Maintain all electrical equipment, including portable equipment and installations (so far as reasonably practicable) to prevent danger. Decisions on maintenance levels and the frequency of checks should be made in consultation with equipment users, based on the risk of electrical items becoming faulty. There is an increased risk of this happening if the equipment isn’t used correctly, isn’t suitable for the job, or is used in a harsh environment. An appropriate system of maintenance is strongly recommended. This can include:

• User checks by employees, eg a pre-use check for loose cables or signs of fire damage.
• A visual inspection by someone with more knowledge, eg checking inside the plug for internal damage, bare wires and the correct fuse.
• Where necessary, a portable appliance test (PAT) by someone with the necessary knowledge and experience to carry out a test and interpret the results.

Make sure that people who are working with electricity are competent to do the job. The employer must ensure that:

• Suspect or faulty equipment is taken out of use, labelled ‘DO NOT USE’ and kept secure until examined by a competent person.
• Where possible, tools and power socket outlets are switched off before plugging in or unplugging.
• Equipment is switched off and/or unplugged before cleaning or making adjustments.

Always assume cables will be present when digging in the street, pavement or near buildings. Use up-to-date service plans, cable avoidance tools and safe digging practice to avoid danger. Service plans should be available from regional electricity companies, local authorities, highways authorities etc.

When working near overhead lines, and if possible, switch them off after giving the owners enough notice. If this cannot be done, consult the owners about the safe working distance from the cables.

When working near electrified railways or tramways, consult the line or track operating company.

1.3 Sources of information on electricity risks:
Information on workplace electricity risks can be obtained from:

• Enforcement bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive (website: http://www.hse.gov.uk) and OSHA (website: http://www.osha.gov).
• Professional bodies such as IOSH (website: http://www.iosh.com) and IIRSM (website: http://www.iirsm.org).