ES 403 - Portable Electrical Equipment Version 5

GlaxoSmithKline
Global Engineering Standard
Title: PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Effective Date Document No Version Page Number
November 2020 GES 403 5 1 of 24
PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Any questions or feedback about this Global Engineering Standard should be addressed to
the author:
John Officer, Head of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Pharma Supply Chain Engineering
CONTROLLED COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE ACCESSED FROM A CONTROLLED SERVER.

USERS MUST CHECK THEY HAVE THE CURRENT VERSION
DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY
Version Date Revision Details

No
Technical review complete- administrative update only required. No

change in scope or technical content. No new gap analysis required if
previous gap analysis was up-to-date.
5 Nov-20 Section 4 - Reference to GMS replaced with Pharma Supply Chain
and Consumer Healthcare. Applicability to other BUs clarified.
Section 5 – Quotes from GQP 4201 removed and replaced with
general reference.
Section 4.1 & 4.2 New sections added for `Within Scope’
and Èxcluded from Scope’.
Clarification of “Included Scope” covered by this GES
including GMS, Vaccines, R&D, WREF and leased
premises.
Section 4.1 New section to cover Ìncluded Within Scope’.
Section 4.2 New section to cover Èxcluded From the Scope’.
Section 5 Further detail added. Reworded to reflect GQP 4301 –
Facilities Operation.
Section 7.1.2 Further detail added.
04 Sep-17 Section 7.4.4 Further detail added.
Section 7.6.3 Protection AC and DC Uninterruptible Power Supplies
for use in substations must be powered from fixed
connections and not removable plug and sockets
included.
Section 7.7.3 It is recommended that automatic portable testers be
used for testing and record of test results added.
Section 7.7.9 Further detail added
Appendix 4 Audit checklist updated to reflect the above changes.
An editable downloaded version of the Audit checklist
is located in the technical library as an excel spread
sheet.

Cable’ reference across standard changed to ‘cable/cord’.

References updated to the revised GSK EHS Standards.
04
Sep-17 Expiry / review column removed from the template.
(ctd)
General review of document carried out with minor formatting and
typographical errors.
Section 7.4.1 Item added on compatibility of 3-phase and single

phase plugs and sockets.
Section 7.4.2 Requirement for earth monitoring and/or earth leakage
protection device reduced from 240 V to 50 V equipment.
Section 7.6.1 Requirement added for protection of temporary cabling
within hazardous areas.
03 Jun-14 Section 8.3 Battery operated tools added to list of options.
Section 9 GES 406 added to references.
Appendix 4 Audit checklist updated to reflect the above changes.
Previous error in audit checklist line numbers corrected. (NB: audit
checklist line numbers have changed from Versions 1 and 2!)
General review of document carried out with minor formatting and
typographical corrections.
02 Feb-14 Expiry date extended to May 2014.
01 Jan-11 This is the first issue of this Global Engineering Standard.

Table of Contents
DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY 2
1 RATIONALE 5
2 POLICY 5
3 PURPOSE 5
4 SCOPE 5
4.1 Within Scope................................................................................................. 5
4.2 Excluded From Scope ................................................................................... 5
5 QUALITY COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS 6
6 EHS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS 6
7 ENGINEERING MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS 6
7.1 Definitions ..................................................................................................... 6
7.2 GSK and Contractor’s Equipment ................................................................. 8
7.3 Working Environment Considerations ........................................................... 8
7.4 Equipment Selection, Purchase and Installation ........................................... 8
7.5 Duty of Operators.......................................................................................... 9
7.6 Requirements for Specific Equipment ......................................................... 10
7.7 Inspection and Testing ................................................................................ 11
7.8 Equipment Labelling ................................................................................... 12
7.9 Training ....................................................................................................... 13
8 ENGINEERING BEST PRACTICE 13
9 REFERENCES 13
APPENDIX 1 Inspection Procedures 15
APPENDIX 2 Inspection and Test Schedules 19
APPENDIX 3 Example Test Labels 23
APPENDIX 4 Audit Checklist 24

