Electricity
Contents
- 1. Risks
- 2. PAT testing
Risks
Many deaths and injuries relating to electricity can arise from:
- Using poorly maintained electrical equipment
- Working near overhead power lines
- Touching underground power cables during excavation work
- Touching the mains electricity supplies (230 volt)
- Using unsuitable electrical equipment in dangerous areas
What law applies?
There are several different types of health and safety laws that cover electricity, including:
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- The Electricity at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991
PAT testing
PAT testing stands for portable appliance testing of any appliance that has a plug and can be moved.
You're not required to frequently test portable appliances, but you must make sure your electrical appliances are maintained. The HSE publishes specific advice on portable appliances, depending on your work environment.
Regular electrical testing may also be required under your insurance policy. You should read the terms of your individual policy to check this.
What is the law guide
The Desktop Lawyer law guide aims to present the law to you in a comprehensive yet jargon-free and easy-to-read format. Our law guide is constantly kept up to date with changes in business and family law by our team of in house solicitors, and includes information across all the legal jurisdictions in the UK.
Our law guide is free to use. Where we provide documents related to this area of law, or where they may help you with any legal issue in this area, they will be listed to the right of this message.