Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

17.14.3
Systems, work activities and protective 
equipment – Regulation 4
Systems must, at all times, be of such construction as to 
prevent danger. Construction covers the physical condi-
tion, arrangement of components and design of the sys-
tem and equipment.
All systems must be maintained so as to prevent 
danger.
Every work activity, including operation, use and 
maintenance or work near a system shall be carried out 
in a way, which prevents danger.
Protective equipment shall be suitable, suitably 
maintained and used properly.
17.14.4
Strength and capability of equipment – 
Regulation 5
No electrical equipment may be put into use where its 
strength and capability may be exceeded in such a way 
as may give rise to danger, in normal transient or fault 
conditions.
17.14.5
Adverse or hazardous environments – 
Regulation 6
Electrical equipment which may be exposed to:
➤
mechanical 
damage
➤
the effects of weather, natural hazards, temperature 
or pressure
➤
the effects of wet, dirty, dusty or corrosive conditions
➤
any fl ammable or explosive substances including 
dusts, vapours or gases
shall be so constructed and protected that it prevents 
danger.
17.14.6
Insulation, protection and placing of 
conductors – Regulation 7
All conductors in a system which may give rise to dan-
ger shall either be suitably covered with insulating mater-
ial and further protected as necessary, for example, 
against mechanical damage, using trunking or sheath-
ing; or have precautions taken that will prevent danger, 
for example, being suitably placed like overhead electric 
power cables, or by having strictly controlled working 
practices.