1 RATIONALE
Portable electrical equipment is widely used at all GSK sites. Inappropriate use
and / or inadequate maintenance and inspection could result in injury to personnel and
business loss from interruption to operations arising from damaged portable
equipment.
2 POLICY
All portable electrical equipment and associated systems must be designed,
constructed, selected, installed and operated so as to prevent danger.
All portable electrical equipment must be subject to a programme of routine inspection
and / or test to ensure its continued safety.
Additionally, all portable electrical equipment must comply with all relevant local legal
and regulatory requirements in addition to the requirements defined in this GES.
3 PURPOSE
This GES specifies the minimum mandatory requirements and engineering best
practices in relation to portable electrical equipment in order to prevent serious injuries
or damage from electric shock, burns, explosion, arcing or fire initiated by electrical
energy.
4 SCOPE
This Global Engineering Standard (GES) applies to all Pharma Supply Chain and
Consumer Healthcare sites.
This GES provides guidance on the engineering requirements for portable electrical
equipment at R&D and Vaccines sites. This will be delivered through the engineering
standards systems operating in those business units.
4.1 Within Scope

This GES applies to all portable electrical equipment with a direct connection to an
electrical supply by a flexible cable from a plug and socket outlet or a fixed cord outlet.
Additional details are contained in Section 7.1.1.
Certain requirements and advice in this GES may also be appropriate for battery
powered equipment.
This GES provides requirements on taking necessary precautions so as to provide a
platform for the achievement of high standards of electrical safety. For detailed
advice, reference must be made elsewhere to recognised national, international and
harmonised or industry standards and codes of practice. For example, considerable
reference must be made to IEC 60364.
4.2 Excluded From Scope

• Not applicable

5 QUALITY COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

General quality requirements associated with design of manufacturing equipment to
minimise opportunities, materials of construction etc. are contained within GQP 4201
– Facility Design and associated QMS documents.
There are additional risks associated with portable equipment due to the possibility of
contamination and/or cross contamination. Where portable electrical equipment is
used in a GMP area, local site procedures covering cleanliness and introduction of
equipment into such areas must be followed. Refer to GQP 4301 - Facilities Operation
6 EHS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

EHS Standard and Guideline on Electrical and Machinery Safety SG 5.16 – specifies
requirements to provide safe systems of work that adequately control the Environment,
Health and Safety (EHS) risks associated with the introduction, operation, cleaning,
maintenance and repair of: electrical systems; machinery; work equipment; buildings;
and building services
This GES meets the requirements of EHS Standard SG 5.16 and sets out additional
mandatory requirements for earthing safety in GMS
7 ENGINEERING MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
7.1 Definitions
7.1.1 Definition of Portable Electrical Equipment
Portable electrical equipment is defined as equipment that is not part of a fixed
installation but is intended to be connected to a fixed installation or generator by means
of a flexible cable/cord and either a plug and socket or similar means. This includes
equipment that is either hand-held or hand-operated while connected to the electrical
supply, intended to be moved while connected to the electrical supply, or likely to be
moved while connected to the electrical supply. The electrical supply to the equipment
is assumed to be a voltage that can give a fatal shock to a person, i.e. more than 50 V
ac or 120 V dc.
Examples of portable equipment include:
• tools and extension leads/cords in the construction industry or in a workshop
environment
• laboratory equipment
• domestic cleaning equipment
• kitchen equipment
• office equipment
• equipment powered from sockets/outlets on Process Equipment
Extension leads, plugs and sockets, and cord sets that supply portable equipment are
themselves classified as portable equipment because they operate in the same
environment and are subject to the same use as the equipment which they serve.
Portable electrical equipment also includes:
• large distribution boards used on construction sites, when the supply is derived
through a plug and socket arrangement

• site huts and cabins, including refrigeration containers, when the electrical
supply is derived through a plug and socket arrangement
The practice of using a socket outlet in such cases is to be discouraged. A fixed wiring
installation must be used where reasonably practicable. If a fixed wiring installation is
not practical and a plug and socket arrangement is used, all the requirements of this
GES must be applied.
7.1.2 Protection Classes

In the electrical appliance manufacturing industry, the following IEC protection classes
are used to differentiate between the protective earth connection requirements of
devices:
Class 0 (prohibited in GSK)

