Maintaining electrical safety at work is an essential part
of workplace safety. In the UK, we have strict laws in place to ensure the
protection of workers and the public. One of the key pieces of legislation that
governs electrical safety is the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Understanding these regulations is crucial for both employers and employees to
maintain a safe working environment. Are you up to date with what they are and
what they mean for your business?
In our latest guide, we’ll break down what the regulations mean,
who they apply to, and the responsibilities of employers and employees under
the law. Take a closer look at how you can maintain electrical safety in your
workplace with Besafe.
What is the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989?
The Electricity at
Work Regulations 1989 (EAW) are an important part of UK health and safety
law designed to ensure that electrical systems in the workplace are
constructed, maintained, and used safely.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 summary
The Electricity at Work Regulations set out the legal
obligations for employers and employees to prevent electrical-related hazards,
such as electric shock, fires, or explosions, which can happen when electrical
systems or equipment are poorly maintained.
The regulations apply to any electrical system or equipment
that could cause danger during its operation, maintenance, or repair, covering
everything from power tools and office equipment to large-scale industrial
machinery.
Who do they apply to?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 apply to all
workplaces and working environments where electricity is used. This includes
offices, factories, construction sites, and anywhere else where electrical
systems or equipment are present.
The regulations are applicable to:
- Employers
- Self-employed
individuals
- Employees
- Contractors
- Any
person who manages or controls electrical systems in a workplace
Essentially, anyone responsible for the safety of an
electrical system or who may come into contact with electrical systems at work
must comply with these regulations. This means employees must also take
responsibility for their own health and safety and should also familiarise
themselves with the regulations.
What is the purpose of the regulations?
The main purpose of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
is to reduce the risk of electrical hazards in the workplace, such as electric
shocks, burns, fires, and explosions, which can result in serious injury or
even fatalities. By ensuring that electrical systems and equipment are properly
installed, regularly maintained, and safely used, the regulations aim to create
a safer working environment for everyone.
The regulations set out clear guidance for assessing
electrical risks, maintaining equipment, and ensuring that only qualified and
competent individuals work with or near electrical systems.
This is just a summary of the Electricity at Work
Regulations. You can find more detailed information via the Health and Safety Executive
about the regulations and how they apply to different areas of work.
Keeping your workplace safe: What are your responsibilities?
Maintaining electrical safety is a shared responsibility
between employers and employees. Let’s take a closer look at what each party is
responsible for under the regulations.
As an employer
Employers have a duty of care to ensure that all electrical
systems and equipment in the workplace are safe and maintained to prevent
accidents. The key responsibilities for employers include:
Risk assessments
Conduct regular assessments to identify potential electrical
hazards and ensure that risks are properly controlled.
Regular inspections and maintenance
Arrange routine inspections, testing, and maintenance of
electrical equipment to ensure it remains in safe working order.
Competence
Ensure that only qualified and trained personnel are
authorised to carry out work on electrical systems.
Training
Provide adequate training and information to employees about
electrical safety and any potential hazards in their working environment.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Ensure that employees have the appropriate PPE, such as
insulated gloves or protective workwear where necessary.
As an employee
Employees also have a responsibility to ensure that they
comply with electrical safety practices at work. Some of the key
responsibilities include:
Follow procedures
Always follow the safety procedures provided by your
employer when working with or near electrical systems.
Report hazards
Immediately report any electrical faults, damage, or unsafe
conditions to your supervisor or safety manager.
Do not tamper with equipment
Never attempt to repair or tamper with electrical systems or
equipment unless you are qualified to do so.
Use PPE
Wear the necessary protective equipment provided by your
employer to reduce the risk of injury.
Be aware
Always be mindful of the location of electrical hazards in
your workplace, such as exposed wiring, and stay clear of them.
Top tips for maintaining electrical safety at work
Maintaining a safe working environment is an ongoing
process, and there are several practical steps that both employers and
employees can take to enhance electrical safety at work:
- Carry
out regular testing
Ensure that all portable electrical appliances (PAT) and
fixed systems are regularly tested by a qualified electrician.
Regularly check cables, plugs, and sockets for signs of wear
and tear, and replace them immediately if they show signs of damage.
Ensure that electrical equipment is kept away from water or
damp environments, as this increases the risk of electric shocks.
Regularly update employees on electrical safety practices
and ensure they understand how to handle electrical equipment safely.
Keeping employees safe with protective workwear
As we’ve mentioned, protective workwear can help both
employers and employees maintain safety in the workplace and adhere to the
Electricity at Work Regulations.
Flame retardant
Flame
retardant workwear can reduce the risk of burns and injuries in
environments where workers may encounter open flames, high heat, or potential
fire hazards, such as welding sites or chemical plants. This protective
clothing is designed to self-extinguish and provide a crucial layer of defence
against heat exposure, helping to prevent serious injuries.
Industrial workwear
Industrial
workwear, including durable coveralls, hard hats, and safety boots, provides
robust protection against a range of workplace hazards across a range of
industries. By equipping employees with appropriate protective workwear,
employers can not only meet regulatory safety standards, but also promote a
culture of safety and well-being, reducing the likelihood of workplace
accidents and ensuring that employees feel secure and confident while carrying
out their duties.
Maintain electrical safety in your workplace with phs Besafe
Whether you’re a small business or a large company, maintaining
electrical safety in your workplace is extremely important. And at phs Besafe,
we’re here to help you do this efficiently and successfully, keeping everyone
in your workplace safe.
We provide workwear
safety garments that can help protect your employees in a range of job
roles and industries. We can also help you maintain your safety garments with
the help of our laundry
services, which will help you ensure your teams have the clothing they need
when they need it.
Find out more
about our services and see how we can help you create a safer work environment
for all.