Office Electrical Safety Checklist

Why is electrical safety important?

Electrical accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable deaths and injuries in the workplace. Every year, people are electrocuted at work – sometimes fatally. Other times, they may suffer severe burns or electrical shocks that can lead to permanent disability. For this reason, ensuring your office is electrically safe will help prevent these electrical accidents. Following an office electrical safety checklist can help reduce the risk of electrical accidents in your workplace.

Here’s a quick checklist of electrical safety tips for the office:

Office Electrical Safety Checklist

• Make sure all electrical equipment is properly grounded. This includes outlets, plugs, cords, and light fixtures.

• Inspect electrical equipment regularly for signs of wear or damage. If you see frayed wires, cracked insulation, or other damaged parts, replace the equipment immediately.

• Do not overload outlets or extension cords. This can cause a fire hazard.

• Use only properly rated extension cords and power strips.

• Keep cords and cables away from areas where they could be tripped over.

• Don’t place cords under carpets or rugs.

• Use only surge protectors that are UL-listed.

• Avoid using electrical equipment in wet or damp areas.

• Do not use damaged electrical plugs or outlets. Have them repaired or replaced by a qualified electrician.

• Do not touch electrical equipment or cords if you are wet or standing in water.

• Report any electrical problems to a qualified electrician immediately. Do not attempt to repair the problem yourself.

This simple office electrical safety checklist can help create a safer work environment for everyone in your office.

Office Electrical Safety – EICR Testing

What is an EICR test?

An EICR test, also known as an electrical installation condition report, is a safety check on an electrical system to ensure it is safe to use. The test is carried out by a qualified electrician and covers all aspects of the electrical installation, including the wiring, circuits, sockets, and fixtures.

Why is an EICR test important?

An EICR test is an essential safety check for any electrical installation on domestic or commercial property. The test can identify potential hazards and ensure that the electrical system is safe to use.

What does an EICR test involve?

An EICR test involves a thorough inspection of the entire electrical installation. The electrician will check for any signs of damage or wear and tear and test the wiring to ensure it is correctly installed and safe to use.

How often should an EICR test be carried out?

It is recommended that an EICR test is carried out every five years or sooner if there are any signs of damage or wear and tear.

If you have any concerns about the safety of your electrical system or would like to arrange an EICR test, please contact our team at EIS. We are always happy to help!

EICR Test Checklist

our electrical engineers follow a set process and an EICR test checklist for each project. However, as the client, below is an EICR test checklist for you to highlight what is required on the day of a test.

1. Access to all rooms is required. This is to check the electrical sockets in each room.
2. Access to the consumer unit / electrical distribution board. The area needs to be clear and accessible for testing and inspection.
3. Electrical power will require isolation, so power will go off in certain areas during the inspection.
4. There will be a requirement to remove specific sockets and switches during the EICR inspection, but these will all need to be replaced.
5. Appliances with clocks or settings will need to be reset or reprogrammed by the client after inspection and after they lose power.

The EICR test checklist, as above, will allow you to prepare for any inspection and possibly arrange for employees to work from home for the day or around the scheduled times.

Office Electrical Safety – P.A.T Testing

What is a PAT Test?

A PAT (Portable Appliance Test) is an inspection of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure their safety. The test checks for any damage that could cause a shock or fire, such as frayed cords, loose plugs, or cracks in the casing.

PAT testing is not currently required by law in the UK. However, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the employer is responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of all employees. For this reason, having appliances tested regularly is a good idea to ensure safety. In addition, many insurance companies will also require businesses to have their electrical appliances regularly tested.

PAT Test Checklist

PAT tests should be done by an experienced electrician, but there is a checklist you can follow to see if your current situation requires a PAT Test

The following PAT Test Checklist will show you what we would look for on a test and how you can evaluate your own equipment and electrical wiring.

Electrical Wiring

1. Check that the electrical wire is secure at the plug and equipment ends.
2. Is the overall electrical cable in good condition?
3. Visually, is there any damage to the electrical cable, such as cracks, splits, or colour changes?
4. Is the electrical cable the correct length for its use?
   1. Not too short to where it is being strained to be used
   2. Not too long where there are unnecessary cable coils
5. Is the cable free from possible damage, such as being crushed by chairs, desks, and cupboards?

Portable Appliance

1. Is there any visible damage to the portable appliance, such as cracks, splits, or colour changes?
2. Are there any missing elements to the portable appliance, such as covers, screws, and connectors?
3. Are all the correct safety switches and guards in place and good working order?
4. Is the appliance the correct equipment for what it is being used for?
5. Is the appliance in the correct environment? i.e. suitable for outdoor use, heat etc

How often should a PAT test be done?

Most appliances will need to be tested yearly, but some may need to be tested more frequently, depending on their use. For example, an appliance that is used daily will need to be tested more often than one that is only used occasionally.

PAT testing costs will vary depending on the number and type of appliances being tested and the location of the business. For pricing, contact our team of qualified electricians with a list of your appliances, and we can supply an office electrical quotation.

What are the benefits of a PAT test?

PAT testing can help prevent workplace electrical accidents, which can lead to injuries or even death. Identifying potential problems early on also helps extend the lifespan of electrical appliances.