Legislation - Commercial
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 state that employers have a legal duty to provide a safe electrical environment for your staff and visitors. To ensure this, a regular programe of inspection and testing of the electrical installation and all electrical appliances is vital as failure to comply can result in prosecution carrying a maximum penalty of £5000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment.
Furthermore, the Fire Safety Order 2006 which replaced the system of Fire Certificates, places an obligation on all businesses, to put in place their own fire safety risk assessment programme and implement and maintain a fire management campaign. This should incorporate regular testing of both the electrical instalation and portable appliances and states that -
"If portable electrical equipment is used, including items brought into a workplace by staff, then your fire risk assessment should ensure that it is visually inspected and undergoes portable appliance testing ("PAT") at intervals suitable for the type of equipment and its frequency of use (refer to HSE guidance)".
"All electrical installations should be regularly maintained by a competent person, appointed by you, or on your behalf, in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989"
Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions can be obtained by clicking on the appropriate category of property usage -
Paces of Assembly (small & medium), Places of Assembly (large)
Others (including theatres, cinemas, healthcare premises, garages etc)
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