What is Formal Visual Inspection?

These are inspections carried out at planned intervals with formal recording of the results. According to the HSE, more than 90% of faults or damage can be found just by looking. Following is a checklist of items to look for.

• Damage to power cable sheath.
• Damage to mains plug, for example cracking to the casing, or bent pins.
• Any taped joints to the cable.
• Inadequate strain relief. This is when the outer sheath of the cable is not effectively secured where it enters the plug or equipment. Obvious evidence of this would be if the coloured insulation of the internal cable is showing.
• Signs that the equipment has been subject to conditions for which it is not suitable, e.g. wet or excessively rusty.
• Damage to external casing of the equipment, or loose parts or screws.
• Evidence of overheating.

In addition, formal inspection should include removal of the plug cover and checking that:

• That the correct value fuse is being used.
• That the cord grip is holding the outer part of the cable tightly.
• The Live, Neutral and earth wires are attached to the correct terminals.
• That no bare wires are visible, other than at the terminals.
• The terminal screws are tight.
• That there is no sign of internal damage, overheating or entry of liquid, dust or dirt.
• These checks apply to the plugs and sockets of extension leads as well.