehicles and
other equipment, and where water is present.
Damage to the cable or other parts is likely to
expose the operator or others to electric shock.
Similar risks result when electrical
equipment such as drills or portable grinders are
used in a harsh and sometimes wet environment
such as at a construction site, where there is a
high probability of mechanical damage.
Lower risks result from floor cleaners or
kettles that are generally used in a more benign
environment, eg offices and hotels. But such
equipment can still be subject to intensive use
and wear. This can eventually lead to faults that
can also result in a shock, burns or, more rarely,
a fire.
An electrical accident can lead to a
potentially fatal electric shock, or fire affecting
the whole premises. The maintenance system
should therefore be designed to be proactive,
ie planned to prevent incidents arising, rather
than reactive, where action is taken following
an incident/accident. The measures taken should
be appropriate to the risk. Procedures will need
to be carried Out more frequently where the risk
is high, eg on construction sites, and less
frequently where the risk is lower, eg in offices.
Much ‘unauthorised’ equipment is brought
to work by employees (eg electric heaters,
kettles, coffee percolators, electric fans). Use of
such equipment should be controlled and it may
need to be included in the maintenance regime
(particularly the formal visual inspection
described in paragraphs 4 1-46) if its use is
permitted. Equipment that fails a user check
(paragraphs 39-40) or a formal visual inspection
should not be used until it is properly repaired.
With practical maintenance experience, it
may be possible to extend maintenance intervals,
if few faults are found. However, if faults are
common it may be necessary to reduce
intervals, or take other action to improve
maintenance and reduce risk.
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