Ask an Electrical Testing Expert

Electrical engineer Malcolm Clark is managing director of Derbyshire-based Multicare - a company providing an electrical testing, inspection and repair service for the hair, beauty, fitness and spa professions, helping them to become electrically compliant. Here, he answers some of the more common concerns on the safety of electrical equipment and the necessary rules and regulations.

The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment

The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) has prepared a code of practice that explains the inspections and tests necessary to ensure electrical equipment is maintained properly so as to prevent danger. In cases of any doubt, seek legal advice.

The Law

Legislation relevant to electrical maintenance: Health and Safety at Work Act Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Electricity at Work Regulations and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.

Health and Safety At Work Act 1974 (section 2, 3 and 4) puts a duty of care upon both employers and employees to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises.

The Management of Health & Safety At Work Regulations 1992 state:

"Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of:

  • The risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed while they are at work, and
  • The risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking." [Regulation 3(1)]

The Provision of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 state:

"Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is so constructed or adapted as to be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided." [Regulation 5(1)]

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state:

"As it may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as it is reasonably practicable, such danger." [Regulation 4(1)]

"'System' means an electrical system in which all the electrical equipment is, or may be, electrically connected to a common source of electrical energy and includes such source and such equipment."

Under the provisions of the above regulations there is legal obligation, upon those whom the Act deems responsible, to ensure that all electrical equipment is regularly checked for operational safety. Electrical, electronic and mechanical equipment in your establishment is required to be properly maintained and recorded in accordance with the above acts.

Equipment required to be Tested and Inspected