Health & Safety Risk Management System

S09 - Electricity at Work

Electricity kills and injures people. Around 1,000 electrical accidents at work are reported to HSE each year and about 25 people die of their injuries.

Many deaths and injuries arise from:

• Use of poorly maintained electrical equipment
• Work near overhead power lines
• Contact with underground power cables during excavation work
• Mains electricity supplies (230V)
• Use of unsuitable electrical equipment in explosive areas such as car paint spraying booths
• Fires started by poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances.

Electrical injuries can be caused by a wide range of voltages but the risk of injury is generally greater with higher voltages and is dependent upon individual circumstances.

Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electrical supplies can cause injuries including:

• Electric shock
• Electrical burns
• Loss of muscle control
• Thermal burns.

This procedure gives simple guidance on what is required in an electrical scheme of maintenance and inspection, however, competent electrical advice should always be sought when preparing such a scheme.