Electrical Machinery Regulations, 1988
9. Portable electric tools

 

1.    No user shall permit the use of and no person shall use a portable electric tool the operating voltage of which exceeds 50 to earth unless -

a.    it is connected to a source of electrical energy incorporating an earth leakage protection device, the construction of which meets the requirements of a safety standard incorporated for this purpose in these regulations under section 36 of the Act; or

b.    it is connected to a source of electrical energy through the interposition between each tool and the source of an individually double-wound isolating transformer, the secondary winding of which is not earthed at any point and the construction of which meets the requirements of a safety standard incorporated for this purpose in these regulations under section 36 of the Act; or

c.    it is connected to a source of high frequency electrical energy derived from a generator which is used solely for supplying energy to such portable electric tool and which arrangement is approved by the chief inspector; or

d.    it is clearly marked that it is constructed with double or reinforced insulation.

2.    No person shall sell a portable electric tool constructed with double or reinforced insulation referred to in subregulation (1) (d) unless -

a.    it is clearly marked that it is constructed with such insulation; and

b.    its insulation is constructed in accordance with a safety standard incorporated for this purpose in these regulations under section 36 of the Act.

3.    No person shall use or permit the use of a portable electric tool which is not fitted with a switch to allow for easy and safe starting and stopping of the tool.

4.    The user shall maintain every portable electric tool, together with its flexible cord and plug, in a serviceable condition.