Electrical installations: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and periodic inspection

What it covers

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR) apply to all electrical systems and equipment used at work. Periodic inspection and testing of fixed installations, reported in the style of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to BS 7671, is a widely used way of showing that an installation is being maintained.

Who it applies to

Employers, the self-employed and employees, each to the extent that matters are within their control.

Key duties

• Electrical systems must be constructed and maintained so as to prevent danger, so far as reasonably practicable.
• Work on or near electrical systems must be carried out in a way that prevents danger, with suitable means of isolation.
• People doing electrical work must be competent for the task, or appropriately supervised.
• The regulations do not set inspection intervals. The interval for periodic inspection is determined by a competent person, taking account of the type of installation, its use and its environment.
• EICR-style reports record observations against classification codes (such as C1, C2, C3 and FI) so that remedial work can be prioritised.

How Censiary helps

• Distribution boards, circuits and installations held as assets with tags.
• Periodic inspection, testing and verification recorded with compliance reports (Censiary Electrical Inspections, available to demonstrate and adapt for your site).
• Observations and remedial actions tracked to closure.