1.2 Visual examination of handheld electrical equipment
1.2.1 What do you do when unsafe equipment is suspected?
An employer must ensure that handheld electrical equipment is visually inspected for obvious defects or damage before it is connected to the electricity supply.
You should make sure that all parts of the equipment that are likely to be touched by the user have been examined for:
- cuts or other damage to the flexible lead that expose the insulation of the inner cores or the conductors (e.g. running the flexible cord through the hand before it is connected to the supply of electricity can help detect damage);
- melted or burnt areas of the plug, flexible lead or equipment;
- security and safety of covers, guards and controls such as power points, switches and the like;
- cracks or holes in the equipment that may expose live parts when used; and
- obstruction to ventilation inlets and exhausts.
The illustrations below show examples of equipment that a visual examination has found to be defective.
Fig. 7
Figure 7 shows a lead that has had heavy objects dropped on it, causing broken and deformed insulation.
Fig. 8
Figure 8 shows a drill that has a broken air vent. A person could inadvertently touch internal live parts of the drill.
Fig. 9
Figure 9 shows an extension socket that is cracked and split.
Fig. 10
Figure 10 shows a plug that has signs of heat damage. Further use could cause a fire.
1.2.1 What do you do when unsafe equipment is suspected?
If the handheld or otherwise personally carried electrical equipment is identified as defective, damaged or possibly electrically unsafe, the equipment must be:
- immediately withdrawn from service;
- labeled in a manner to warn against further use until examined by a licensed electrical person; and
- either:
- repaired by a licensed electrical person; or
- disposed of or destroyed so that it cannot be connected to an electricity supply, (e.g. break off the plug pins).
In the case of fixed electrical equipment, appropriate action should be taken to ensure personal safety until a repair by a licensed electrical person can be made. For example, if electrical equipment is damaged and live parts are exposed, there should be a procedure in place to ensure that:
- persons are kept clear of exposed live parts; and
- a licensed electrical person attends to make the equipment safe.
Last updated July 16, 2009
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