These appliances have no protective-earth connection and feature only a single level
of insulation. This class of equipment can be identified by its lack of a grounding/earth
connection and the absence of a “double insulation” symbol. Any equipment that is
not positively identified as Class I, Class II or Class III must be treated at Class 0. Class
0 mains-voltage appliances are prohibited as a single fault could cause an electric
shock or other dangerous occurrence. If any Class 0 appliances are found they must
be removed from service immediately.
Class l
These appliances must have their chassis connected to earth by an earth conductor.
A fault in the appliance which causes a live conductor to contact the casing will cause
a current to flow in the earth conductor. This current should trip the protective device
i.e. fuse, circuit breaker, residual current device or earth leakage circuit breaker which
will cut off the supply of electricity to the appliance. Checks must be done to ensure
the continuity of the earthing connection from the appliance casing to the plug
connection. The symbol found on Class l equipment is shown below.
Class ll
These appliances are known as double insulated. They are designed and
manufactured so that no single failure can result in a dangerous voltages becoming
exposed so that it might cause an electric shock and that this is achieved without
relying on an earthed metal casing. This is usually achieved at least in part by having
two layers of insulating material surrounding live parts or by using reinforced insulation.
In Europe, a double insulated appliance must be labelled "Class II", "double insulated"
or bear the double insulation symbol as shown below.
Class III

These appliances are designed to be supplied from a ‘Separated’ or ‘Safety Extra-Low

Voltage’ (SELV) power source. The voltage from a SELV supply is low enough that
under normal conditions a person can safely come into contact with it without risk of
electrical shock. The extra safety features built into Class I and Class II appliances
are therefore not required. The symbol found on Class lll equipment is shown below.
7.2 GSK and Contractor’s Equipment

This GES applies to all portable electrical equipment owned by GSK and used by its
staff.
Contractor’s equipment must also conform to the requirements of this GES and must
be in safe working order at all times. The responsibility for undertaking the necessary
test and inspection regimes to ensure safety lies with the owner of the equipment.
Contractors using portable electrical equipment on site must show that they have
adequate examination and testing routines in place, in compliance with the
requirements of this GES, to ensure electrical safety.
7.3 Working Environment Considerations

Operators must be made aware that a significant proportion of all electrical accidents
involve the use of hand-held electrical tools and that appropriate care must be taken
in their use. Particular care must be taken with hand-held portable electrical tools
used in construction areas and workshops.
Portable electrical equipment to be used in a hazardous area must be suitably certified
or a Permit to Work must be issued to ensure that all hazards have been eliminated
prior to the portable electrical equipment being used. (See GES 107 – Electrical
Equipment for Use in Hazardous Areas.)
Consideration must be given to the conditions under which the equipment will be used
as in adverse environment, e.g. working in the rain, a confined space or close to highly
conductive surfaces, may increase significantly the risk of injury.
Portable electrical equipment must be used in the environments for which it was
designed and constructed.
7.4 Equipment Selection, Purchase and Installation

7.4.1 General
The risk of electric shock from hand-held portable electrical equipment in the event of
a fault must be minimised by using battery operated equipment where possible.
Portable electrical equipment manufactured to national or international standards must
be selected to suit the power supply available at the point of use.
Plugs and sockets must comply with IEC 60309 and be selected to ensure that low
and extra low voltage equipment cannot be plugged into higher voltage sockets.
All 3-phase socket outlets must be incompatible with single phase plugs and vice
versa.

The purchase, hire or use of special equipment or abnormal supply voltages must be
authorised by a competent person. An indication of what may be abnormal may be
gained from the schedules in the Appendix 2.
7.4.2 Protection Requirements

Portable electrical equipment may be used with the metal work unearthed, provided
that it is supplied at `50 V or below from a double wound transformer that has the
centre point of the secondary winding earthed.
All portable electrical equipment that is supplied at voltages exceeding 50 V must have
all accessible metal work bonded and earthed through an earth core of adequate
cross-section in the flexible cable/cord.
Portable electrical equipment supplied at >50 V must be provided with an earth
monitoring and/or earth leakage protection device. Residual current devices (RCDs)
must have a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA and an operating
time not exceeding 40 ms. Protective devices with imbedded residual protection e.g.
RCBO is allowed but must conformed to the above timing and sensitivity.
7.4.3 Registration
All GSK portable electrical equipment, other than approved exceptions, must be
allocated a unique number, which must be recorded in the site maintenance
management system and / or portable electrical equipment register with date and
details of issue.
The purchaser must arrange to have the equipment registered. Initial testing and
registration must be completed prior to the equipment being placed into service.
7.4.4 Inspection / Testing Before First Use

