An electrical appliance inspection is important because it is indefinite that electrical equipment will continue to operate correctly. when an electrical appliance is brought onto a property, it is the owner or employer’s responsibility to ensure that it functions safely and an inspection is strongly recommended. For portable electrical equipment the inspection should include an inventory and a recorded visual inspection. Electrical appliances to consider an inspection for are:
• A domestic appliance, for example, kettles and vacuum cleaners
• Extension leads
• Mains-powered electrical appliances brought onto the premises, e.g. radio
By law, as a landlord or employer it is imperative to ensure that all electric appliances and systems are safe and an inspection is carried out. There are approximately 2,200 electrical fires in homes in the UK, even though the majority of these houses are insured; only a property which has had an electrical appliance inspection will be covered by their insurers. If a property had an electrical appliance inspection it would reduce the amount of fires exceptionally and show that the owner or employer had acted responsibly towards the safety of the property and tenants. An electrical appliance inspection reduces risks and possible problems which may otherwise cause injury or damage to properties and even prosecution. A hand held electrical appliance which is connected to the electricity supply, or intended/capable of being moved whilst connected to the electricity supply would need to be attached to a plug and socket, which would need to undergo an inspection. Legislations state that all employers and employees are responsible to ensure all electrical installations and equipment used is safe.
It is vital that all necessary precautions are taken to diminish the risk of injury resulting from electrical failure; this is evident through the procedure of electrical appliance inspection. An electrical appliance inspection should be carried out if the owner of a property is a landlord, licensing authority etc, so that there are no liabilities on behalf of them. It may also be necessary to have an electrical appliance procedure in order to comply with the IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition, or if you have recently bought a business/workplace in which case it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the installation is safe and there are no electrical faults.
