- Published 18 Dec 2023
- Last Modified 18 Dec 2023
- 6 min
A Guide to Electrical Safety Checks
Electricity is very dangerous to work with so it’s essential the correct electrical safety procedures are followed. Electrical safety testing and inspection helps ensure electrical safety in the workplace. Read this guide to find out more and learn some of the best safety tips for electricity.
Reviewed by Peter Kendall, Technical Support Engineer (November 2023)
The correct electrical safety checks should be used to comply with health and safety legislation and help deliver electrical safety at work. Here’s what engineers need to know about what you should do before using electrical equipment. First, though, let’s ask why electrical safety checks are so critical.
Why are Electrical Safety Procedures Important?
Electrical safety and electrical safety inspection procedures help prevent death or injury caused by electric shock or burns. They can also help prevent injury from arcing, electrical fire, explosion, or even clothing catching fire due to static electricity. By preventing shocks during electrical work, electrical safety also helps reduce falls from height.
Electrical safety procedures include conducting a risk assessment of electrical hazards and who could be affected by them, and precautions that have been taken to guard against injury – or worse.
What are the Key Electrical Safety Regulations?
Electrical safety regulations include the Health and Safety at Work Act, the primary piece of health and safety legislation related to the workplace in the UK, which became law in 1974. The Health and Safety at Work Act dictates that employers are responsible for electrical safety in the workplace and guaranteeing the safety of employees and members of the public from risks while working.
Companies must protect the 'health, safety, and welfare' at work of not only all their employees but also casual workers, visitors, clients and the general public. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces the act and issues penalties for breaching health and safety legislation. It’s vital electrical health and safety policy in the workplace takes the legislation into account.
The Electricity at Work Regulations came into force in April 1990. These electrical safety regulations require precautions to be taken against the risk of death or personal injury from electricity in work activities. They impose duties on employers in respect to electrical systems, electrical equipment and conductors, and work activities on or near electrical equipment.
Meanwhile, the Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations apply to all domestic electrical equipment and equipment intended for the workplace. They place obligations on British manufacturers, importers and distributors of electrical equipment to ensure it is safe.
Manufacturers should also be mindful of the British standard BS 7671 wiring regulations. BS 7671 relates to fixed electrical cabling, including procedures for electrical safety tests of cables. BS 7671 applies to domestic and industrial installations and covers work such as installing new electrical circuits and replacement of fuse boxes. Failure to comply with BS 7671 may lead to prosecution.
What Electrical Safety Certificates are Required?
Electrical installation certificates are required to demonstrate that electrical installations, wiring and fuses are compliant with BS 7671. The commercial electrical safety certificate is issued following an electrical installation condition report by a qualified electrician.
New inspections must take place every three years at commercial industrial units. Having a commercial electrical safety certificate is an important means of demonstrating that an employer has a safe workspace.
How can Businesses Ensure Compliance with Electrical Safety Regulations?
Businesses can ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations by installing electrical systems and maintaining them correctly, and by working on electrical systems safely. Electrical systems should also be protected to prevent them from being affected by extremes of weather and temperature. Finally, only employees that have training in and knowledge of electrical systems should be allowed to work on them.
What Automation and Technologies Can Help Mitigate Electrical Hazards in the Workplace?
Automation that improves electrical safety includes electrical safety devices for remote switching that allows personnel to stand outside arc-flash boundaries. Software is on the market that analyses arc flash hazards from low, medium and high voltage electrical systems. Switches are also available which remotely operate circuit breaker controls.
Fuses, circuit breakers, and ground fault circuit interrupters are the foundation types of technology for electrical safety.
What Does an Electrical Safety Check Involve?
An electrical safety inspection is carried out periodically to check whether electrical systems are in good shape for continued use. The check will generate an electrical installation condition report. An electrical safety check and electrical safety test will:
- Test wiring and equipment to check it is safe
- Locate potential risks or fire hazards
- Reveal any defective electrical work
- Assess adequacy of earthing and bonding
- Assess wear and tear or other damage to electrical systems
- Determine the suitability of switchgear, wiring and control gear
Periodic Inspection and Testing
Inspection and testing of electrical equipment is required by law every three years for manufacturers, warehouses, and workshops. Manufacturers should ensure the periodic inspection is carried out by a reliable, registered commercial electrician.
Electrical Hazards and Control Measures
Control measures for reducing electrical hazards include:
- Only using competent and experienced individuals to perform electrical jobs. Electrical work requires specific knowledge, skills and experience to carry it out safely. An experienced and registered electrician is the right person for the job. They will be aware of electrical hazards and how to prevent them.
- Using the correct personal protective equipment. The right PPE is vital when working with electrical equipment. Choosing the right gear depends on the job and risks involved, but typical PPE includes hard hats, safety glasses, and insulated gloves.
- De-energising equipment and using lockout-tagout procedures. Working on live electrical equipment is very dangerous. It’s crucial that electrical equipment is disconnected from its power source before work begins. A lockout-tagout system should also be used to prevent accidental powering up of equipment while work is carried out.
- Not handling electrical equipment with wet hands. Electricity and water don’t mix. The hands and bodies of personnel working on electrical equipment should always be dry.
Best practices for electrical maintenance include regular inspections. Indeed, regular inspection of electrical equipment is required by law (every three years for industrial businesses). These inspections can identify potential risks and hazards with electrical equipment such as frayed wires or insulation that is damaged. Any faulty equipment should be replaced as soon as possible.
Workers should use non-conductive tools during maintenance. This reduces the risk of electric shock and prevents equipment from being energised accidentally.
It’s also important that electrical hazards are clearly identified during maintenance. For example, a lockout-tagout procedure will clearly highlight hazards that could result in equipment being re-energised accidentally. Electrical safety maintenance checklists can ensure safety procedures are followed. Checklists can be used to check wiring and inspect electrical equipment, and ensure personnel wear the correct personal protective equipment.
Industrial electrical safety is crucial. Learn how to use the correct safety procedures with RS. We’ve published guides to electrical testing and wiring regulations to help you comply with health and safety regulations.
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