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What this means for your business

52 obligations

52 penalties

52 can imprison

10 guides

Enforced by: HSE
Applies to: United Kingdom
On this page: 52 compliance obligations, 10 practical guides across 3 topics

Read full text on legislation.gov.uk

What you must do

52 compliance obligations under this legislation — 52 can result in imprisonment.

Equipment and safety 19

You must make sure any electrical plant, tools or appliances you use are not overloaded or used in a way that exceeds what they’re designed to handle. If you put equipment into service that can’t cope with the load, it creates a danger and breaches the law.

Employer s.5 HSE Whenever electrical equipment is put into use

You must make sure every splice, terminal or other electrical connection in your plant is both mechanically robust and electrically correct wherever a danger could arise. If a joint could cause a fault, overheating or loss of insulation, it must be repaired or replaced with a suitable part.

Employer s.10 HSE If a joint or connection could present a danger (e.g., risk of …

You must check that every joint and connection in any electrical system you use is both mechanically strong and electrically sound, so it cannot become a hazard. If a joint could cause danger you need to repair, replace or secure it properly and keep it in good condition.

Employer s.10 HSE When a joint or connection could create a danger

If your business uses electrical equipment or plant, you must check that every joint and connection is both mechanically sound and electrically sound whenever a risk of danger exists. In practice this means using the right parts, installing them correctly and keeping records that they have been inspected or tested.

Employer s.10 HSE When an electrical system is in use and a danger could arise …

If your business uses any electrical system, you must make sure that any wires or cables that could cause a hazard are either covered with proper insulation or otherwise protected. Where insulation isn’t practical, you must put in other safety measures (such as safe placement or barriers) to keep people safe. This has to be done as far as is reasonably practicable.

Employer s.7 HSE

You must make sure any electrical plant, tools or appliances you put into service are capable of handling the load you intend them to carry. In practice this means checking the equipment’s rated current, voltage and overall strength before use and replacing or upgrading anything that could be exceeded, to avoid fire, shock or other danger.

Employer s.5 HSE Whenever electrical equipment is installed, maintained or put into use

You must only put electrical plant into use if it can safely handle the load you intend. Check the equipment’s rating and make sure the work you do won’t exceed its strength, otherwise you risk fire, electric shock or other danger. This applies to every piece of electrical gear you install or operate in your business.

Employer s.5 HSE When electrical equipment is placed into service or used

If your business uses electrical equipment that could be exposed to things like mechanical impact, weather, moisture, dust, corrosive chemicals or flammable gases, you must make sure the equipment is built or protected to stop any danger. In practice this means picking the right rugged or explosion‑proof gear and keeping it maintained, wherever it is used.

Employer s.6 HSE When electrical equipment may reasonably be exposed to mechanical damage, weather/natural hazards, …

If any of your electrical plant or tools could be hit, get wet, dusty, corroded or be near flammable or explosive substances, you must make sure they are built or fitted with protection that stops danger arising. In practice this means choosing the right type of equipment and adding guards, covers or other safeguards wherever the risk exists.

Employer s.6 HSE When electrical equipment may be exposed to mechanical damage, weather, wet/dusty/corrosive conditions, …

You must make sure that every electrical joint and connection in your plant or equipment is both mechanically and electrically suitable. If any joint could create a danger, it must be repaired or replaced with a proper, safe component. This helps prevent accidents, fires or equipment failure.

Employer s.10 HSE If a joint or connection could present a danger

If your business uses any electrical wiring or cables that could cause a danger, you must make sure they are either covered with suitable insulation or otherwise protected (including correct positioning) so that a risk of electric shock or fire is prevented as far as is reasonably practicable. This means regularly checking that live parts are safely insulated, guarded or placed out of reach.

Employer s.7 HSE When your business operates electrical conductors that could give rise to danger

You must make sure any electrical plant that could be hit, exposed to weather, wet or dusty conditions, or near flammable or explosive substances is built or fitted with protection to stop danger, as far as is reasonably practicable. In practice this means choosing equipment with the right rating or adding guards, enclosures or other safeguards for the conditions where it will be used.

