Understanding the Electricity at Work Act 1989: Safety Compliance for Businesses

The Electricity at Work Act 1989 (EAWA) is a piece of UK legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of electrical systems in the workplace. It places a legal responsibility on employers, employees, and self-employed individuals to ensure that electrical equipment is properly maintained and safe to use, and that risks related to electricity are minimised.

Key Points of the Act:

1. Duty of Care: Employers must ensure the safety of all employees working with or near electricity. This includes providing proper training, maintenance, and ensuring electrical systems are safe.

2. Risk Assessment: The act requires employers to carry out risk assessments to identify hazards related to electrical installations or equipment in the workplace. This ensures that potential risks are mitigated, and safety measures are in place.

3. Maintenance: Electrical systems, including cables and wiring, must be maintained in a safe condition to prevent hazards such as fires or electrical shock.

4. Competence: Employers must ensure that those working with electrical systems are suitably trained and competent to handle the tasks they are assigned, especially when dealing with electrical installations or repairs.

How It Affects Your Business:

If a business uses any electrical equipment, the Electricity at Work Act 1989 would apply if electrical systems or equipment are present in the workplace or used during operations. This means that businesses must ensure that any electrical tools, machinery, or systems are compliant with safety standards, regularly tested, maintained, and, where necessary, certified.

Additionally, if employees or contractors are working with or near electrical systems, businesses must implement safety protocols, such as electrical isolation procedures and the use of protective equipment. Employers must also ensure that staff are properly trained and competent to handle electrical hazards, and they must conduct risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks related to electricity.

Here’s how it might apply:

• Electrical Equipment: If your company supplies electrical tools or machinery, you must ensure these are compliant with the safety standards set out by the Act, including regular testing, maintenance, and certification.
• Workplace Safety: If your employees or contractors are involved in tasks where electrical systems are present (e.g., in construction, confined spaces, or any setting involving power tools), you will need to ensure proper safety protocols are in place, like electrical isolation procedures, protective gear, and training.
• Training and Competency: Employees working near electrical systems must receive proper training on how to handle equipment safely and how to respond to electrical hazards (e.g., shocks, fires).

Failure to comply with the act can lead to significant penalties, including fines or even imprisonment, if negligence leads to injury or death.