Portable electrical equipment purchased by staff for use on site must be inspected on
receipt for transit damage. A checklist for a visual inspection is given in Appendix 1
A1.1.
If there is any doubt about the condition of new equipment, then an inspection by a
competent person must be organised.
Only competent persons must connect or disconnect the flexible power supply
cable/cord between the portable electrical equipment and the power supply plug or to
replace fuses in plugs.
If a plug has been connected to the flexible cable/cord of the portable electrical
equipment, the current carrying capacity of the earth/ground lead must be tested
before the equipment is connected to the supply.
Earth/ground conductors of appliances that are not of the same size as the live and
neutral conductors must be tested to ensure it is suitably rated for the appliances.
7.5 Duty of Operators

Personnel who use or operate portable electrical equipment are required to fulfil the
following duties:
• only use equipment for its intended purpose, in environments for which it was
designed and in accordance with operating instructions
• not use equipment which does not possess a valid ‘in-date’ inspection / test
label

• carry out visual checks prior to use, where this is required (Appendix 1 A1-1)
• where equipment is suspected of being damaged or unsafe, remove the
equipment from service and alert appropriate personnel
Personnel who use or operate portable electrical equipment must be made aware of
these duties.
7.6 Requirements for Specific Equipment

7.6.1 Extension Cables/Cords
If extension cables/cords must be used, they must be in good condition, suitable for
their purpose and protected against mechanical damage, i.e. of an appropriate grade
of tough and flexible cable/cord, suited to the environments in which they may be used.
They must be considered themselves to be portable electrical equipment and therefore
subject to the requirements of this GES.
Extension cables/cords must be kept as short as possible and must not be of smaller
cross section than the permanently attached flexible cable/cord of the equipment being
supplied.
Flexible cables/cords must be placed so as to avoid mechanical damage, where
reasonably practicable to do so.
Temporary cabling within hazardous areas, if non-IS rated, must be mechanically
protected.
Extension cables/cords must not be joined together by any means other than plugs
and sockets designed and approved for the purpose. Joining cables/cords together
must be avoided.
Damaged cables/cords must not be repaired with insulating tape, as this does not offer
sufficient adherence or mechanical strength.
Extension leads, or combinations of leads, must not exceed the maximum earth loop
impedance to ensure correct operation of circuit protection devices.
When using cable drums, fully unwind the cable to avoid induction heating of the cable
coiled on the drum whilst the portable electrical equipment is operating.
7.6.2 Hand Lamps

Hand lamps must be an approved type and supplied at a voltage not exceeding 25 V.
7.6.3 Information Technology (IT) Equipment

IT equipment includes personal computers, visual display units, plotters, printers etc.
but not business equipment such as shredders, photocopiers, mains powered
telephones and accessories or multi-way extension leads etc.
Extra care must be exercised with any electrical test equipment when used on IT
equipment. Standard test voltages and periods must not be used unless specifically
approved by the IT equipment manufacturer.
AC and DC Uninterruptible Power Supplies for use in substations must be powered
from fixed connections and not removable plug and sockets.
7.6.4 Equipment for Use in Confined Spaces or Conductive Environments

If portable electrical equipment must be used in confined spaces or conductive
environments then a risk assessment must be carried out to minimise the risk of electric

shock. Where hazardous atmospheres may exist, suitable precautions must be taken
e.g. intrinsically safe tools.
All hand-held electrical tools used in conductive environments must be Class IIl as a
minimum.
Electric arc welding in conductive environments must be carried out using DC welding
sets where the open-circuit no-load voltage is limited to around 40 V until the arc is
struck. Welding equipment must comply with IEC 60974.
7.7 Inspection and Testing

7.7.1 Levels of Inspection and Testing
This GES is based on three levels of inspection and testing:
• Level 1: Visual check by the user
• Level 2: Formal visual inspection by a competent person
• Level 3: Combined inspection and test by a competent person
An example checklist detailing the work content for each of the three levels is included
in Appendix 1.
7.7.2 Frequency of Inspection and Testing

