Inspection Guide
Electrical
Electrical systems must be maintained to prevent risk or injury in the workplace. Regular safety inspections and testing will aid in the continued safe operation of electrical equipment and systems. |
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Types of Machinery/Plant Requiring Inspection |
Inspection Frequency (Months) |
Type of Inspection |
Relevant Legislation and/or Guidance |
Electrical Installations and Equipment
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Includes fixed electrical, control panels, wiring inspection and testing, wiring circuits, air handling plants and switchboards.
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3-60 |
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The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR)
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW)
BS7671 IEE Wiring Regulations
Inspection is recommended
Inspection frequency varies according to the type of equipment and the environment it is used in
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Portable Electrical Appliances (PAT Testing)
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A portable appliance is an electrical appliance that can be plugged in, or moved whilst connected to an electrical supply. Common appliances include computers, monitors, printers, photocopiers, telephone equipment, and kitchen appliances. |
3-60 |
Statutory |
The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW)
The Management of the Health & Safety at Work Act Regulations 1999 (MHSWR)
The Provision & use of work Equipment Regulations 1999 (PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR)
Inspection frequency varies according to the type of equipment and the environment it is used in
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Emergency Lighting
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The continued operation of emergency lighting is imperative, and testing is required to ensure it remains in a serviceable condition.
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6 |
Statutory |
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR)
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW)
BSEN 50172:2004 (BS5266-8:2004)
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Lightning Conductors
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Lightning protection and earthing systems.
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6 |
Statutory |
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR)
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 ( HSW)
BSEN 62305 (1-4) Protection Against Lightning |
Quarries
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The use of electricity at quarries is subject to additional Health and Safety regulations.
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6-12 |
Statutory |
The Quarries Regulations 1999 (S.I.2024)
SAFed guidelines for the Periodic Testing and Examinations of Fixed Low Voltage Installations at Quarries
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Local Authority Entertainments Licensing
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As required by Local Authority for public areas, includes emergency lighting, and lightning protection.
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12 or as required |
Statutory & Non Statutory |
The Management of the Health & Safety at Work Act Regulations 1999 ( MHSWR)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Lifting
Lifting equipment and machinery is used for lifting and lowering loads.
The legislation is designed to ensure the standards for strength, stability and positioning of lifting equipment are maintained.
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Types of Machinery/Equipment
Requiring Inspection |
Inspection Frequency (Months) |
Type of Inspection |
Relevant Legislation and/or Guidance |
Passenger Lifts |
All lifting equipment used to lift or lower persons.
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6 |
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Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 ( LOLER)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) The Management of the Health & Safety at Work Act Regulations 1999 ( MHSWR) |
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Lift used for lifting goods and equipment only.
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12 |
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Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 ( LOLER)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) The Management of the Health & Safety at Work Act Regulations 1999 ( MHSWR) |
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Includes stair lift conveyor, horizontal and vertical conveyor walks.
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6 |
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Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 ( LOLER)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
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Lifting tables used for vehicle lifting
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6 |
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Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 ( LOLER)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
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Fork Lift Trucks |
Electric and internal combustion fork lifts
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12 |
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Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 ( LOLER)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER) |
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Mobile and stationary cranes (Lorry cranes)
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12 |
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Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 ( LOLER)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
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Mobile excavating vehicles
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12 |
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Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 ( LOLER)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Other Lifting Equipment |
Other equipment used for lifting and lowering loads. Also includes attachments used for anchoring, fixing and supporting the lifting machinery and equipment.
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12 |
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Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 ( LOLER)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
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Hoists such as gantry's are made up of pulleys and wire ropes or chain, and loose lifting tackle.
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6 |
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Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 ( LOLER)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
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Chains, shackles, slings and eyeballs.
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6 |
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Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 ( LOLER) |
Pressure Systems
Faulty pressure systems can be extremely hazardous. In the event of an explosion, flying debris and the release of compressed gas or liquid may be lethal. It is very important that the PSSR safety standards are adhered to, and pressure systems are inspected regularly for faults. |
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Types of Machinery/Plant Requiring Inspection |
Inspection Frequency (Months) |
Type of Inspection |
Relevant Legislation and/or Guidance |
Hot Water Boilers (>100°C) |
Heating systems, wall mounted boilers |
14 |
Statutory |
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 ( PSSR)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Steam Boiler and Steam Ovens |
Steam boilers are used for generating high pressure hot water, or steam.
The steam oven cooks food in an atmosphere of steam. |
14 |
Statutory |
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 ( PSSR)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Steam Pressure Vessels |
Vessels that use steam to sterilise laboratory materials and equipment, or hold gasses or liquids at high pressure. |
26 |
Statutory |
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 ( PSSR)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Other Pressure Vessels |
All other non steam vessels, used to hold gasses or liquids at high pressure. |
26 |
Statutory |
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 ( PSSR)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Refrigeration Plant (>25 kw) |
Gas, liquid, and mechanical pressure is used to move heat in order to refrigerate. |
48 |
Statutory |
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Air Conditioning Plant (>25 kw) |
Refrigeration systems to control air temperature. |
48 |
Statutory |
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Local Exhaust Ventilation
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) equipment is used to ventilate and control hazardous airborne emissions.
The standards set out in COSHH are designed to protect employees from being exposed to harmful emissions. |
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Types of Machinery/Plant Requiring Inspection |
Inspection Frequency (Months)
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Relevant Legislation and/or Guidance |
Dust Extraction |
Equipment used in the extraction of dust particles |
14 |
Statutory |
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 ( COSHH)
The Control of Asbestos At Work Regulations 1987
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Fume/Vapour Extraction |
LEV Systems used in the extraction of dangerous fumes and vapours |
14 |
Statutory |
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 ( COSHH) |
Fume/Vapour Extraction in Non Ferrous Foundries |
Foundry LEV System used in the extraction of dangerous fumes and vapours not derived from Iron (non ferrous). |
6 |
Statutory |
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 ( COSHH) |
Metal Dust Extraction |
LEV Systems used in the extraction of dangerous metal particles |
6 |
Statutory |
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 ( COSHH)
The Control Of Lead At Work Regulations 1998 |
Blasting of Casting Made on Site |
LEV Systems used to extract particles generated from cast blasting. |
1 |
Statutory |
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 ( COSHH) |
Spray Booths
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Paint, chemical spray booths |
14 |
Statutory |
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 ( COSHH)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Power Presses and Process Machinery
Power Presses and Process Machinery are subject to rigorous safety checks under the PUWER regulations, due to the risks associated with their operation.
Considered to be some of the most dangerous machines to operate, it is important that safety inspections are carried out regularly.
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Types of Machinery/
Equipment Requiring Inspection |
Inspection Frequency (Months)
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Relevant Legislation and/or Guidance |
Power Presses |
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6 |
Statutory |
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Press Brakes |
A component of a power press used to bend and fold metal.
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6 |
Statutory |
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Paper Cutting Guillotines |
If fitted with interlocking or fixed guards, paper cutting guillotines must be examined every six months. |
6 |
Statutory |
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Metal Cutting Guillotines |
If fitted with interlocking or fixed guards, metal cutting guillotines must be examined every six months. |
12 |
Statutory |
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
Plastic Injection Moulding Machines |
Machines used to produce parts and products from molten plastic, injected at high pressure.
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12 |
Statutory |
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER)
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 ( EAWR) |
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Note: The above tables are not exhaustive of the types of plant, and situations that require inspection and test. Please contact us for further guidance on all areas of inspection, and testing for Statutory, and Non Statutory Compliance. |
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