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Electrical safety compliance is critical – but even experienced professionals can slip up. These mistakes can lead to unlimited fines, invalid insurance, and serious safety risks.
Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Skipping Regular Inspections
Many businesses fail to schedule Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) on time and defer Electrical Maintenance Activities as shutdowns may be required.
Solution: Set reminders and maintain a compliance calendar. Use computerised maintenance management software and planning processes. Senior Management should set shutdown discipline and maintenance deferrals should not be tolerated.
Using Unqualified Personnel
Allowing non-competent persons to carry out electrical work is a major breach.
Solution: Always ensure electrical personnel have the correct qualifications, knowledge and experience. Make sure you have an electrical authorisation system in place.
Poor Documentation
Missing test certificates or incomplete records can invalidate insurance. Out of date electrical single line diagrams (SLDs) can hinder safe isolation of equipment.
Solution: Keep all compliance documents organised and accessible. SLDs should be kept up to date to ensure personnel can work safely especially when isolating equipment.
Ignoring Arc Flash Risk
Arc flash hazards are often overlooked in risk assessments.
Solution: Conduct arc flash studies and implement PPE and safe work procedures. Personnel need to know the level of arc flash hazard they could be exposed to so that they can select the correct PPE with the right protection level.
Failure to Update After Changes
System modifications without updating risk assessments or compliance checks can create hidden dangers.
Solution: Review compliance whenever electrical systems are altered.
Bottom line: Compliance isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process.
Take action today: Audit your electrical safety compliance and close the gaps before they become costly mistakes. Need help? Contact Electrical Safety UK for expert guidance. 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/.
