Page 62 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4

17.2 Electrical Safety
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (SI 1989 No 653) imposes duties on
employers and employees to take proper precautions against the risk of death or
personal injury from electricity in work activities. Electricity at normal mains voltage
up to 240V can cause fatal shock, burns and fire. In addition supply at 440v is
commonly used on industrial / factory sites.

• All electrical equipment is to be properly installed, serviced and maintained by a qualified
electrician. Untrained people can easily make deadly mistakes, putting themselves and other
people at risk and should not carry out any electrical work.
• Each item of equipment supplied through a permanent cable, must have its own isolator or
plug and socket arrangement so that it can be disconnected from the electrical supply for
cleaning or repair. Where practicable each isolator and dedicated socket outlet should be
clearly labelled to show which equipment it supplies. Isolating switches should preferably
have a facility for locking them in the OFF position for maintenance and or cleaning purposes.
• Effective cable or cord grips should be used both at the plug and where the cable enters the
equipment. Fuses of the correct rating must be used in all electrical appliances and
equipment. The earth wire (where provided) must always be properly connected. Loose,
cracked or broken plugs should be taken out of use immediately.
• Flexible cables should be positioned and protected so that they cannot be easily damaged.
They should not trail across sharp or heated surfaces or where they may be exposed to
excessive wear and tear. They should be checked regularly for damage and loose
connections. Cables to equipment in everyday use are to be checked regularly by the user.
If a cable is damaged, or shows signs of swelling or cracking the equipment should be taken
out of use and the cable replaced. Make-shift repairs to damaged cables are not acceptable
and all damaged or worn cables must be properly replaced or permanently repaired.
• There is an increased risk of electric shock when water gets into electrical equipment. Do not
trail extension cables through water and do not let water get into any electrical equipment
during cleaning. Domestic 13 Amp square pin plugs are not suitable for use in wet or moist
conditions. If such conditions are likely splash proof, hose proof or watertight electrical plug
sockets must be used.
• Residual current device (RCD) (also known as an earth leakage circuit
breaker) will be fitted in the supply to mains power tools and cleaning
equipment. These devices must be checked regularly by means of the test
button provided.
• START buttons should be recessed or shrouded to prevent unintended
operation.
• STOP buttons should be red, clearly marked, protruding for easy operation
and within easy reach of the operator

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