Formal visual inspections should only be carried out by persons competent to do so. The results of the inspection must be documented.
The following must also be considered when carrying out the inspection.
Where appliances are used in an environment that is harsh or hazardous, including but not limited to, high or low temperatures, pressure, corrosive, wet or dirty conditions, particular care needs to be taken when initially selecting the appropriate equipment and also when assessing the frequency of inspection and testing.
The appliances should be installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions. The following are some examples of items that should also be inspected.
(a) Cables located so as unlikely to become damaged.
(b) Means of disconnection/isolation readily accessible
(c) Space for adequate equipment ventilation
(d) Cups, plants and work material not likely to cause danger.
(e) Equipment positioned to avoid strain on cord
(f) Equipment is being operated with the covers in place and any doors are closed
(g) Indiscriminate use of multi-way adaptors and trailing sockets is avoided
(h) No unprotected cables run under carpets
The means of isolation from the electricity supply must be readily accessible to the user, i.e. in normal circumstances it must be possible to reach the plug and socket without too much difficulty.
Users should be asked if they are aware of any faults and if the equipment works correctly. The following items need to be inspected:
(a) The flexible cable, Is it in good condition? Free from damage?
(b) The socket outlet, if known, Is it free from damage?
(c) The appliance, Does it work, Is the case damaged?
(d) The plug head:
(d) (i) Check that detachable mains leads (DML's) to Class 1 equipment incorporate a continuous protective conductor (earth connection).
(d) (ii) Look for signs of overheating
(d) (iii) Internal inspection; cord security, polarity, connections
(d) (iv) If non-rewirable plug; cord security
(d) (v) Correct size fuse fitted, securely gripped,BS marked, ASTA marked
(d) (vi) Security of plug cover
(d) (vii) Check the flexible cable connections and anchorage at the equipment, if practical
Some of the above checks may not be possible for equipment fitted with a non rewirable plug.
JPS Calibration Services Ltd
13 St Giles Close
Wendlebury
Bicester
Oxfordshire
UK
OX25 2PZ
Tel +44 (0)845 17025 00
Fax +44 (0)845 17025 01
email enquiries@JPS-Cal.co.uk
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