The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 impose health and safety requirements with respect to electricity used at work. General duties are imposed to ensure that all electrical systems have been properly constructed, maintained and are used in such a way so as not to give rise to danger.

Electrical Maintenance

1. Electrical Installations

The Institute of Electrical Engineers Wiring Regulations, which have been adopted as a British Standard, require that all fixed installations be tested for safety at least once every 5 years unless they fall into the categories as stated below. They should also be tested and examined after major rewiring or alterations to the installation.

Any qualified electrician e.g. an NICEIC or ECA approved contractor can carry out these tests  They should provide you with a written report in the form of a Completion certificate which states when, in their professional opinion, your electrical installation should next be tested and examined.

N.B.after testing the above installations the competent person may determine the maximum period between inspections should be less than those stated.

2. Portable Electrical Equipment

The following guidance has been prepared by the Environment Directorate in order to help employers and the self employed comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

• What is Portable Electrical Equipment?
  Generally any piece of electrical equipment which has a plug fitted e.g. kettles, heaters, computers, photo-copiers, extension leads.
• What does the law require me to do?
  The law requires portable electrical equipment to be designed, operated and maintained (including being tested and examined).
• Who enforces the law?
  The local authority inspectors carry out spot checks on selected businesses, but whether you have been inspected or not you must comply with the law. Should there be an accident at your workplace you may be liable to a fine of up to £20,000 at a magistrates' court.
• Do I need to have every piece of electrical equipment electrically tested?
  Not every piece of equipment requires testing, a simple and inexpensive system for looking for visual signs of damage or faults will control most of the electrical risks. However, some appliances (refer to practical guidance) require more thorough testing such as earth bond, continuity, insulation, earth leakage and flash testing may be required.
• What can I do?
  The appliance should be switched off before looking for signs of:
  (i) damage, e.g. cuts, abrasion to cable leads.
  (ii) damage to the plug, e.g. casing cracked or the pins are bent.
  (iii) on-standard joints e.g. twisted taped joints or leads badly extended.
  (iv) the outer covering (sheath of cable not being gripped where it enters the plug or the equipment, i.e. where the internal wires are showing)
  (v) damage to the outer cover of the equipment, loose or missing parts.*Any damaged or suspected faulty equipment should be taken out of service until it has been suitably repaired or replaced.
• Who can carry out the testing?
  Any qualified electrician e.g. an NICEIC or ECA approved contractor can carry out these tests.
• How would I be able to demonstrate to the Environment Directorate that I have complied with the law?
  Your copies of test certificates and records would verify this, and may prove crucial in the event of an inspection or litigation.

Practical guidance

Offices and other low risk environments only. Suggested initial intervals:

This page was last updated on 9 November 2011