Guide

Electrical safety in your business premises

How to manage electrical safety in your business premises. Covers your duties under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, fixed installation testing, portable appliance management, competent person requirements, and record keeping.

Construction & Property UK-wide

Your electrical safety duties

If you employ anyone or control business premises, you have a legal duty to ensure electrical systems are safe. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR) apply to all workplaces and cover everything from your building's fixed wiring to portable equipment plugged into sockets.

Electrical faults cause around 2,000 fires in non-domestic premises each year. Getting your electrical safety right protects your staff and visitors, keeps your business running, and avoids unlimited fines from the HSE.

This guide covers the practical steps you need to take for your premises. It applies whether you own or lease your building.

EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)

An EICR tests your building's fixed electrical installation - the wiring, sockets, distribution boards, and consumer units that form the permanent electrical system. A competent electrician carries out the inspection and provides a formal report.

Understanding EICR classification codes

The EICR report uses a coding system to classify any defects found:

  • C1 (Danger present) - immediate danger exists. You must take urgent action to make the installation safe, usually within 24 hours. The electrician may disconnect the affected circuit on site.
  • C2 (Potentially dangerous) - a defect that could become dangerous. Requires urgent remedial work, typically within 28 days.
  • C3 (Improvement recommended) - not immediately dangerous but falls short of current standards. Improvement is recommended but not mandatory.
  • FI (Further investigation) - requires additional investigation to determine the extent of a potential problem.

An installation with C1 or C2 codes is classified as unsatisfactory. You must arrange remedial work and keep evidence of completion. If you lease your premises, check whether the landlord or tenant is responsible for the fixed installation - this is usually set out in your lease.

Choosing a contractor for your EICR

Your electrician should be registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. Registration provides assurance of competence and means their work is independently verified. Ask for:

  • Proof of registration with a competent person scheme
  • Public liability insurance (minimum GBP 2 million cover is typical)
  • Evidence of recent EICR work on similar premises

Portable appliance testing (PAT)

PAT covers moveable equipment plugged into your electrical system - computers, kettles, power tools, extension leads, and similar items. There is a widespread misconception that annual PAT testing is a legal requirement. It is not. However, you do have a duty to maintain portable equipment in a safe condition.

The most effective approach combines three levels of checking:

  1. User checks (before each use) - staff visually check for obvious damage to cables, plugs, and casings before switching on. Train staff to take damaged equipment out of service immediately.
  2. Formal visual inspection - a responsible person examines equipment more thoroughly at intervals based on risk. This catches defects that users may overlook.
  3. Combined inspection and test (PAT test) - an electrical test using PAT testing equipment at intervals appropriate to your environment.

Higher-risk environments such as construction sites, workshops, and commercial kitchens need more frequent testing than offices. Document your risk-based approach and keep records of all inspections and tests.

Fixed wiring and installations

Beyond the periodic EICR, you need ongoing maintenance of your fixed electrical installation.

Practical maintenance steps include:

  • Distribution boards - keep accessible and clearly labelled. Do not block access with storage. Ensure all circuits are correctly identified on the schedule.
  • Socket outlets - replace cracked or damaged faceplates promptly. Do not overload sockets with adaptors - use fused extension leads where additional outlets are needed.
  • Lighting - replace flickering tubes or fittings showing signs of overheating. Ensure emergency lighting is tested monthly (functional test) and annually (full duration test).
  • External installations - outdoor electrical equipment needs weatherproof enclosures and RCD protection. Check regularly for water ingress.

Report any burning smells, tripping circuit breakers, or warm faceplates immediately. These are signs of potentially dangerous faults.

Competent persons

Only competent persons may carry out electrical work. The regulations do not specify particular qualifications, but competence must be demonstrated.

In practice, use electricians registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or equivalent) for all work beyond basic user tasks. Your own staff may be competent for simple tasks such as changing a fuse or resetting a tripped circuit breaker, provided they have been trained and understand the risks.

Never allow unqualified persons to carry out wiring work, modify electrical installations, or open distribution boards. The consequences of incompetent electrical work can be fatal.

Record keeping and enforcement

Maintain a clear record of all electrical safety activity:

  • EICR reports - keep the current report and at least one previous report for comparison
  • PAT testing records - log of all inspections and tests, including pass/fail results
  • Remedial work certificates - evidence that C1 and C2 items have been addressed
  • Maintenance logs - records of any electrical maintenance or modifications
  • Electrical certificates - installation certificates and minor works certificates for any new work

  1. Review your current EICR

    Check when your last EICR was carried out and whether it is still in date. If you do not have one, or it has expired, arrange an inspection with a registered electrician.

  2. Check for outstanding C1 or C2 items

    If your current EICR has unsatisfactory findings, arrange remedial work and keep evidence of completion.

  3. Establish a PAT testing regime

    Assess your portable equipment risk and set inspection frequencies appropriate to your environment. Train staff to carry out user checks before each use.

  4. Verify contractor competence

    Confirm your electricians are registered with a competent person scheme. Keep copies of their registration details on file.

  5. Set up a record-keeping system

    Create a central file for EICR reports, PAT records, electrical certificates, and maintenance logs. Set calendar reminders for inspection due dates.

The HSE enforces the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Inspectors can visit your premises, examine your electrical safety records, and take enforcement action. Penalties for breaches include unlimited fines on indictment. In cases involving serious injury or death, individual directors and managers may face personal prosecution.

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