18
TRISAN S8 Visual inspection
Visual inspection
Foreword
Under recent changes to WHS (Work, Health and Safety) hazard identification and risk assessment has become
compulsory for all body corporate.
All persons are responsible for identifying hazards in their immediate area of workplace, report and follow
through with correction. Persons are required to follow appropriate training in all areas including recognising electri-
cal appliance hazards and ensuring they are maintained in good condition .Fines are applicable for individuals who
are complacent about safety within their immediate working environment.
Visual inspection of electrical appliances is required to be undertaken by all on a continuous basis. Contract electrical
testing personnel still follow through with the same inspections, but clearly less frequent.
One important additional requirement relevant to the electrical testing personnel is manual repetitive handling of ap-
pliances. Repetitive bending and stooping on an hourly basis all day is regarded as hazardous. Back injuries are on the
rise through this process. When testing appliances the correct procedure is to involve the personnel immediately
concerned with their area to assist in the inspection, testing tagging process. The additional benefit is further training
and corrective process in electrical safety.
Visual inspection:
Ensure the appliance to be safety tested has no obvious mechanical faults and is free from external damage.
Inspect the mains lead for any damage, defects or loose terminals in the accessories, connectors, plugs or outlet
sockets. Common faults encountered:
. Frayed, cracked or otherwise damaged mains lead.
. Exposed conductors and/or covered by insulation tape.
. Abrasions in the outside insulation jacket.
. Mains lead anchorage at plug or appliance entry not secured.
. Signs of overheating discolouration (yellowing)
. Signs of corrosion
Check that any controls, alarms and replaceable protective devices accessible to the user, are of correct rating
and in good working order.
Inspect all switches and speed controls for mechanical operation; Ensure switches and controls are clear of any
obstruction, e.g. filings, swarf, metal particles, grease, etc.
Confirm all identity tags/labels etc. pertaining to the frequency of safety testing are correctly attached and
records of all test/inspections are kept to ensure the safety integrity and history of the appliance.
Identify the appliance to be tested.
Examine the appliance to be tested and identify whether the appliance is an earthed appliance,
a double insulated appliance or an extension cord.
Earthed appliances should always have an earth pin on their plug, and will normally have exposed metal
components.
Double insulated appliances may be identified by the double insulation symbol, and /or by the absence of
an earth pin on a moulded socket (not deliberately removed or broken off).
Note 1: Many double insulated tools are colour coded blue.
Note 2: If any doubt exists about the Class of an appliance (Class 1 or 11), the appliance should be tested as
an earthed appliance first.
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