Visual Inspection
Formal visual inspections should only be carried out by persons competent to do so. The results of the inspection must be documented.
The following must be considered when carrying out the inspection
Suitability of the equipment/environment
The equipment should be assesed for its suitability for the environment or the nature of the work being undertaken. When the work environment is harsh or hazardous particular care needs to be taken when selecting the equiopment and assessing the frequency of inspection and testing.
Good Housekeeping
A check should be made to ensure the equipment is installed and is being operated in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Notwithstanding the manufacturers instuctions, the following are examples of items which should be checked:
(a) Cables located so as to avoid damage
(b) Means of disconnection/isolation readily accessible
(c) Adequate equipment ventilation
(d) Cups, plants and work material correctly placed to avoid spillage
(e) Equipment positioned to avoid strain on cord
(f) Equipment is being operated with the covers in place and any doors
are closed
(g) Indiscriminate use of multi-way adaptors and trailing sockets is avoided
(h) No unprotected cables run under carpets
Disconnection of equipment
The means of isolation from the electricity supply must be readily accessible to the user, i.e. in normal circumstances it must be possible to reach the plug and socket without to much difficulty.
The condition of the equipment
Prior to the commencement of the users should be asked if they are aware of any faults and if the equipment works correctly. The following items need to be inspected:
(a) The flexible cable
(b) The socket outlet, if known
(c) The appliance
(d) The plug head
Some of the following checks may not be possible for equipment fitted with a non-rewirable plug
(i) Check detachable power cords to Class 1 equipment incorporates a CPC
(ii) Identify signs of overheating
(iii) Internal inspection; cord security, polarity, connections
(iv) If non-rewirable plug; cord security, burning odours
(v) Correct size fuse fitted, BS marked, ASTA marked
(vi) Security of plug cover
(vii) Check the flexible cable connections and anchorage at the equipment,
if practical
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