The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR 1989) set out the legal requirements for electrical safety in UK workplaces. They apply to every employer, employee and self-employed person who works on, with, or near electrical systems. The regulations require that electrical systems are constructed, maintained and used in a way that prevents danger, and that only competent persons carry out electrical work. If you employ electricians, operate a business with electrical equipment, or work as a self-employed electrician, EAWR 1989 applies to you.
Despite being over 30 years old, EAWR 1989 remains the cornerstone of electrical safety law in Great Britain. Non-compliance is a criminal offence, and breaches are taken seriously by the Health and Safety Executive. This guide sets out what the regulations require, who the duty holders are, and what you must do in practice.
What the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Require
EAWR 1989 contains 33 regulations, but the core legal duties are contained in a handful of key provisions. Regulation 3 states that the regulations apply to employers, the self-employed, and — where appropriate — to employees. This is broader than most health and safety regulations, which typically impose duties only on employers.
Regulation 4 is the central requirement. Regulation 4(1) requires that all electrical systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent danger, so far as is reasonably practicable. Regulation 4(2) requires that systems are maintained so as to prevent danger, again so far as is reasonably practicable. The phrase "so far as is reasonably practicable" means you must take all measures to prevent danger unless the cost (in time, effort or money) is grossly disproportionate to the risk reduction achieved.
Regulation 5 requires that every work activity, including operation, use and maintenance of electrical systems, and work near such systems, shall be carried out in a manner that does not give rise to danger. Regulation 16 states that no person shall work on or near any live conductor unless it is unreasonable for it to be dead, it is reasonable for the work to be done live, and suitable precautions are taken to prevent injury.
Other key regulations cover: strength and capability of electrical equipment (Regulation 6); insulation, protection and placing of conductors (Regulation 7); earthing and other protective measures (Regulation 8); integrity of referenced conductors (Regulation 9); connections (Regulation 10); means for protecting from excess current (Regulation 11); means for cutting off supply and isolation (Regulation 12); precautions for work on equipment made dead (Regulation 13); and competence to prevent danger (Regulation 16).
The HSE publishes detailed guidance on EAWR 1989 in its publication HSR25, available at hse.gov.uk. The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022) provide the technical standards for electrical installations, and compliance with BS 7671 is widely accepted as demonstrating compliance with EAWR 1989 Regulation 4.
Who the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Apply To
EAWR 1989 applies to a much wider group than just electricians. The regulations apply to:
- Employers — including sole traders who employ even one person, whether full-time, part-time, temporary or subcontracted. Employers are responsible for the electrical safety of all work equipment, fixed installations, temporary installations and portable equipment used by employees.
- Self-employed persons — including electricians, maintenance engineers, construction contractors, landlords carrying out their own work, and anyone who works on or near electrical systems without employing others. The self-employed have the same duties as employers in respect of their own activities.
- Employees — under Regulation 3(2)(b), employees must cooperate with their employer to enable compliance with the regulations. This means following training, using equipment correctly, and reporting electrical defects. Employees can be prosecuted for serious breaches, though in practice the HSE prioritises employer prosecutions.
- Landlords — both commercial and residential landlords have duties under EAWR 1989 in respect of the fixed electrical installations and any equipment they provide. Under Regulation 4(2), the installation must be maintained to prevent danger. For residential landlords, this duty sits alongside the requirement for electrical installation condition reports under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
- Facilities managers and duty holders — anyone responsible for the maintenance of a building or workplace has duties under EAWR 1989, even if they are not qualified electricians. The duty holder must ensure that competent persons are appointed to inspect and maintain electrical systems.
- Schools, nurseries and care homes — educational establishments and care settings are subject to EAWR 1989 for all electrical equipment and installations. Fixed wire testing every 5 years is standard, with portable appliance testing at frequencies determined by risk. If you run an early years setting, EYFS risk assessment requirements also apply.
The regulations apply to all sectors and all industries. There are no exemptions for small businesses, charities, or low-voltage systems. Even a 12V system can cause danger (for example, by causing a fire or an arc flash), and EAWR 1989 applies wherever there is a risk.
Key Duties at a Glance
Here are the core duties under EAWR 1989 that apply to most workplaces and electrical contractors:
- Regulation 4(1) — Construction: All electrical systems must be constructed to prevent danger, so far as is reasonably practicable. This means installations must comply with BS 7671 or equivalent recognised standards.
- Regulation 4(2) — Maintenance: All electrical systems must be maintained to prevent danger. This requires periodic inspection and testing of fixed installations (typically every 5 years for commercial premises) and portable appliances (frequency depends on risk and environment).
- Regulation 5 — Safe working: Every work activity involving electrical systems must be carried out safely. This includes switching off and isolating circuits before work, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and following documented procedures.
