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Electricity

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Contents

Introduction

Electricity kills and injures people.

Many deaths and injuries arise from the following:

  • Use of poorly maintained electrical equipment
  • Work near overhead power lines
  • Contact with underground power cables during excavation work
  • Mains electricity supplies (230 volt)
  • Use of unsuitable electrical equipment in explosive areas such as car paint spraying booths
Fires started by poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances cause many additional deaths and injuries.

Regulations

There are several different types of health and safety legislation that cover electricity, including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (or Electricity at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991 (as amended)). See the HSE or HSENI websites for a full breakdown of these Regulations. Their links can be found below.

The Electricity at Work Regulations.

The Electricity at Work Regulations NI

PAT testing

PAT testing is short for portable appliance testing. Portable appliances include any appliance which has a plug and a cable and can be moved. They include items like toasters and kettles, as well as items like photocopiers. The law does not require frequent testing of portable appliances, only that your electrical appliances are maintained. The HSE publishes specific advice on portable appliances, depending on your work environment. This advice can be accessed by clicking on the links listed below.

Maintaining portable electrical equipment in offices and other low-risk environments

Safety in electrical testing at work

Maintaining portable electrical equipment in hotels and tourist accommodation

Further information

The information above is only intended to be used as a general guide. If you are working with electricity, you will want more information from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE or HSENI). They have a section of their website devoted specifically to electricity and working which can be accessed by following the link below.

Electricity from the HSE