Electrical equipment that has been properly designed, constructed, installed and maintained does not present a risk of electric shock or burn injury when properly
used. The general requirement for the design and construction of electrical equipment is that it is suitable for its intended use and the environment in which it is to be used. Electrical equipment is susceptible to failure from water and dust ingress, damage by impact and general deterioration and should therefore be protected from these effects by installing it in a dry environment free from damage or in suitable weather proofed and protected enclosures.
Electrical installations must conform to relevant British, CENELEC and IEC standards. All equipment must be marked with an appropriate CE marking or equivalent.
All installations, including those for the control of motor drives, must be capable of being effectively isolated by readily accessible lockable isolating devices. The means of isolation, whether isolating switches, fused isolators, circuit breakers or other devices, must be capable of being locked in the “OPEN” or “OFF” position only and clearly labelled to show the equipment or circuit that it controls.
Some electrical equipment may be designed to be locked in the “OPEN” or “OFF and “ON” position. Where this equipment exists, this must be effectively managed to prevent danger. One example of this equipment is High Voltage switchgear that is frequently locked in the “ON” position to prevent unauthorised operation of the switchgear.
Where emergency stopping devices and or safety interlocking devices are fitted to equipment and machinery these should be designed to be readily accessible, not easily
defeated and fail to safety in the event of fault.
