‘I have quite a lot of electrical equipment in my hotel .What do I have to do to maintain it?’
For the most part, visually inspect it. By concentrating on a simple inexpensive system of looking for visible signs of damage or faults, and putting them right, you will prevent most electrical accidents from occurring.
‘What is portable electrical equipment?’
Generally, equipment that has a lead (cable) and plug and which is normally moved around or can easily be moved from place to place, e.g., floor cleaners, kettles, heaters, fans, televisions, table lights. Equipment in hotel bedrooms, such as hairdryers or kettles, with a permanently wired lead, also comes into this category, as does equipment that could be moved, e.g., photocopiers, fax machines, and desktop computers. There may also be kitchen equipment such as mixers or food processors, laundry equipment such as irons, and maintenance equipment such as drills.
‘I’ve been told I have to test the electrical equipment brought in by guests. True or false?’
False! The law is restricted to matters within your control. In fact, an elaborate or rigorous regime of frequent electrical e testing is not required for your own equipment. The duty is to maintain it so as to prevent danger.
‘Are there risks from portable electrical equipment used in bedrooms, offices etc?’
Yes, but they are low compared with most other workplaces. However, if you have never had an inspection system or if maintenance has been neglected, there is a greater chance that some of the equipment has become dangerous and you will need to take some action.
‘What can go wrong? ’
The leads and plugs, or sometimes the equipment itself, can become damaged. This may result in an electric shock. Electric shocks can kill. Damaged equipment can also cause fires.
‘How can I tell if it is damaged?’
By looking! This is the most important maintenance precaution. Around 95% of faults or damage can be found by visual inspection. First, identify your equipment and where and how it is used. The things you are looking for on the equipment, the cable and plug, after disconnecting it, are there signs of:
• damage, e.g., cuts, abrasion (apart from light scuffing) to the cable covering;
• damage to the plug, e.g., the casing is cracked or the pins are bent;
• non-standard joints including taped joints in the cable;
• the outer covering (sheath) of the cable not being gripped where it enters the plug or the equipment. Look to see if the
• coloured insulation of the internal wires are showing;
• equipment that has been used in conditions where it is not suitable, e.g., a wet or dusty workplace;
• damage to the outer cover of the equipment or obvious loose parts or screws;
• overheating (burn marks or staining). In addition, formal inspection could include removal of the plug cover and checking that
• a fuse is being used (i.e. it is a proper fuse not a piece of wire, a nail etc);
• the cord grip is holding the outer part (sheath) of the cable tightly;
• the wires, including the earth where fitted, are attached to the correct terminals ;
• no bare wire is visible other than at the terminals;
• the terminal screws are tight;
• there is no sign of internal damage, overheating or entry of liquid, dust or dirt. This does not apply to moulded plugs where only the fuse can be checked.
Most of these checks also apply to extension leads and their plugs and sockets.
‘How often should we look?’
That depends on the type of equipment and how it is used. For example, the lead to a kettle will probably be handled and moved several times each day, while the cable to a computer may only be moved when the office furniture is rearranged.
‘What can users do?’
You should encourage them to look critically at the electrical equipment which they use, and look for damage to the outside of the equipment and its lead and plug before they use it, but they should not take the plug apart.
‘What happens if they find something wrong? ’
They should tell somebody (a supervisor or manager) and the equipment should be labelled as faulty and taken out of use to be repaired or replaced. (The plug could be taken off to stop it being used.)
‘What about testing, I had thought that was essential?’
Not for all equipment. However, some faults cannot be seen just by looking, particularly lack of continuous earths. For some equipment the earth is essential to safety. Therefore all earthed equipment, and most leads and plugs connected to equipment, should also have an occasional combined inspection and test to look for these and other faults.
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Combined inspection and testing should be carried out:
where there is reason to suspect the equipment may be faulty, damaged or contaminated but this cannot be confirmed by visual inspection; and after any repair, modification or similar work to the equipment, when its integrity needs to be established.
‘How do I know if equipment is earthed or not?’
Equipment which is not earthed is usually called ‘double insulated’ or ‘Class II’ and is marked with the ‘double square’ symbol. The cable has two wires. Equipment not marked with this symbol is usually earthed and is called ‘Class I’. The cable has three wires.
‘Will I be visited by inspectors?’
Inspectors may decide to carry out a health and safety inspection and they have powers to enter at any reasonable time. They may ask you how you deal with electrical dangers.
They have the powers to close you down for having dangerous equipment or impose very heavy fines. Worse still in the event of an electrical accident, fire or even a fatality, your insurance will be invalidated without a:
Certificate of Electrical Safety combined with the register of your portable appliance tests and reports.
‘How can I keep up to date?’
By enforcing a testing regime and an effective system for maintaining portable equipment, Arks-n-Sparks will take care of all the documentation, registers and certificates along with detailed information as to when your appliances require their next inspection.
When this is due we will contact you to arrange the inspection at your convenience with minimal disruption to your staff and guests.
Arks-n-Sparks
have a team of
City & Guild Engineers, all CRB Certified
touring the South West of England in the ‘Out of Season’ months
to satisfy the increased demand of our Leisure and Tourist clients.
So please give us a ring, e-mail or online with your query or instructions, we may even be close by in your neighbouring
Hotel, Guest House, Holiday Caravan Park, Club, Pub or Amusement Arcade