Employer s.6 HSE When electrical equipment may be exposed to mechanical damage, weather, wet/dusty/corrosive conditions, …

If the electrical plant you use could be exposed to things like mechanical damage, extreme weather, wet or dusty conditions, or flammable/explosive substances, you must make sure it is built or protected so that it does not become dangerous. In practice you need to choose equipment that is suitably robust or add protective measures, and keep it that way as far as reasonably practicable.

Employer s.6 HSE When electrical equipment may be reasonably forecast to encounter mechanical damage, weather, …

You must fit proper devices such as fuses, circuit breakers or RCDs in the right places on every part of your electrical system to stop excess current and avoid fire or shock hazards. In practice this means checking that protective equipment is correctly specified, installed and maintained.

Employer s.11 HSE

You must fit efficient, correctly placed devices such as fuses or circuit breakers on every part of your electrical system to stop excess current and avoid danger. This means checking your plant and installing protective equipment wherever it is needed and keeping it in good working order.

Employer s.11 HSE

You must make sure any non‑circuit conductors that could become live are safely earthed or otherwise protected, so they can’t cause a shock or fire. This means installing proper earth connections and using suitable protective measures wherever your plant could become charged, whether in normal operation or because of a fault.

Employer s.8 HSE when a conductor (other than a circuit conductor) could become charged as …

You must fit suitable devices such as fuses or circuit breakers on every part of your electrical system, and place them where they can stop dangerous levels of current. This protects people and property from fires or electric shocks caused by excess current.

Employer s.11 HSE

You must install and keep in place suitable, efficient protective devices (such as fuses or circuit breakers) on every part of your electrical system that could be exposed to too much current, positioned where they can stop a danger. This helps keep people, plant and property safe from electrical faults.

Employer s.11 HSE

Make sure any electrical plant or tool you put into service is not overloaded or used beyond what it was designed for. If an item could be asked to carry more current or voltage than its rating, you must not use it in that way because it creates a danger of fire, shock or failure.

Employer s.5 HSE Whenever electrical equipment is selected, installed or put into use

Management duties 33

As an employer or self‑employed person you must make sure that any electrical work, equipment or systems you control meet the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations. This means putting safe systems in place, maintaining equipment and ensuring staff are trained and supervised.

Employer s.3 HSE

You must not let anyone carry out electrical work that could be dangerous unless they have the right knowledge and experience, or are adequately supervised. This means checking skills before assigning tasks and providing proper supervision where needed.

Employer s.16 HSE When the work requires technical knowledge or experience to prevent danger or …

You must make sure that any electrical work or equipment you control meets the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. This includes putting safe systems in place, keeping plant maintained, providing training and ensuring your staff cooperate with safety rules. Failure to do so can lead to prosecution and unlimited fines.

Employer s.3 HSE

You must make sure that any electrical equipment, installations or work under your control meets the safety standards set out in the Electricity at Work Regulations. This means carrying out risk assessments, maintaining safe systems, providing appropriate training and supervising work to prevent electrical hazards.

Employer s.3 HSE

As an employer (or self‑employed person) you must make sure that any electrical systems, equipment or work under your control meet the Electricity at Work Regulations. This means carrying out risk assessments, putting safe systems in place and keeping everything maintained so that electrical hazards are prevented.

Employer s.3 HSE Matters that are within your control

You must make sure any metal part that could become live – for example exposed cables, metalwork or equipment that isn’t a normal circuit conductor – is either properly earthed or has another safe protection so it cannot cause electric shock or fire. This requires installing earthing connections that are strong enough to carry fault current, or using alternative safety measures where earthing isn’t practical, and keeping them in good condition.

Employer s.8 HSE When a non‑circuit conductor could reasonably become charged by normal use or …

You must put in place earthing or other appropriate safety measures for any electrical conductor that could become charged during normal use or if a fault occurs. This means the conductor must be linked to earth with cables strong enough to carry any fault current safely away. Ongoing checks and testing are needed to prove the system remains safe.

