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Electrical safety isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal obligation. In the UK, failing to comply with electrical regulations can lead to hefty fines, invalid insurance, and even criminal liability. So, what are your key duties?
Understand the Core Regulations
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – Requires all electrical systems in workplaces to be constructed, maintained, and operated safely.
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Employers must protect employees from electrical hazards.
- BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) – Sets low voltage technical standards for design, installation, and testing.
Your Legal Responsibilities
- Ensure competent persons carry out electrical work.
- Conduct regular inspections and testing (e.g., Electrical Installation Condition Reports).
- Maintain accurate documentation for compliance and insurance purposes.
- Act promptly on any remedial work identified during inspections.
- Manage the Electrical Safety of all personnel, contractors and members of the public at your assets.
Non-Compliance Risks
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences. These allow for:
- Unlimited fines for companies and individuals.
- For large organisations with high culpability and serious harm risk, fines can reach up to £10 million.
- Individuals (such as directors or managers) can face custodial sentences of 6–18 months if they knowingly breach the law and put lives at risk
Bottom line: Compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential for safety, legal protection, and peace of mind.
Contact Electrical Safety UK to book your free desktop electrical safety management check. Call us on 0800 652 1124, email us at info@elecsafety.co.uk or message us through our website at https://elecsafety.co.uk/about/contact/.
