School of
Life
Sciences
ELECTRICITY AT WORK
REGULATIONS 1989
L37
Main Purpose of Legislation
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 cover electrical systems, equipment and
conductors and work activities on or near electrical equipment.
The purpose of the Regulations is to require precautions to be taken against the risk of
death or personal injury from electricity during work activities.
Main Hazards
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Electric shock
Electric burns
Fires of electrical origin
Electric arcing causing “Arc Eye”
Explosions initiated or caused by electricity
Accidents may arise from:
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Ignorance of the inherent danger of electricity
Disregard of safe working procedures
Unauthorised additions to circuits resulting in overloading of cables, switchgear
and protection devices
The replacement of fuses by incorrectly rated fuses on makeshift devices
The use of unsafe or unsuitable equipment and faulty wiring
Lack of maintenance
Summary of Legislation
Requirements
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Ensure all persons working on or near electrical equipment are competent, to
prevent danger and injury
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Maintain electrical systems in safe condition
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Carry out electrical work safely
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Ensure equipment is suitable and safe to use in terms:- of strength and capability
- of use in adverse or hazardous environments e.g. weather, dirt, dust, gases,
mechanical hazards, flammable atmospheres, etc
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Ensure effective insulation of conductors in a system
Issued: 20th May 2004
Page 1 of 2
Rev 1.0
School of
Life
Sciences
ELECTRICITY AT WORK
REGULATIONS 1989
L37

Ensure effective earthing of the system
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Ensure that if work is carried out to the earth which involves breaking the flow of
current, other precautions are taken to maintain the earth continuity
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Ensure all components of the electrical system are suitable and safe for use
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Protect against an overload of the system
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Provide suitable means for cutting off the supply of electrical energy to any
electrical equipment and isolating electrical equipment
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Ensure that equipment cannot be electrically charged during work if it will create
danger
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Do not carry out work on or near a live conductor unless absolutely essential
and suitable precautions are taken to prevent injury
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Ensure adequate working space, access and lighting is provided to all electrical
equipment where work is undertaken
Issued: 20th May 2004
Page 2 of 2
Rev 1.0