All portable electrical equipment must be subject to a programme of inspection and /
or testing.
Recommended initial inspection and test frequencies for various categories of
equipment are included in Appendix 2.
These frequencies may be varied (either relaxed or made more stringent) based on
operating experience at the site. Any variation from the recommended inspection and
test frequencies shown in Appendix 2 must be authorised by a competent person.
In all cases, hand-held electrical tools must be subject to a combined inspection and
test (Level 3) at an interval not exceeding 12 months.
Additionally, any local regulations concerning the maintenance and testing of hand-
held electrical tools must be complied with.
Where equipment is supplied at reduced or extra low voltage through portable
transformers, these transformers and associated connecting leads must be subjected
to regular maintenance and the same regular inspection.
All extension cables/cords and cable/cord drums must be subjected to the same
regular inspection as other general portable electrical equipment.
7.7.3 Management and Recording of Inspection and Testing

No management system or recording is necessary for the Level 1 visual user check,
unless the equipment is observed or suspected to be defective or unsafe, in which
case the appropriate person must be notified and the requirements for dealing with a
failed inspection / test followed as described in Section 7.7.4.
Tasks for inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment at Level 2 and Level
3 must be set up as routines in the site maintenance management system.
Alternatively, where there are large numbers of equipment items on site, a separate
system may be used to manage this activity.
The inspection / testing routines must be managed as described in GES 103 –
Maintenance.

It is recommended that automatic portable testers be used for testing and record of
test results. Inspection and test routines must contain or refer to information on the
content of the job.
On completion of the inspection / test, the following must be recorded in the system,
against the individual equipment identification number:
• date the inspection / test was carried out
• name or identifier of the person carrying out the test
• result of the inspection / test (i.e. PASS or FAIL)
• any repairs carried out
7.7.4 Dealing With Failed Inspection / Test

In the event that an equipment item fails the inspection / test, one of the following
actions must be taken:
1. The defect must be immediately remedied and the inspection / test repeated to
obtain a PASS result
2. If the defect cannot be immediately remedied, the equipment must be removed
from service and a ‘FAILED – DO NOT USE’ label applied (See Section 7.8).
Once the defect has been remedied, the inspection / test must be repeated to
obtain a PASS result, at which time the equipment can be returned to service.
3. If the defect cannot be remedied, or it is not cost effective to do so, the
equipment must be removed from service, a ‘FAILED – DO NOT USE’ label
applied (See Section 7.8) and then the equipment disposed of.
7.8 Equipment Labelling

Each item of portable electrical equipment must be labelled with a unique identification
number – the same number which is used in the equipment register and / or site
maintenance management system.
On satisfactory completion of initial and subsequent routine inspection / testing (Level
2 or Level 3), a label must be affixed to the equipment showing:
• PASS status
• date the inspection / test was carried out
• next inspection / test due date
• name or identifier of the person carrying out the test
Note:
Due to the fact that the equipment is portable, it is possible for the system to lose track of
equipment location resulting in the inspection / test not being carried out by the required due
date. The use of a date label attached to the equipment provides an additional level of control
which is not necessary with fixed equipment.
As described in Section 7.7.4, should the equipment item fail an inspection / test and
the defect is not immediately remedied, a ‘FAILED – DO NOT USE’ label must be
applied.
See Appendix 3 for examples of equipment labels.

7.9 Training
All those carrying out formal visual inspection or testing of portable electrical equipment
(Level 2 and Level 3) must be competent and have been trained in the correct use of
appropriate test equipment and have been authorised by the Site Electrical Engineer
or a designated competent person. The training must be recorded. Contractors
working on projects who are given the responsibility to inspect portable electrical
equipment must be suitably qualified to do by the contractor company.
Employees working in areas where hand-held electrical tools are used regularly must
be given basic training in resuscitation techniques and emergency procedures or have
access to personnel within the facility who have these skills.
Training must be provided to ensure that all those required to operate portable
electrical equipment are aware of its correct use, the specific risks involved and
precautions to be taken.
Records must be kept of any relevant training.
8 ENGINEERING BEST PRACTICE

8.1 Facilities
The provision of sufficient, suitably located socket outlets avoids the use of extension
cables/cords, whose use should be discouraged wherever possible, particularly for
long-term installation. Additional socket outlets should be installed to avoid the use of
extension cables/cords for standard work activities.
8.2 Additional Safety Precautions

To minimise the risk of electric shock, the preference is for hand-held portable electrical
equipment that operates at 110V which is supplied from a transformer with its
secondary winding centre tap earthed (CTE) to provide reduced voltage, i.e. the line-
to-earth voltage is reduced to 55V.
Where appropriate, suitably rated cable/cord drums should be used to reduce the risk
of tripping and mechanical damage.
8.3 Conductive Environments

