Switching on safety for SMEs

Attention to health and safety is not simply about being socially responsible - it makes good business sense. Developing effective electrical safety procedures not only ensures that your business meets legal requirements, it can also reduce insurance costs, help with accident prevention and improve the working environment.

But electrical safety doesn’t always get the attention that it deserves, perhaps because it’s so ubiquitous that we forget how dangerous it can be.

While electrocution (ie: death from electric shock) is thankfully quite rare, a non-fatal shock can still result in severe and permanent injury. A shock from faulty equipment can, for example, cause a serious fall from a ladder or scaffold. And it’s not just those who use electrical equipment that can be at risk, as unsafe electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances can lead to fires which can badly damage both people and property.

Certain business sectors, such as construction, have specific electrical safety requirements. However, even if you run a small office based business, use home workers, or are self employed, you are still subject to the Electricity at Work Regulations, under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The likelihood of being injured by electricity is strongly linked to where and how it is used, so most offices are usually regarded as a low risk environment. But whatever the context, the first step in compliance with the regulations involves undertaking a health and safety risk assessment.

The electrical installation in a workplace must be regularly checked and maintained. We recommend that they are inspected at least every five years, by a properly registered electrician (to find one in your area, go to electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/find-an-electrician).

Portable electrical appliances also need to be regularly tested but the frequency of inspection varies, depending on product type and use. The lead from a kettle, for example, will probably be moved several times a day, while the cable to a computer may only be disturbed when the office furniture is rearranged.

Small electrical items in low risk locations can usually be maintained by a regular visual check, where potential hazards can be easily seen and readily dealt with. This can be done by a staff member, as long as they have been given appropriate training, have basic electrical knowledge and common sense – enough to know what to look for, what to do, and how to ensure their own and others’ safety.

If your business operates in a low risk environment, answering the following simple questions will help you develop your electrical safety procedures:

• Do you have a named individual in your health and safety policy who is responsible for inspecting all portable electrical equipment?
• Does the regime cover the three key areas – i.e. equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in good working order and in good repair?
• Is there clear guidance about what regular user inspections should include?
• Do you have a registered electrician undertaking regular testing of your electrical installation?

The Health and Safety Executive produces a leaflet, 'Maintaining Portable Electric Equipment in Low Risk Environments', which provides detailed guidance and a table suggesting the frequency of inspection required for different electrical products. You can find it at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg236.pdf. Electrical Safety First has also produced a free app for smartphones which, although initially developed for domestic use, could also be used within a low risk working environment. The app helps undertake a visual check to ensure a property is safe, explaining what to look for and the potential dangers in each room. You can find it at: www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice/around-the-home/visual-checks.

For businesses using electrical equipment outdoors, or in a hazardous environment - work on construction sites, near to flammable or explosive material, or where there is a danger to the public - the level of risk inevitably increases. Tools using flexible power cables also present a special hazard, due to constant wear and tear, and equipment used onsite, or away from the main working area, needs to be inspected and maintained on a more regular basis.

One of the simplest ways of reducing electrical risk is to use, where possible, equipment operating at a lower voltage – for example, by using battery operated tools instead of working from the main electrical supply. For mains powered equipment, we recommend that residual current devices (RCDs) - which rapidly cut the current to reduce the risk of electric shock - are installed or provided. Ideally an RCD should be built into the main switchboard or the socket outlet, as this provides permanent protection. However, a plug incorporating an RCD, or a plug in RCD can be used if other options are not available.

Electricity is a great servant and a bad master but the risks in this essential element of modern life are often overlooked. Make sure you put it in its proper place - as an important element of your health and safety audit.