Safety First In UK Workplaces

If you own a business in the UK you should be aware of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

They impose a duty on all people in the workplace (employers, employees, self employed etc) to take precautions against risk of injury or death arising out of the use of electrical equipment. One of the very basic obligations concerns the need to take reasonable precautions in order to avoid injuries.

A regular system of testing and inspection of electrical installations and equipment is recommended as one low cost method of compliance with the Regulations. There are two main types of testing that come under the testing and inspection banner:

Portable appliance testing - Otherwise known as PAT testing this involves:

A visual inspection is carried out to check for faults /damage to the;

Plug Casing- (cracked or scorch marked) Damage to the flex of the appliance. (Cracked or cut)

The wiring of the plug is checked to ensure correct and secure termination

The fuse rating of the plug is checked. Then a sequence of electrical tests are performed depending on the class of the equipment.

Insulation test

Earth continuity test

Touch leakage test

Leakage test

Polarity test

The second equally vital method of testing is known as Fixed Installation Testing. This can also be termed fixed wire testing or Periodic Testing.

This form of testing involves a more in depth look at the installation and hard wiring within the business premises. It should be carries out at least once every 5 years (or within 3 years for buildings in regular use by the public)

Top tip for business owners: Before buying a business or premises to run your own business - ask about the condition of the electrical installation and when the last periodic test was carried out. If there is no record of a prior test - this could be a major problem or at the very least an issue that needs a full explanation before you commit to a purchase. Dont treat electrical safety lightly. Obtaining full protection is cheaper than you think and something that, in todays health conscious world, has to be considered a business necessity

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