ACommonSense Approach


ELECTRICITYATWORK- ACOMMONSENSE APPROACHTO COMPLIANCE


The dangers posed by electricity and dangerous appliances in workplaces are widely recognised.


The HSE claims that nearly 25%of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable and transportable electrical equipment and reports around 1,000 workplace electrical accidents each year. Recently‚ the Electrical Safety Council


reported 28 electrocutions in 2010‚ with 9 in the workplace and 19 in homes‚ and estimated a total of 2.5mincidents of electric shock – of which 1.2mresulted in serious injury and 200‚000 resulted in admission to hospital. Even non-fatal shocks can cause severe and


permanent injury. Shocks fromfaulty equipment may lead to falls fromladders, scaffolds or other work platforms. As figures elsewhere in this article illustrate,


accidental fires started by poor electrical installations and faulty appliances can also cause deaths and injuries as well as causing significant disruption to business activities and damage to premises. However, workplace electrical health and


safety obligations can be fulfilled sensibly and without the need for overly burdensome test


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regimes. In particular, by ensuring that inspection and testingmeasures adopted for workplace appliances are appropriate to the specific risks posed in each situation, this responsibility can be fulfilled safely and effectively.


What the legislation says Although there are legal duties on manufacturers and suppliers covering the performance and integrity of new electrical or electronic equipment, responsibility for the safe operation of equipment in the workplace rests firmly with the employer. This general requirement to provide a safe


working environment is included in the following legislation:


 The Health & Safety atWork Act 1974  The Provision & Use ofWork Equipment Regulations 1998


 TheManagement of the Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999


However, the particular legal requirements relating to the use andmaintenance of electrical equipment are contained in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR). Regulation 4(2) of the EAWR requires that all electrical systems should bemaintained, so far as reasonably practicable, to prevent danger. This requirement covers all items of electrical


equipment including fixed, portable and transportable equipment – essentially anything connected to a building’s electrical systemwith a plug. Extension leads and detachable leads are also regarded as portable electrical appliances. In addition to this overall requirement,


Regulation 29 of the EAWR 1989 states that it shall be a defence if it can be proved that all reasonable steps were taken and due diligence was exercised to avoid the commission of any offence under certain regulations.


A reasonable approach For ‘duty holders’ - those responsible for ensuring a safe working environment - the key


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