Hi All,

Do we need to develop a Risk Assessment for batteries and battery chargers used in the workplace, such as radios, radio chargers, overhead crane pendant controls, rechargeable vacuum cleaners, battery-powered tools, laptops, mobile phones etc.?

Please note that this does not include risk assessments for mobile plants, such as FLTs, as we already have those in place.

Thank you.

The items mentioned should be part of your Portable Appliance controls - not just the PAT inspection but the pre-use operator checks for signs of damage and the purchasing controls to ensure the equipment is suitable i.e. correct voltage for site / intended use, correct plug to fit site sockets, fused and beware the internet especially for phone chargers (often cheap as items such as the fuse and charging controllers are missing).

Personally they do not have their own specific assessment as they are addressed under Electrical "Safety" which aslo includes controls such as fixed wiring inspection routines, keeping distribution boards locked etc.

For chargers we do include instruction they should not be left in operation unsupervised overnight.