In conductive environments, e.g. where conditions may be particularly damp or in a
metallic tank, it is recommended that either:
• air-powered or battery operated tools are used
9 REFERENCES
9.1 GQP 4201 Facility Design
9.2 GQP 4301 Facilities Operation
9.3 EHS Standard SG 5.16
9.4 GES 103 Maintenance
9.5 GES 107 Electrical Equipment for Use in Hazardous Areas
9.6 GES 406 Electrical Safety

9.7 IEC 60309 Plugs, Socket Outlets and Couplers for Industrial Purposes
9.8 IEC 60364 Electrical Installations for Buildings
9.9 IEC 60974 Arc Welding Equipment

APPENDIX 1 INSPECTION PROCEDURES

A1.1 Level 1 - User Checks of Electrical Equipment
Many electrical accidents can be prevented by simple visual checks being

carried out by the normal user of the equipment.
Hand-held tools such as drills, grinders and extension leads, must be subjected
to the following simple visual checks prior to use.
Portable electrical equipment must have self-adhesive labels on the plug top or
the case showing when it was last tested and when it is due for re-test. Users
must ensure that these labels are present and valid and get equipment re-
tested when required.
1. Disconnect the equipment.
2. Check the flexible cable/cord:
- Is it free from cuts, fraying and damage?
- Is it in a location where it could be damaged?
- Is it too long, too short or in any other way unsatisfactory?
- Does it have inadequate joints?
3. The plug (where fitted):
- Is the cable/cord secure in its anchorage?
- Is it free from any sign of overheating?
- Is it free from cracks or damage?
- Are there any missing or loose screws?
4. The socket outlet or flex outlet:
- Is there any sign of overheating?
- Is it free from cracks and other damage?
5. The equipment:
- Does it work?
- Does it switch on and off properly?
- Is it free from cracks, contamination damage to the case, or
damage which could result in access to live parts?
- Can it be used safely?
6. Is the equipment suitable for the job and the local environment?
7. Take action on any faults:
- Switch off and unplug any faulty equipment from the power
supply.
- Apply a “Failed Do Not Use” label.
- Report to a responsible person.

A1.2 Level 2 - Formal Visual Inspection of Electrical Equipment

(Including IT equipment)
For use by Competent Persons only:
If necessary, get the permission of the equipment owner to shutdown the equipment
and isolate it from the power supply. Isolate all items for inspection including, where
applicable, multi-way extension leads.
FORMAL VISUAL INSPECTION

1 Suitability of Equipment
A check must be made to ensure the equipment is installed and is being operated in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The following are examples of items
which should be checked:
• trailing cable/cords should be located so as to avoid damage
• means of disconnection / isolation should be readily accessible
• check the equipment ventilation is adequate and unobstructed
• check equipment is positioned so as to avoid strain on cable/cord
• equipment is being operated with the covers in place and with any doors being
closed
• indiscriminate use of multi-way adaptors and trailing sockets is to be avoided
• no unprotected cables/cords run under carpets
2 Disconnection of Equipment
The means of isolation from the electricity supply must be readily accessible to the user,
i.e. in normal circumstances it must be possible to reach the plug and socket without too
much difficulty.
3 Equipment Condition
Equipment users should be asked if they are aware of any faults and if the equipment
works correctly.
The following items must be inspected:
• the flexible cable/cord
• the socket outlet, if known
• the appliance
• the plug head
Note: Some of the following checks may not be possible for equipment fitted with a non-
rewirable plug.
• check detachable power cords to Class l equipment incorporate a circuit
protective conductor (CPC). (The CPC is also known as the earth)
• identify signs of overheating
• internal inspection:
o check the power cable/cord is secure and held firmly in place
o check the polarity of the wiring is correct.
o check live, neutral and earth correctly terminated
o check connections are safe and secure.
o look for loose, frayed or poorly made connections
• correct size fuse fitted
• security of plug cover
• if practical, check the flexible cable/cord connections and anchorage at the
equipment if non-rewirable plug check the cord security and for burning odours

