ElectricalSafetyCoPMarch2012.doc-Workspace.docVIP

INTRODUCTION This Code of Practice sets down the standards for safe management of electrical equipment, lighting and portable appliance equipment i.e. maintenance, servicing, testing, use etc. It is intended to assist in meeting the requirements of current legislation and sets out procedures on how to achieve safe systems of work. Over and above the general duty of care owed by the College to its staff, students and others under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, all work related to electrical equipment tasks are legislated by The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994. Further information is contained within the BS7671: Wiring Regulations 2008 (17th Edition) document. Workplace lighting is covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. This Code of Practice provides the following: A definition and the scope of the applicable Regulations The duties imposed on the employer / employees / other Responsibilities of duty holders and employees Competence / Self Certification 1. Overview and Introduction to Electrical Equipment Safety The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 places duties on any person who uses, supervises, manages or has any control of electrical equipment or services. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 came into force on 1 April 1990. The purpose of the Regulations is to require precautions to be taken against the risk of death or personal injury from electricity in work activities. The Regulations are made under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act). The HSW Act imposes duties principally on employers, the self-employed and on employees, including certain classes of trainees. The Regulations impose duties on people) in respect of systems, electrical equipment and conductors, and in respect of work activities on or near electrical equipment. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Employers have a general duty under section 2