Employer s.8 HSE

If your business uses electrical equipment, you must make sure any wires or cables that could cause a shock or fire are covered with suitable insulation or otherwise protected, and positioned so they cannot create a danger. You need to take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent electrical hazards.

Employer s.7 HSE When you have any electrical conductors that could create a danger

If your business uses any electrical wiring or cables that could cause a hazard, you must make sure they are either covered with suitable insulation, protected in some other way, or positioned so that they cannot cause danger. You need to take all reasonably practicable steps to keep electrical conductors safe at all times.

Employer s.7 HSE

You must make sure any electrical plant you own, operate or maintain is built and kept in a condition that, as far as reasonably practicable, removes the risk of danger. All work on or near that plant must be carried out safely, and any protective equipment you supply must be suitable, well‑maintained and used correctly. This applies to every piece of equipment and every activity involving electricity in your business.

Employer s.4 HSE

You must not let anyone carry out electrical tasks unless they have the necessary knowledge, experience, or are adequately supervised. In practice this means checking qualifications, training records or putting a suitably skilled supervisor in place before the work starts.

Employer s.16 HSE When a task involves electrical work that requires technical knowledge or experience …

You must not let anyone do electrical work that needs technical knowledge unless they have the right skills or are properly supervised. Check that anyone you engage for electrical tasks is qualified, experienced, or is under supervision that matches the risk of the job.

Employer s.16 HSE when work involves electrical tasks that require technical knowledge or experience to …

If you need to work on or close to a live electrical conductor, you must first check that it is unreasonable to switch it off and that it is reasonable to carry out the work while it is live. You also have to put in place appropriate safety measures and give workers the right protective equipment. Failing to do this can lead to criminal prosecution.

Employer s.14 HSE When work is to be carried out on or near a live …

If you need to work on or close to live electricity, you must first show that switching it off is unreasonable and that it is reasonable to keep it live. Then you must put in place appropriate safety measures and provide suitable protective equipment to prevent injury.

Employer s.14 HSE When work is required on or near a live conductor that cannot …

If you or your employees need to work on or close to live electricity, you must only do so when it’s unreasonable to switch the power off, it’s reasonable to work live, and you must use appropriate precautions and protective equipment. This means carrying out a risk assessment, providing insulated tools or PPE and making sure staff are trained before the work starts.

Employer s.14 HSE When work is to be carried out on or near live conductors

If your business needs to carry out work on or close to live electricity cables or equipment, you must first check that it is unreasonable to switch them off and that it is reasonable to work while they remain live. Then you must put in place suitable precautions – such as isolation procedures and the right protective equipment – to stop anyone being injured.

Employer s.14 HSE When work is to be carried out on or near live electrical …

You must make sure anyone you employ to carry out electrical work that could cause danger or injury has the required technical knowledge and experience. If they are not fully competent, you must provide an appropriate level of supervision that matches the work’s risk. This applies to all electrical tasks in your business.

Employer s.16 HSE When assigning any work that requires technical electrical knowledge or experience

If any of your plant or equipment has a conductor that is earthed or connected to a reference point, you must not put anything in that conductor that could cause a loss of continuity or high resistance unless you have taken safe‑working precautions. In practice this means designing, installing and maintaining those circuits so nothing can accidentally create a break or high‑impedance fault.

Employer s.9 HSE when a circuit conductor in your plant is connected to earth or …

If your plant or wiring includes conductors that are connected to earth (or any reference point), you must not put anything in those conductors that could break the electrical link or create high resistance, unless you have taken specific safety steps. In practice this means checking your earthing circuits and ensuring no wiring, tools, or other items are left inside them that could cause a fault.

Employer s.9 HSE When a circuit conductor is connected to earth or another reference point …

You must make sure any electrical plant, wiring or tools you use are built, kept and used in a way that removes or reduces danger as far as is reasonably practicable. This includes maintaining the equipment, carrying out any work on or near it safely, and providing suitable protective gear that is kept in good condition and used correctly.

