Here, we detail the laws your business must comply with, how to achieve compliance and the consequences if you fail to comply.
What laws does your business need to comply with?
As a business owner, there are several laws that you must comply with. These laws are enforced by HSE and require that employers take action to protect employees, customers and members of the public.
These are the regulations your business must satisfy:
- Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974
- Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment regulations of 1998
- Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations of 1999
What happens if your business isn’t compliant?
If your business fails to comply with workplace health and safety regulations, you may be exposed to legal action if an incident occurs. Incidents can include avoidable accidents or fires caused by an electric fault. If an avoidable electrical fault is found to be the cause, you can be found to have committed a criminal offence.
Failure to comply with health and safety laws will void your insurance, so your insurance company will not pay out for damage or any compensation resulting from an incident.
How to comply with workplace health and safety regulations
To satisfy safety requirements in your workplace, you must be able to provide evidence of regular inspections, maintenance and testing of all electrical equipment. Electrical test reports and certificates are strong evidence that you have complied with the regulations and done everything required of you as an employer.
PAT Testing
PAT testing is one of the simplest ways for your business to prove your compliance with regulations. During PAT testing, a qualified engineer will check for faults with electrical appliances that have the potential to be dangerous.
Faults like failed insulations, exposed live wires and faulty fuses will be identified and recorded in your PAT report. You should fix any faults identified and store your report safely to provide evidence of compliance if needed.
How often PAT testing should be carried out depends on your business. Most organisations will need PAT testing once a year, but some premises – such as industrial workplaces – need more frequent testing.
Fixed Wire Testing
Fixed Wire testing involves testing the safety of electrical circuits in your workplace. This must be carried out by a qualified engineer in accordance with the latest British Standard BS7671 and IET Wiring Regulations.
You will receive a detailed report, signifying the urgency of any faults, which should be kept as proof of your compliance.
Intersafe is a leading electrical testing company that has been helping businesses achieve electrical compliance for over 25 years. Get in touch today to discuss your organisation’s testing requirements.
