Introduction to Fire Safety Management

8.4.1 Electrical appliances and installations
Electrical fi res rate only second to arson in relation to 
providing the primary hazard and cause of fi re in the 
workplace. A range of management steps should be 
taken to minimise the risks associated with electrical 
appliances and systems and are likely to be included in 
the management system detailed above.
Electrical appliances and apparatus should only be 
procured from a reputable (ideally approved) supplier. 
A risk assessment should have been completed prior 
to procurement to confi rm the equipment is going to be 
safe and fi t for its intended purpose.
Intrinsically safe – apparatus or system
European Harmonised Standard EN50 
020
A protection technique based upon the 
restriction of electrical energy within the 
apparatus and in the interconnecting wiring, 
exposed to an explosive atmosphere, to a 
level below that which can cause ignition by 
either sparking or heating effects. Because 
of the method by which intrinsic safety is 
achieved it is necessary that not only the 
electrical apparatus exposed to the explo-
sive atmosphere, but also other (associated) 
electrical apparatus with which it is intercon-
nected, is suitably constructed.

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For example, if electrical equipment is to be used 
in a hazardous area where fl ammable substances could 
be or have been used/stored then it should be intrinsi-
cally safe.
Both temporary and permanent electrical supply 
installations should be installed in accordance with the 
latest addition of BS 7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations and 
the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989). Installations, 
particularly if of a temporary nature, for example in 
construction works, must be inspected regularly and 
tested at intervals no greater than those specifi ed by the 
installation company. It should be noted that if temporary 
installations are in position for a greater period than 3 
months on a construction site then they should be 
subject to test in line with HSE guidance every 3 months 
or when they have been altered.
Electrical cabling should be protected against 
damage by appropriate routing away from potentially 
hazardous areas such as pedestrian routes or vehicular 
routes.