Which elements of risk are impacted when the condition of maintenance is ignored?

Ignoring the condition of maintenance directly affects both the likelihood of an event occurring and the potential severity of that event. When maintenance is overlooked, the equipment or systems may operate ineffectively or break down, which raises the likelihood of failures or accidents. Additionally, when equipment is not properly maintained, it may present greater hazards, increasing the severity of any incidents that do occur.

For instance, machinery that is worn or malfunctioning is not only more prone to fail, but in failing, it could lead to more serious accidents, such as accidents causing injuries or major operational breakdowns. Therefore, neglecting maintenance intensifies both the chances of an incident and the seriousness of its consequences, emphasizing the critical importance of regular maintenance in managing electrical safety risks.