A1.3 Level 3 - Combined Inspection and Test of Electrical Equipment

(Including IT equipment)
For use by Competent Persons only:
If necessary, get the permission of the equipment owner to shutdown the equipment
and isolate it from the power supply. Isolate all items for inspection including, where
applicable, multi way extension leads.
FORMAL VISUAL INSPECTION

1 Suitability of Equipment
A check must be made to ensure the equipment is installed and is being operated in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The following are examples of items
which should be checked:
• trailing cable/cords should be located so as to avoid damage
• means of disconnection / isolation should be readily accessible
• check the equipment ventilation is adequate and unobstructed
• check equipment is positioned so as to avoid strain on cable/cord
• equipment is being operated with the covers in place and with any doors
being closed
• indiscriminate use of multi-way adaptors and trailing sockets is to be avoided
• no unprotected cable/cords run under carpets
2 Disconnection of Equipment
The means of isolation from the electricity supply must be readily accessible to the
user, i.e. in normal circumstances it must be possible to reach the plug and socket
without too much difficulty.
3 Equipment Condition
Equipment users should be asked if they are aware of any faults and if the equipment
works correctly.
The following items must be inspected:
• the flexible cable/cord
• the socket outlet, if known
• the appliance
• the plug head
Note: Some of the following checks may not be possible for equipment fitted with a
non-rewirable plug.
• check detachable power cords to Class l equipment incorporate a circuit
protective conductor (CPC). (The CPC is also known as the earth)
• identify signs of overheating
• internal inspection:
o check the power cable/cord is secure and held firmly in place
o check the polarity of the wiring is correct.
o check live, neutral and earth correctly terminated
o check connections are safe and secure.
o look for loose, frayed or poorly made connections
• correct size fuse fitted
• security of plug cover
• if practical, check the flexible cable/cord connections and anchorage at the
equipment if non-rewirable plug check the cord security and for burning
odours

FORMAL TEST
4 Earth Bond Test (Class l equipment only)
Readings should show less than 0.1 Ω + R Ω (where R Ω is the resistance of the test
lead).
5 Insulation Resistance Test
The applied test voltage should be 500 Vdc for 230 Vac equipment.
The minimum acceptable insulation resistance readings are listed for the following
categories of equipment:
• Class l Heating equipment < 3 kW
o 0.3MΩ
• Class l All other equipment
o 1 MΩ
• Class ll Equipment
o 2 MΩ
• Class lll Equipment
o 250 kΩ
COMPLETION OF TEST
6 Labelling
• Affix “PASS/FAIL/DO NOT USE AFTER” labels on the equipment as
appropriate.
• Record inspection and test and any repair work on work order.

APPENDIX 2 INSPECTION AND TEST SCHEDULES

A2.1 Environment: Workshop and Construction Areas
Voltage: As indicated
Type of User Class I Class I Class II Class II Notes

Equipment Checks Formal Combined Formal Combined
A1.1 Visual Inspection Visual Inspection
Inspection and Test Inspection and Test
A1.2 A1.3 A1.2 A1.3
Hand-Held Tools: 110V CTE Only AC

Drills Before Use 3 months 6 months 3 months 6 months IEC 60309
plugs and
Grinders Before Use 3 months 6 months 3 months 6 months
sockets
Hot Air Guns Before Use 3 months 6 months 3 months 6 months must be
used
Extension Before Use 3 months 6 months 3 months 6 months
Cable/cords
240V Supply Before Use N/A N/A 3 months 6 months
Transformers
Movable Equipment: 230V or 400V AC

Welding Plant Before Use 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months IEC 60309
plugs and
Compressors None 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months
sockets
Power Before Use 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months must be
Washers used
IT Equipment None 12 months 24 months 12 months 24 months
Temporary None 6 months 12 months 3 months 6 months
Installations
Site Huts None 6 months 12 months N/A N/A
Module None 6 months 12 months N/A N/A
Workshops

A2.2 Environment: Office

Voltage: > 50 V 50/60 Hz AC Single Phase or > 120 V DC

A1.2 A1.3 A1.2 A1.3
IT Equipment None 24 months 48 months 24 months None
Fax Machines None 24 months 48 months 24 months None
Photocopiers None 24 months 48 months 24 months None
Shredders None 24 months 48 months 24 months None
Heater None 12 months 24 months 24 months None
Fans None 12 months 24 months 24 months None
Kettles None 12 months 24 months 24 months None
Coffee None 12 months 24 months 24 months None
Machines
Vacuum Before Use 6 months 12 months 6 months 24 months
Cleaners
Polishing Before Use 6 months 12 months 6 months 24 months
Machines
Extension Before 6 months 12 months N/A N/A All
cable/cords Use/On Re- extension
location cable/cords
must have
an earth
conductor
so treat as
Class I
Note: All portable equipment to be checked upon relocation

