Portable Appliance User Checks
Portable appliance checks by the user are limited to an external visual inspection without any dismantling of the equipment.
The user should disconnect the equipment, if appropriate, by switching off and unplugging the item of equipment.
If equipment is found to be damaged or faulty, an assessment should be made by a responsible person as to the suitability of the equipment for the use or the location.
PLUG |
Not loose in socket-outlet and can be removed from socket-outlet without difficulty Free from cracks or damage Free from any sign of overheating Flexible cable secure in its anchorage If the plug is of the non-rewireable type or moulded-on type, the cable grip should be checked by firmly pulling and twisting the cable. No movement should be apparent Pins not bent Pins preferably sleeved, particularly where young children may touch the plug No cardboard label on the bottom Plug does not rattle
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FLEX OR CABLE |
Good condition Free from cuts, fraying and damage Not in a location where it could be damage Not too long, too short or in any other way unsatisfactory No joints or connections that may render it unsuitable for use, such as taped joints Only one flex connected into one plug (a 13A plug is designed for one cable only – not two) Not too tightly bent at any place Not run under a carpet Not a trip hazard An extension lead should be inspected throughout its length. This will mean uncoiling coiled-type extensions
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SOCKET OUTLET OR FLEX OUTLET |
Free from cracks or other damage No sign of over heating Shutter mechanism of socket-outlet functioning Not loose (i.e. properly secured) Switch, if fitted, operates correctly
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ADAPTOR OR EXTENSION LEAD FITTED WITH AN RCD |
Inspect device and verify it has a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA Check device by plugging it in, switching it on and then pushing the test button. The RCD should operate and disconnect the supply from the socket-outlet(s)
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APPLIANCE OR ITEM OF EQUIPMENT |
Free from cracks, chemical or corrosion damage to the case, or damage that could result in access to live parts Equipment is operated with protective covers in place and doors closed Able to be used safely Switches on and off correctly Works properly Sufficient Space to permit cooling. Not positioned so close to walls and partitions that there is inadequate spacing for ventilation and cooling No sign of overheating Not likely to overheat. No books or files on top of a computer or towels over a convector heater 100 W lamps should not be fitted in a 60 W luminarie Cups and plants are not placed where their contents could spill into equipment
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ENVIRONMENT |
Equipment suitable for its environment No indiscriminate use of extension leads or multiway adapters Equipment normally not left on overnight
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SUITABILITY |
Equipment suitable for the work it is required to carry out
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Portable Appliance User Checks
Portable appliance checks by the user are limited to an external visual inspection without any dismantling of the equipment.
The user should disconnect the equipment, if appropriate, by switching off and unplugging the item of equipment.
If equipment is found to be damaged or faulty, an assessment should be made by a responsible person as to the suitability of the equipment for the use or the location.
PLUG |
Not loose in socket-outlet and can be removed from socket-outlet without difficulty Free from cracks or damage Free from any sign of overheating Flexible cable secure in its anchorage If the plug is of the non-rewireable type or moulded-on type, the cable grip should be checked by firmly pulling and twisting the cable. No movement should be apparent Pins not bent Pins preferably sleeved, particularly where young children may touch the plug No cardboard label on the bottom Plug does not rattle
|
FLEX OR CABLE |
Good condition Free from cuts, fraying and damage Not in a location where it could be damage Not too long, too short or in any other way unsatisfactory No joints or connections that may render it unsuitable for use, such as taped joints Only one flex connected into one plug (a 13A plug is designed for one cable only – not two) Not too tightly bent at any place Not run under a carpet Not a trip hazard An extension lead should be inspected throughout its length. This will mean uncoiling coiled-type extensions
|
SOCKET OUTLET OR FLEX OUTLET |
Free from cracks or other damage No sign of over heating Shutter mechanism of socket-outlet functioning Not loose (i.e. properly secured) Switch, if fitted, operates correctly
|
ADAPTOR OR EXTENSION LEAD FITTED WITH AN RCD |
Inspect device and verify it has a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA Check device by plugging it in, switching it on and then pushing the test button. The RCD should operate and disconnect the supply from the socket-outlet(s)
|
APPLIANCE OR ITEM OF EQUIPMENT |
Free from cracks, chemical or corrosion damage to the case, or damage that could result in access to live parts Equipment is operated with protective covers in place and doors closed Able to be used safely Switches on and off correctly Works properly Sufficient Space to permit cooling. Not positioned so close to walls and partitions that there is inadequate spacing for ventilation and cooling No sign of overheating Not likely to overheat. No books or files on top of a computer or towels over a convector heater 100W lamps should not be fitted in a 60 W luminarie Cups and plants are not placed where their contents could spill into equipment
|
ENVIRONMENT |
Equipment suitable for its environment No indiscriminate use of extension leads or multiway adapters Equipment normally not left on overnight
|
SUITABILITY |
Equipment suitable for the work it is required to carry out
|