Electrical equipment check sheet

One of the most common sources of ignition is faulty electrical equipment. As such you should carry out visual and more thorough inspections to ensure what you’re using isn’t a potential fire hazard.

Checks on electrical equipment

You need to carry out regular checks on electrical equipment to ensure it isn’t going to start a fire. To record the test, use our Electrical Equipment Check Sheet. The document should then be kept in the record book section of your fire file. 

What’s involved?

There is still a common misconception that as soon as you bring an electrical product through the doors it needs to have a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) test. This isn’t true. The legal requirements are detailed in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 which leave it up to you how often to carry out tests.

Tip. Restrict PAT testing to equipment that’s likely to sustain damage or you have doubt about.  Instead carry out visual checks. What should you look for? Start with the casing of the item, make sure everything is intact with no cracks, check that the cable is securely attached and there are no cuts or breaks in the insulation. The plug is likely to be a sealed unit so it doesn’t require any special attention. However, if it’s not, then check that the cable is securely held by a plastic brace and that all the wires are hidden from view with no coloured insulation showing. There should be no black scorch marks on the plug socket or the item itself.