Electricity at Work

There are simple precautions when working with, or near electricity that can be taken to significantly reduce the risk of electrical injury to you and others around you.

Detailed in the tabs below you will find Electricity and Work information in place within your Board.

National Services Scotland

Working with electricity and electrical equipment can pose a health and safety risk, and there is a duty on employers, like NSS, to ensure that all equipment, plant and machinery is adequately maintained in a safe condition so as not to present a risk to its employees or other persons

NSS are also required to ensure that all electrical equipment and electrical supply systems are maintained in a safe condition and that only competent persons are permitted to work with, repair or maintain electrical systems.

As we continue to work from/at home at this time, we are asking everyone to check their work electrical equipment before use, checking for signs of damage, for example:

  • damage (apart from light scuffing) to the supply cable, including fraying or cuts;
  • damage to the plug or connector, eg the casing is cracking or the pins are bent;
  • inadequate joints, including taped joints in the cable;
  • the outer sheath of the cable is not effectively secured where it enters the plug or the equipment. Evidence would be if the coloured insulation of the internal cable cores were showing;
  • the equipment has been subjected to conditions for which it is not suitable, eg it is wet or excessively contaminated;
  • damage to the external casing of the equipment;
  • loose parts or screws;
  • evidence of overheating (burn marks or discolouration).
These checks also apply to extension leads, plugs and sockets.If you find any faults you should report them to your line manager and the equipment taken out of use immediately.
Line Managers should take effective steps to ensure that the equipment is not used again until it is repaired by a person competent to carry out the task

If you require additional information you can contact the NSS Health & Safety Advisors through HR Connect Contact Us / Health and Safety.

NHS 24

Below you will find a copy of the risk assessment to be used when dealing with portable electrical appliances within NHS 24.

Our Electrical Safety policy is located here.

Public Health Scotland

Working with electricity and electrical equipment can pose a health and safety risk, and there is a duty on employers, like NSS, to ensure that all equipment, plant and machinery is adequately maintained in a safe condition so as not to present a risk to its employees or other persons

NSS are also required to ensure that all electrical equipment and electrical supply systems are maintained in a safe condition and that only competent persons are permitted to work with, repair or maintain electrical systems.

As we continue to work from/at home at this time, we are asking everyone to check their work electrical equipment before use, checking for signs of damage, for example:

  • damage (apart from light scuffing) to the supply cable, including fraying or cuts;
  • damage to the plug or connector, eg the casing is cracking or the pins are bent;
  • inadequate joints, including taped joints in the cable;
  • the outer sheath of the cable is not effectively secured where it enters the plug or the equipment. Evidence would be if the coloured insulation of the internal cable cores were showing;
  • the equipment has been subjected to conditions for which it is not suitable, eg it is wet or excessively contaminated;
  • damage to the external casing of the equipment;
  • loose parts or screws;
  • evidence of overheating (burn marks or discolouration).
These checks also apply to extension leads, plugs and sockets.If you find any faults you should report them to your line manager and the equipment taken out of use immediately.
Line Managers should take effective steps to ensure that the equipment is not used again until it is repaired by a person competent to carry out the task
If you require additional information and help in the first instance please see PHS The Spark or email phs.health-and-safety@phs.scot
    • Electrical - What are the common causes of electrical injuries?National Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

      The most common electrical injuries are:

       - Electric Shock

       - Electrical Burns

       - Loss of muscle control

       - Thermal Burns

      The most common electrical injuries are caused by:

       - faulty wiring

       - poor training

       - incorrectly replaced fuses

       - mixing water and electricity

       - use of overloaded or damaged plugs, sockets or cables

       - misuse of equipment or using equipment which is known to be faulty.

      Other potential sources can be

       - work in or on excavations

       - working in wet, harsh or confined conditions

       - working on or near overhead lines, for example tipping loads

       - working on or near equipment that's thought to be dead but has a live current.

      Electricity can also ignite flammable or explosive atmospheres, for example in spray paint booths or around refuelling areas.

    • Electricity - What are the common electrical related hazards?National Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

      Those most at risk of an electrical related injury include 

       - maintenance staff

       - those working with electrical plant equipment and machinery

       - people working in harsh environments such as construction and agriculture sites.

      Employees should only work on or with electrical equipment if they have suitable training, knowledge, experience and supervision.

      Voltages over 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC are considered hazardous. Harm can be caused when exposed to 'live parts' or through conducting objects or materials.

      Shocks from equipment can cause severe and permanent injuries. Shocks can also cause indirect injuries, such as falls from

       - ladders

       - scaffolds

       - other work platforms.

      Faulty or overloaded equipment can lead to fires which can cause damage, injuries and loss of life.

    • Electrical - How often should my electrical equipment be tested?National Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

      Electrical equipment should be visually checked to spot early signs of damage or deterioration.  Equipment should be more thoroughly tested by a competent person often enough that there is little chance the equipment will become dangerous between tests.  Equipment used in a harsh environment should be tested more frequently than equipment that is less likely to become damaged or unsafe.

      It is good practice to make a decision on how often each piece of equipment should be checked, write this down, make sure checks are carried out accordingly and write down the results.  You should change how often you carry out checks, according to the number and severity of faults found

    • Electricity - How do I know if my electrical equipment is safe?National Services Scotland

      You can find out if your electrical equipment is safe by carrying out suitable checks, such as inspection and / or testing. The level of inspection and / or testing should depend upon the risks. A simple visual inspection is likely to be sufficient for equipment used in a clean, dry environment. In addition, equipment that is more likely to become damaged, or is operated in a harsh environment, is likely to require more demanding electrical tests.

      Checks should be carried out often enough to ensure there is little chance the equipment will become unsafe between checks. It is good practice to make a decision on how often each piece of equipment should be checked, write this down, make sure checks are carried out accordingly and write down the results. You should change how often you carry out checks, according to the number and severity of faults found.

      The best way to find out if specialised equipment is safe is to have it inspected and tested by a person with specific competence on that type of equipment. This may be the original manufacturer or their authorised service and repair agent. A reputable servicing company that deals with that type of equipment should also be competent to check its safety.

    • Electricity - How can I prevent electrical risks?National Services Scotland, Public Health Scotland

      You may be able to remove some electrical risks by using tools powered by air, hand or hydraulics.  However, be aware that these tools could introduce other hazards for the user.

      Lower voltages can reduce or remove the risks of shocks and burns.  Battery powered tools are safest. Use lower voltage portable tools at 110 volts.  Temporary lighting can also run at lower voltages.

      You should use a residual current device or lower voltage tools in harsh environments.​