1)  Purpose

To provide a brief assessment check list of The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989,
as interpreted by The Greencore Group.

This document should not be regarded as a definitive list.

Introduction

The new regulations came into force on 01 April 1990 and apply to almost all workplaces. They require precautions to be taken against the risk of death or personal injury from electricity in work activities. They replace the Electricity (Factories Act) Special Regulations 1908 & 1944.

The Regulations will eventually form a key element
 of the risk assessment criteria to the proposed:

Fire Precautions (Places of Work) Regulations

The Regulations impose duties on persons in respect of systems, electrical equipment, conductors and work activities on or near electrical equipment.

The Regulations state the principles of electrical safety in a form which may be applied to any electrical equipment and any work activity having a bearing on electrical safety. They apply to all electrical systems and equipment as defined in the Regulations whenever manufactured, purchased, installed or put into use. This includes equipment installed prior to the Regulations. However, where electrical equipment predates the Regulations this does not necessarily mean that the continued use of the equipment would be in contravention of them. Equipment made to a standard, or fixed equipment installed in accordance with The Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) Regulations, is likely to comply with the Regulations, provided that it has been properly maintained.
 

Self Assessment Check List for The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Are you aware of The Electricity at Work Regulation 1989?	YES	NO
Are you aware that they came into force on 01 April 1990?	YES	NO
Do you understand the legal meaning of the phrases,
a) Absolute,	YES	NO
b) So far as is Reasonably Practicable?	YES	NO
Are you aware that failure to comply could result in both civil and criminal proceedings in the event of any incident?	YES	NO
To assist you in assessing your system please answer the following questions.
Do you have a copy of The 16th Edition of the IEE Regs?	YES	NO
Are all electrical maintenance staff approved to the current issue of the IEE Regulations?	YES	NO
Do you have a copy of The Electricity at Work Regs and the supporting guidance note?	YES	NO
Have you established an inspection service programme in the following areas;
Flexible Cables?	YES	NO
Portable Appliances?	YES	NO
Are all buildings (including electrical cupboards) containing electrical equipment adequately secured to prevent unauthorised interference or vandalism?	YES	NO
Are all buildings externally (including electrical equipment) identified?	YES	NO
Are cupboards containing electrical equipment inspected regularly to prevent them being used as store areas for other purposes? (e.g., paint and other flammables).	YES	NO
Is electrical equipment regularly inspected to ensure that access is kept clear?	YES	NO
Has all disused electrical equipment (cables) been removed or properly identified?	YES	NO
In the event of an emergency is a means of isolation (e.g., Emergency Stop button) readily available for the operator?	YES	NO
When mechanical or electrical maintenance has been authorised, do you have a system of control for safe working (e.g., Lock off and effective isolation)?	YES	NO
Has all electrical equipment (including new cabling) at your location been identified and given a reference number?	YES	NO
Do you have up to date drawings of all your electrical systems (including disused equipment)?	YES	NO
Do you have a single documentation file for all your electrical equipment?	YES	NO
Do you have a planned inspection and service programme of your electrical systems?	YES	NO
Do you maintain up to date records of all inspections & services?	YES	NO
Do you have Residual Circuit Devices (RCD) for all socket outlets used for portable equipment either in a workshop or in the production areas?	YES	NO
Are you aware that permission must be given before any private equipment (e.g.; transistor radios etc) can be brought onto company premises?	YES	NO
Are you aware that if permission is granted to bring any private equipment onto your location. It must be controlled as per the requirements for portable electrical appliances and records maintained?	YES	NO
Are you aware it is your responsibility to visually inspect all contractor's equipment on your location that is likely to be plugged into your electrical supply?	YES	NO
Are you aware that if you use contractors to complete Inspection services, then you must obtain a "Periodic Service Inspection Certificate"?	YES	NO

2) Related Documents

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992
The Institute of Electrical Engineers Regulations (16th Edition)
The Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

Appendices

One British Standards relating to Electrical Safety at Work.
Two HSE Guidance relating to Electrical Safety at Work.
Three Miscellaneous electrical pro-forma
(available from the Institute of Electrical Engineers).

NOTE: These appendices should not be considered as a definitive list