Changing electric socket outlets

Changing an electric socket outlet needn’t be dangerous; in fact, if managed properly, the residual risks are minimal. However, failure to ensure that risks are reduced to an acceptable level may result in an accident, and even loss of life.

Managing the risks

To help you identify the hazards associated with changing sockets and some appropriate ways of controlling them, use our example Risk assessment - Changing Electric Socket Outlets. It covers the generic hazards associated with this type of activity and suggests control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

You should ensure that your document only addresses “significant” hazards, i.e. any that could, and more importantly are likely to, cause an accident or injury.

Make your instructions clear

Don’t include activities in your document that simply don’t need to be there. Work to the principle that if there is any chance of your staff being unaware of the safe way of doing something, then you will need to make it clear in your document. Finally, always ensure that any control measures you identify and follow only go so far “as is reasonably practicable”. 

Note. The list of potential hazards is not exhaustive. For your risk assessment to be considered suitable and sufficient in the eyes of the law it must accurately reflect the “significant” hazards found in your workplace.