The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWR 1989) are the cornerstone of electrical safety legislation for UK workplaces. Made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, they apply to all work activities involving electrical systems and equipment, including all commercial and industrial premises.
Core Requirements of the Regulations
- Regulation 4: All electrical systems must be constructed, maintained, and used to prevent danger
- Regulation 5: No electrical equipment shall be put into use where its strength and capability may be exceeded in a way that causes danger
- Regulation 6: Electrical equipment must be suitable for any adverse or hazardous environment
- Regulation 10: Joints and connections in electrical systems must be mechanically and electrically suitable
- Regulation 16: Persons working on electrical systems must have adequate knowledge and experience
How PAT Testing Supports Compliance
PAT testing is not specifically mentioned in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, but it is the HSE-endorsed method for demonstrating compliance with the duty to maintain electrical equipment (Regulation 4). The HSE's guidance document HSG107 (Maintaining Portable and Transportable Electrical Equipment) explicitly recommends PAT testing as a means of meeting this requirement.
Responsibilities of Employers
Employers have a duty under the EWR 1989 to ensure all electrical equipment under their control is maintained in a safe condition. This applies to all equipment from consumer units and fixed wiring (addressed through EICR) through to desk lamps and extension leads (addressed through PAT testing). There is no de minimis threshold — all electrical equipment must be maintained safely.
Enforcement and Penalties
The EWR 1989 are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and local authority environmental health officers. Breaches can result in improvement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecution. Fines for breaches can be unlimited in serious cases. In the event of a workplace fatality caused by an electrical fault, the employer may face manslaughter charges.
