Instruction Manual
8
Risk Assessment
It the
user’s responsibility to complete a risk assessment before using Buckleys
equipment. The following points offer some guidance but must not be assumed to
be complete or sufficient.
Personal safety
•
Have all users been trained in the correct and safe use of the instruments?
•
Are they aware that the instrument produces high voltages, and can give
electric shocks if used incorrectly?
•
Is the instrument in good condition, undamaged? Is the instrument dry? Are
the accessories similarly in good condition, dry and undamaged?
•
Is it possible to ensure that persons with pacemakers, cochlear implants or
trans-dermal implants of any kind are sufficiently far from the instrument & test
site to be safe?
•
Ozone is an irritant gas which will be produced when the instrument produces
sparks – is the test outdoors, or is there sufficient, suitable ventilation in place to
ensure that this is not hazardous?
•
Is the access route to the area of the test safe? Is fall protection necessary? If
so, is it in place?
•
Has the instrument been properly grounded to a metallic grounding point?
•
Should you use the anti-static wristband to prevent static charge build-up
Explosion & Fire Risk
•
Buckleys high
-voltage instruments will produce sparks - Are you certain that
there is no risk of an explosive atmosphere?
•
Have all easily-ignited and/or flammable materials been removed from the
area to be tested?
EMC & RFI
•
Buckleys high
-voltage instruments will produce sparks which may create
interference in nearby electronic apparatus, particularly communication
and computer equipment.
•
Are you certain that there is no risk of such interference causing a danger
to others – particularly medical or life support equipment?
•
Are you sure that there is no risk of such interference causing costs or
inconvenience to others – eg industrial processes, measuring equipment,
scientific apparatus, domestic radio and TV?