EAWR 1989: HSE Electricity at Work Rules

Regulatory citation: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (SI 1989/635)

What Are the Electricity at Work Regulations?

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR) apply to almost all work activities in Great Britain where electricity is used or work is done near electrical systems. They place duties on employers, the self-employed and employees to prevent danger from electricity, from fixed installations and portable equipment to overhead lines.

Why EAWR Matters

Electrical incidents cause shocks, burns, arc flash injuries, fires and explosions. Many involve maintenance work on equipment wrongly assumed to be dead, or damaged cables and portable equipment.

Core Requirements

1. Safe Systems and Maintenance

Electrical systems must be constructed and maintained, so far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent danger. Work activities on or near systems must be carried out in a way that doesn't give rise to danger.

2. Suitable Equipment

Equipment must be suitable for its conditions of use, including strength and capability, and protected against adverse or hazardous environments such as weather, wet or dusty conditions and flammable atmospheres.

3. Insulation, Earthing and Protection

Conductors must be insulated or otherwise protected, precautions such as earthing must prevent danger from conductors that may become charged, and protection must be provided against excess current.

4. Isolation

Suitable means must be available to cut off supply and isolate equipment, and precautions must be taken to make sure equipment that has been made dead stays dead while work is carried out.

5. Restrictions on Live Work (Regulation 14)

Work on or near live conductors is only allowed when it is unreasonable for the conductor to be dead, it is reasonable for work to be done live, and suitable precautions, including protective equipment where needed, are in place.

6. Working Space, Access and Lighting

Adequate working space, means of access and lighting must be provided around electrical equipment where work could give rise to danger.

7. Competence (Regulation 16)

No one may do work requiring technical knowledge or experience to prevent danger unless they have that knowledge or experience, or are appropriately supervised.

Common Compliance Approaches

Risk-Based Equipment Inspection

EAWR doesn't set a fixed frequency for portable appliance testing. HSE guidance recommends a risk-based approach, combining user checks, visual inspections and testing where needed.

Written Isolation Procedures

Use lock-off devices, permits to work and proving dead with a suitable voltage indicator before any work starts.

Fixed Installation Inspections

Many employers follow the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) guidance for periodic inspection and testing of fixed installations.

Example: EAWR in Practice

A food factory needs to replace a damaged control panel component. The electrician isolates the supply, applies a personal lock, tests the voltage indicator on a known source, proves the panel dead, and retests the indicator. Work only starts after a permit to work is issued. The factory also introduces visual checks of portable equipment in its wet washdown areas, where cables are more likely to be damaged.

Related regulations: OSHA Electrical Work Practices, HSE PUWER, MHSWR risk assessments.

Note: This summary reflects the regulations as they apply in Great Britain, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities. Northern Ireland has equivalent but separate legislation. Always check the current legislation and HSE guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PAT testing a legal requirement in the UK?

No. EAWR requires electrical equipment to be maintained to prevent danger, but doesn't specify PAT testing or a fixed frequency. HSE recommends a risk-based approach, where the type and frequency of checks depends on the equipment and how it's used.

When is live electrical work allowed under EAWR?

Only when all three conditions in regulation 14 are met: it is unreasonable for the equipment to be dead, it is reasonable for the work to be done live, and suitable precautions are taken to prevent injury.

Who has duties under the Electricity at Work Regulations?

Employers, the self-employed and employees all have duties under EAWR, so far as matters are within their control. Employees must cooperate with their employer and follow safe systems of work.