- Regulation 12 — Isolation: Suitable means must be provided to cut off the supply of electrical energy to equipment. Isolation devices must be clearly identified, lockable in the off position, and accessible to those who need to use them.
- Regulation 13 — Work on dead equipment: Before work begins on equipment that has been made dead, precautions must be taken to prevent it from becoming electrically charged during the work. This means isolation, lock-off, and proving the circuit dead with a voltage tester.
- Regulation 14 — Live working: Work on or near live conductors is prohibited unless it is unreasonable for the conductor to be dead, reasonable for the work to be done live, and suitable precautions (including training, equipment and supervision) are in place.
- Regulation 16 — Competence: No person shall work on or near electrical equipment unless they possess sufficient technical knowledge or experience to prevent danger, or are under appropriate supervision. Employers must ensure workers are competent before assigning electrical tasks.
- Regulation 29 — Defence in criminal proceedings: It is a defence to prove that all reasonable steps were taken and all due diligence was exercised to avoid committing the offence. This means you must have documented procedures, training records, inspection schedules, and evidence that these were followed in practice.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Breaches of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are criminal offences under Section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. In the magistrates' court, the maximum fine is £20,000 per offence. In the Crown Court, fines are unlimited and individuals can be sentenced to up to 2 years in prison. The HSE can also issue improvement notices requiring specific actions within a set time, and prohibition notices which stop work immediately until the risk is removed.
The HSE publishes annual statistics on electrical incidents. Electrical contact remains one of the main causes of fatal and serious injury in the workplace. Between 2018 and 2023, there were 47 fatal injuries involving electricity in Great Britain. The construction and manufacturing sectors account for the majority of these incidents, but electrical accidents occur across all industries — including retail, hospitality and offices.
In 2022, a building services company was fined £300,000 after an employee suffered severe burns when a distribution board exploded during maintenance work. The HSE investigation found the company had failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and had not ensured the employee was competent to carry out live electrical work. In 2023, a facilities management company was fined £120,000 after an employee received an electric shock from exposed live conductors in a ceiling void. The investigation found the electrical installation had not been properly maintained or inspected.
The HSE's Fee for Intervention (FFI) scheme means that inspectors can charge £163 per hour for time spent investigating material breaches of health and safety law. This applies even where no prosecution follows. A site visit to investigate poor electrical safety practices can easily result in FFI charges of £1,000–£3,000.
How the Electricity at Work Regulations Relate to Risk Assessments
EAWR 1989 does not explicitly require a written risk assessment, but Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 does. Every employer and self-employed person must carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of employees and others arising out of or in connection with their work. Where five or more people are employed, the significant findings of the risk assessment must be recorded.
For electrical work, this means assessing the specific hazards — electric shock, burns, arc flash, fire, explosions from flammable atmospheres — and implementing control measures. Control measures must follow the hierarchy: eliminate the hazard (e.g. work dead rather than live); reduce the risk (e.g. use lower voltages where possible); isolate people from the hazard (e.g. barriers, enclosures); and finally use personal protective equipment (insulated gloves, arc-rated clothing).
The risk assessment must also address competence (Regulation 16 of EAWR 1989), training, and supervision. If you are an electrician working alone, your risk assessment should demonstrate your own competence through qualifications and experience. If you employ or supervise others, your risk assessment must show how you ensure their competence before they carry out electrical work.
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Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and Construction Work
In the construction sector, electrical work is high-risk. Temporary supplies, site conditions, and the interaction between trades create additional hazards. EAWR 1989 applies in full to construction sites, and electrical contractors must also comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
Common electrical risks on construction sites include: contact with underground or overhead cables during excavation or crane operation; inadequate earthing and bonding of temporary installations; use of damaged or unsuitable equipment in wet or dusty conditions; and lack of isolation and lock-off procedures when multiple trades are working. Under Regulation 14 of EAWR 1989, live working is prohibited unless it meets strict criteria — which in construction rarely applies. All circuits should be isolated and locked off before work begins.
The principal contractor on a construction project has duties under CDM 2015 to coordinate health and safety, but individual electrical contractors retain their EAWR 1989 duties. If you are a self-employed electrician working on a construction site, you must ensure your own equipment complies with Regulation 6 (strength and capability) and Regulation 7 (insulation and protection), and that you follow Regulation 13 (precautions for work on dead equipment) and Regulation 16 (competence).
The HSE's guidance document HSG141 (Electrical Safety on Construction Sites) provides practical advice on compliance with EAWR 1989 in construction environments. The guidance recommends 110V centre-tapped-to-earth supplies for portable tools and lighting, residual current devices (RCDs) with a tripping current of 30mA or less, and regular visual inspection of cables and equipment.