A2.3 Environment: Laboratories

Voltage: > 50 V 50/60 Hz AC Single Phase or > 120 V DC

A1.2 A1.3 A1.2 A1.3
Stationary None 24 months 48 months 24 months None
Analytical
Equipment
HPLC None 24 months 48 months 24 months None
Ovens None 24 months 48 months 24 months None
IT Equipment None 24 months 48 months 24 months None
Movable On re- 12 months 24 months 12 months 48 months
Equipment location
Heating On re- 12 months 24 months 12 months 48 months
Mantles location
Stirrers On re- 12 months 24 months 12 months 48 months
location
Extension On re- 12 months 24 months N/A N/A All
cable/cords location extension
cable/cords
must have
an earth
conductor
so treat as
Class I
Hand-Held Before Use 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months Class I
Equipment hand-held
equipment
at >110V is
not
permitted
Hair Driers Before Use 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months

A2.4 Environment: Kitchens

Voltage: > 50V 50/60 Hz AC Single Phase or > 120 V DC

A1.2 A1.3 A1.2 A1.3
Stationary Equipment:
Freezer None None 12 months None 24 months Extension
leads
Refrigerator None None 12 months None 24 months should not
Slicing None None 12 months None 24 months be used in
Machine kitchens
because of
Dishwasher None None 12 months None 24 months the extra
Vending None None 12 months None 24 months hazards
Machine from heat
and liquids
Movable Equipment:
Toaster None 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months
Frying None 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months
Machine
Kettle None 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months
Coffee None 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months
Machine
Drink None 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months
Dispenser
Cash Machine None 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months
Hand-Held:
Food Mixer Before use 6 months 12 months 12 months 24 months Class I
hand-held
>110 V
equipment
not
permitted

APPENDIX 3 EXAMPLE TEST LABELS

APPENDIX 4 AUDIT CHECKLIST

Appendix 4 is the Audit Checklist: This contains the mandated requirements (Section 7) list
which must be used.
An editable downloadable version of the Audit checklist can be found in the Engineering
Technical Library folder alongside this GES document.


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GlaxoSmithKline

Global Engineering Standard

Title: PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

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DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY

Version Date Revision Details

Technical review complete- administrative update only required. No

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Cable’ reference across standard changed to ‘cable/cord’.

Section 7.4.1 Item added on compatibility of 3-phase and single

02 Feb-14 Expiry date extended to May 2014.

01 Jan-11 This is the first issue of this Global Engineering Standard.

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4.1 Within Scope

4.2 Excluded From Scope

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5 QUALITY COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

6 EHS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

7 ENGINEERING MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

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7.1.2 Protection Classes

Class 0 (prohibited in GSK)

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These appliances are designed to be supplied from a ‘Separated’ or ‘Safety Extra-Low

7.2 GSK and Contractor’s Equipment

7.3 Working Environment Considerations

7.4 Equipment Selection, Purchase and Installation

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7.4.2 Protection Requirements

7.4.4 Inspection / Testing Before First Use

7.5 Duty of Operators

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7.6 Requirements for Specific Equipment

7.6.2 Hand Lamps

7.6.3 Information Technology (IT) Equipment

7.6.4 Equipment for Use in Confined Spaces or Conductive Environments

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7.7 Inspection and Testing

7.7.2 Frequency of Inspection and Testing

7.7.3 Management and Recording of Inspection and Testing

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7.7.4 Dealing With Failed Inspection / Test

7.8 Equipment Labelling

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8 ENGINEERING BEST PRACTICE

8.2 Additional Safety Precautions

8.3 Conductive Environments

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APPENDIX 1 INSPECTION PROCEDURES

Many electrical accidents can be prevented by simple visual checks being

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A1.2 Level 2 - Formal Visual Inspection of Electrical Equipment

FORMAL VISUAL INSPECTION

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A1.3 Level 3 - Combined Inspection and Test of Electrical Equipment

FORMAL VISUAL INSPECTION

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