Electricity at Work Regulations
There are legal regulations in place for the safety of employees and the public. It requires business owners, directors, managers and employees follow the ‘Electricity at Work Regulations’ which states that your electrics should be maintained to remain safe and that nothing can cause danger under normal or faulty conditions.
The best way to reduce risk to yourself and others is by taking all the preventative measures you can to reduce the chances of an accident happening such as regular electrical testing and maintenance, of which the paperwork will prove you took all precautions necessary should a prosecution ever occur.
As a business owner or duty holder, you will be responsible for scheduling maintenance and monitoring of your electrical equipment.
Why Electrical Regulations Are Important
A business relies on everything running smoothly for its livelihood, as any disruption can cost vital time and money which is essential for your company’s livelihood and ability to make money – especially if you’re customer-facing.
Not to mention that any injuries to your employees or customers could not only be dangerous but costly too if it comes to a court case. As many as 1000 electrical injuries happen at work every year, with 30 people killed as a result. Don’t become a statistic.
As an employer, you should:
Carry out risk assessments and record findings Implement necessary health and safety measures Appoint employees to implement health and safety measures Introduce emergency procedures Provide information and training to employees
Keep Your Business Safe
The best way to keep your business safe from electrical issues is by getting your systems and items regularly tested. The IEE recommends that tests are carried out every five years for commercial buildings or every three years for industrial.
An EICR test is required by commercial businesses every five years. It was previously known as a Periodic Inspection Report and covers environments such as offices, warehouses, shops, bars, hair salons, restaurants, communal areas and surgeries.
An EICR test covers fixed wiring, while a PAT testing looks at your portable appliances and checks earth continuity, lead polarity and insulation resistance.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) should be carried out every 3-24 months depending on the risk rating of the item. High risk items would include things such as site and workshop equipment which are under more strain and likely to be dangerous if there is a fault.
Call Us Now For Your Electrical Business Needs
If you have any more questions about electrical regulations for your business or need to book in regular maintenance or testing, we can provide electricians in Muswell Hill.
Simply give us a call and book in your testing or talk to us about our electrical maintenance plans for businesses.
