string(20) "what-you-should-know"
string(11) "regulations"
string(27) "electrical-equipment-safety"
Electrical Equipment Safety
What do the Regulations cover? The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 require, among other things, that all electrical equipment supplied 'in the course of business' is safe. This applies equally to new and second-hand equipment. Do the Regulations apply to me? The Regulations apply to everyone who supplies electrical equipment in the course of their business, regardless of whether or not their business is actually the supply of electrical equipment. The Regulations are particularly relevant to self-catering accommodation, as equipment in these premises may not be covered by the Electricity at Work Regulations What does safe mean? For electrical equipment to be regarded as safe, there should be no risk (or only a minimal risk) that the equipment will in any way cause death or injury to any person or domestic animal, or cause damage to property. If you are buying any new electrical equipment in the UK nowadays it should be 'safe' as manufacturers and suppliers are bound by the same Regulations. It should also carry a CE marking (indicating that the manufacturer believes the product complies with all relevant European Directives and safety standards). If you are buying second-hand electrical equipment from a professional dealer (or auction house) it should likewise be 'safe', although it does not have to carry a CE marking. Do I need to maintain electrical equipment? Although these Regulations require electrical equipment to be safe, unlike for gas appliances there is no specific requirement for annual maintenance. However, to be sure that the electrical equipment in your accommodation remains safe, you are strongly advised to have it checked and serviced regularly by a registered electrician. • The free guidance booklet issued by HSE on the Electricity at Work Regulations gives useful information about checking electrical equipment. See INDG231: Electricity and You, free, HSE Books. See also http://www.niceic.org.uk/specifiers/landlords.html Note! Letting agents can also be held responsible for the safety of the electrical equipment in accommodation they let, depending on the terms of their agreements with property owners. ------- Much of the content here is kindly reproduced with permission from the VisitBritain Pink Booklet. For up to date information sign up at http://www.accommodationknowhow.co.uk/default.aspx
