Page 3 of 8 4. WHO IS THE COMPETENT PERSON? 4.1 Individuals carrying out the testing and/or the repair of electrical equipment, or carrying out experimental work on electrical equipment or associated connections must have appropriate technical knowledge, training and information to enable them to work safely. Persons who are not thus qualified may work with electrical equipment provided suitable and sufficient supervision by a competent person is provided. 4.2 A person can demonstrate competence to perform portable electrical testing work, by: Having successfully attended and completed an appropriate course of instruction or by being, A qualified and experienced electrician who has completed the current edition of the IEE Regulations for Electrical Installation Course The former will be competent to carry out tests only. The latter will be competent to carry out both tests and repairs of designated portable equipment. 4.3 It is also recognised that many members of staff will have acquired a basic competence in noting faults in plugs and cables, without training which can be readily identified. This basic competence will be sufficient, in general, for such individuals to carry out the visual inspection of a piece of electrical equipment before using it and should report any defect immediately to the relevant Competent Person. 5. CONTROLLING THE RISKS – DECIDING UPON A MAINTENANCE SYSTEM 5.1 Failure to maintain the equipment is a major cause of accidents involving portable equipment. The likelihood of accidents occurring and their severity may vary, depending on the type of electrical equipment, the way in which it is used and the environment in which it is used. 5.2 When assessing the risks from equipment the issues that need to be considered include the following: The type of equipment being used. The environment in which the equipment is being used. The frequency with which the equipment is used. Controlling the risks arising from the use of portable electrical equipment must be based on risk assessment. Guidance on the frequency of portable appliance testing can be found later in this guidance. 5.3 In order to control risks effectively an appropriate maintenance system should be set up to review new and existing pieces of portable electrical equipment. It is advisable that there is a schedule for testing and re-testing of portable electrical equipment. It is the responsibility of the Asset Management Section to ensure that the testing and re-testing of equipment takes place. 5.4 It is possible that unauthorised equipment may be brought into WATMOS by staff (e.g. electric heaters, kettles, electric fans etc.). The potential poor condition of this equipment may lead to potentially fatal electric shock, or fires, which may affect the whole of a building, therefore it is as important to manage and remove this equipment from the premises, as it is to test and re-test the authorised equipment.