Portable Electric Equipment in Low-Risk Environments

Introduction

Maintaining portable electric equipment in low-risk environments, such as offices, shops, and parts of hotels and residential care homes, involves simple yet effective precautions to prevent electrical hazards. This leaflet provides guidance on the necessary steps to ensure safety, including examples of equipment that may require maintenance and how to determine the appropriate level of care.

What Does the Law Say?

The law requires that electrical equipment must be maintained to prevent danger, but it does not specify how or how often this maintenance should occur. The level of maintenance depends on the risk of the equipment becoming faulty and its construction. Key considerations include:

• Increased risk due to incorrect usage, unsuitability for the job, or harsh environments.