PAT Testing and Fixed Wire Testing
Regulation 4(2) of EAWR 1989 requires that equipment is maintained to prevent danger. For portable electrical equipment, this is commonly satisfied through a regime of regular inspection and testing known as PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing). The HSE does not mandate fixed intervals — the frequency must be based on risk.
The HSE and IET publish guidance on appropriate testing intervals. Office equipment such as computers, printers and desk lamps in a low-risk environment may require formal testing only every 2–4 years, with regular user checks in between. Equipment used in harsher environments — construction sites, kitchens, workshops — may require inspection and testing every 3–12 months. Equipment hired or loaned out should be tested before each hire.
For fixed electrical installations, the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) recommend periodic inspection and testing every 5 years for commercial and industrial premises, and every 10 years for domestic dwellings. The inspection produces an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which classifies defects as C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), or C3 (improvement recommended). Any C1 or C2 defects must be remedied to comply with Regulation 4(2) of EAWR 1989.
Landlords renting residential property in England must have a valid EICR dated within the last 5 years under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Commercial landlords must comply with EAWR 1989 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which together require periodic inspection and maintenance of electrical installations.
Competence Under Regulation 16
Regulation 16 of EAWR 1989 is one of the most frequently cited in HSE prosecutions. It states: "No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger or, where appropriate, injury, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work."
Competence has three elements: adequate knowledge (understanding of electrical principles, hazards, and safe working practices); adequate experience (having carried out the task before or worked under supervision); and appropriate attitude (taking health and safety seriously, following procedures, and not taking shortcuts). Qualifications alone do not prove competence — an electrician with a City & Guilds 2365 qualification who has never worked on a particular type of installation may not be competent to work on it unsupervised.
For employers, demonstrating competence requires: checking qualifications and experience before assigning tasks; providing training on company procedures and site-specific risks; ensuring appropriate supervision for less experienced workers; maintaining training records; and conducting periodic assessments of competence. The HSE expects employers to have documented evidence of how they assessed competence.
For self-employed electricians, demonstrating your own competence requires holding relevant qualifications (such as City & Guilds 2365, 2391, 2382), being registered with a competent person scheme (such as NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) where appropriate, maintaining CPD records, and ensuring your insurance policy covers the work you carry out. If you take on work you are not competent to perform, you breach Regulation 16 and expose yourself to prosecution and civil liability.
Related Regulations and Standards
EAWR 1989 works alongside several other key regulations and standards. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 provides the overarching legal framework, with Section 2 placing a general duty on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees so far as is reasonably practicable. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require risk assessments and set out duties for cooperation and coordination between employers working on shared sites.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires that work equipment is suitable, maintained, and inspected. For electrical equipment this overlaps with EAWR 1989, and compliance with EAWR generally satisfies PUWER. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply where electrical work is carried out at height — for example, work on overhead cables, lighting, or equipment mounted on walls or structures.
For work involving hazardous substances such as solvents, adhesives or cleaning agents used in electrical maintenance, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require assessment and control. For manual handling of electrical equipment — such as lifting motors, transformers or cable drums — the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require assessment and control of risks from lifting and carrying.
The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022) are not law, but they are the recognised standard for electrical installations in the UK. Compliance with BS 7671 is accepted as demonstrating compliance with EAWR 1989 Regulation 4. Other relevant standards include BS 7909 (code of practice for temporary electrical systems for entertainment and related purposes) and BS EN 60204-1 (safety of machinery — electrical equipment).
Enforcement and the HSE
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces EAWR 1989 through inspections, investigations, and prosecutions. The HSE may visit workplaces proactively or reactively following an accident, complaint, or intelligence. During an inspection, HSE inspectors will examine: electrical installation condition reports (EICRs); PAT testing records; isolation and lock-off procedures; competence records and training logs; risk assessments; and evidence that equipment is maintained.
Where the inspector identifies a breach, they may issue an improvement notice requiring specific action within a set time (typically 21 days), or a prohibition notice which stops the activity immediately. Failure to comply with a notice is a criminal offence. The inspector may also issue a fee for intervention (FFI) invoice for the time spent investigating material breaches.
Prosecutions are taken seriously. In 2019, a manufacturing company was fined £500,000 after an employee was electrocuted when he touched a live busbar in a distribution panel. The HSE investigation found the electrical installation had not been inspected or tested for over 10 years, and the company could not demonstrate that the employee was competent to work on high-voltage equipment. The company director was also prosecuted individually and received a suspended prison sentence.
For electrical contractors, ensuring compliance with EAWR 1989 is not optional. It is a condition of membership of competent person schemes, a requirement of most public liability insurance policies, and a legal duty enforceable through criminal prosecution and unlimited fines.
