Just ask: Inspection and testing of portable appliances

Q: What is portable electrical equipment and what do I need to be aware of about inspecting and testing it?

A: This is equipment with a lead and attached plug that can be easily moved from one place to another. Typical examples are kettles, table lamps, heaters, televisions, photocopiers and desktop computers.

Visual inspection means examining the electrical equipment for signs of damage whereas testing involves a more rigorous procedure using special equipment. In addition, the person carrying out the test should have experience and sufficient knowledge i.e. be competent.

It is a legal requirement to inspect electrical equipment regularly. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state "as may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonable practicable, such danger". The first step is to visually inspect the items--by simply looking for faults and visual damage, most of the electrical hazards will be identified.

For extra low voltage and battery-operated pieces of equipment such as hand-held torches, there is no need to carry out testing since visual inspection will be sufficient. Some equipment may not need to be tested but its cable will. Care should be taken when testing business equipment, such as computers, as inappropriate tests can damage the equipment.

Although there is no requirement in the Electricity at Work Regulations to keep maintenance logs of portable and transportable electrical equipment, the Memorandum to the Regulations does refer to the benefits of recording maintenance, including test results. A maintenance log is a useful management tool for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the scheme and also to demonstrate that a scheme exists. The log can be used as an inventory of portable equipment and a check on the use of unauthorised equipment--for example kettles and radios brought to work by employees.

Q: We are planning to employ a construction firm to refurbish our site and I understand that it should provide a method statement for the work. What sort of information should this contain?

A: A method statement is a document that sets out how a specific job or process will be carried out and the control measures that need to be followed to ensure that it is undertaken safely. Firstly, ensure that the contractor selected is competent--the competency can be ascertained via use of a pre-tender health and safety questionnaire to be completed by the contractor. Although the contractors are not legally obliged to provide method statements, it is considered good practice for construction firms, and other contractors, to prepare one and show it to their client.

The method statement should identify any hazards that may be present in the job and the precautions that need to be taken to deal with them. In addition, it should be stated whether the work will be compatible with the activities of any other contractors who may be on site. The method statement should be checked and approved by the employer (or responsible person) before any work starts.

Once on site, employers are under an obligation (section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) to make sure that contractors adhere to the approved method statement, such that a safe system of work is in operation for the duration of the activity being carried out.

Every care is taken in the preparation of these questions and answers, which are supplied by Croner Consulting, a trading division of WoltersKluwer(UK) Ltd. The information is correct at the time of going to press. However, the answers given can only address the general principles involved. Professional advice must be sought on any specific query or problem your business has relating to any issue or area raised.