Employer s.4 HSE

You must make sure any electrical plant you use is designed and built so that, as far as reasonably practicable, it cannot cause danger. You also have to keep that plant maintained, carry out work on or near it safely, and provide protective equipment that is suitable, well‑maintained and used correctly. In practice this means planning, regular inspections, maintenance and training for anyone who works with electricity.

Employer s.4 HSE

If you turn off or isolate electrical plant so that work can be carried out safely, you must make sure it stays dead while the work is under way. In practice this means using lock‑out/tag‑out, checking that no one can re‑connect power and monitoring the equipment until the job is finished.

Employer s.13 HSE When electrical equipment has been made dead for maintenance, repair or other …

You must make sure any electrical installations you own or control are designed and built so they do not create danger, and that they are kept in a safe condition. All work carried out on, near or using those systems must be done safely, and any protective equipment you provide must be suitable, maintained and used correctly. In short, keep the plant, the work and the protective gear free from electrical risk as far as reasonably practicable.

Employer s.4 HSE

If any of your wiring is tied to earth or another reference point, you must make sure that nothing is installed in that line that could interrupt the electrical flow or create excessive resistance, unless you have put appropriate safety measures in place. In practice this means designing, installing and maintaining those circuits so that any device or accessory cannot create a dangerous break or high‑impedance condition.

Employer s.9 HSE When a circuit conductor is connected to earth or another reference point …

When you switch off or isolate electrical equipment so it can be worked on, you must make sure it cannot become live again while the work is being carried out. This means putting in place safe systems – such as lock‑off, tagging, testing and physical barriers – and checking they remain effective throughout the job.

Employer s.13 HSE When electrical equipment has been made dead for work on or near …

When you switch off or isolate electrical plant so it can be worked on, you must make sure it cannot become live again while the work is in progress. This means using lock‑out/tag‑out, checking that supplies stay isolated and monitoring the equipment until the job is finished. Failing to keep the equipment dead could create a serious electrical hazard.

Employer s.13 HSE When work is carried out on or near electrical equipment that has …

When you switch off and isolate electrical plant so it is safe to work on, you must make sure it cannot become live again while the work is being carried out. Put in place lock‑off/tag‑out, verification tests and supervision so the equipment stays dead until the job is finished.

Employer s.13 HSE When carrying out work on or near electrical equipment that has been …

If any of your plant or wiring has a conductor that is earthed or tied to a reference point, you must make sure nothing that could break the electrical continuity or add high resistance is placed in that conductor. If you do need such items, you must put suitable safeguards in place to prevent the risk of electric shock or fire.

Employer s.9 HSE When a circuit conductor is connected to earth or another reference point …

Whenever you or anyone you control is working on or near electrical equipment that could be dangerous, you must make sure there is enough room to work safely, a safe way to reach the equipment, and sufficient lighting. This helps prevent injuries while the work is being carried out.

Employer s.15 HSE Work is being carried out on or near electrical equipment in circumstances …

When you or your staff carry out work on or near electrical equipment, you must make sure there is enough room to work safely, safe ways to get to the equipment and sufficient lighting. This helps prevent injuries caused by cramped spaces, difficult access or poor visibility.

Employer s.15 HSE When work is being done on or near electrical equipment where there …

Whenever you or your staff carry out work on or close to electrical plant, you must make sure there is enough clear space, safe routes to reach the equipment, and sufficient lighting. This helps prevent accidents such as trips, falls or electric shock while the work is in progress.

Employer s.15 HSE when work is being done on or near electrical equipment where a …

Whenever you or your staff carry out work on or near electrical equipment that could be dangerous, you must make sure there is enough clear working space, safe ways to get to the equipment, and sufficient lighting. This helps prevent injuries while the work is being done.

Employer s.15 HSE when work is being performed on or near electrical equipment in circumstances …

You must make sure any metal parts that could become live – for example wiring, plant or equipment – are safely earthed or have other safeguards so they cannot cause electric shock or fire. This applies to all the electrical systems you use, and the earthing must be strong enough to carry any fault current.

Employer s.8 HSE If you operate electrical systems that include conductors which could become energized …