The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 came into force on April 1, 1990. They relate to work on or near electrical equipment and set the safety requirements for employers, employees and the self-employed concerning matters which are within their control.

The Regulations require precautions to be taken against risk of death or personal injury from the use of electrical appliances and were made under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, setting out the requirements for the safety of electrical equipment.

Prosecution will result from failure to comply and may void insurance leading to compensation claims.

The Regulations do not give detailed requirements on how the standards of safety can be met, but the Health and Safety Executive has produced a Memorandum of Guidance (ISBN 0-7176-1602-9) which suggests measures that can be taken to satisfy the Regulations relating to electrical systems and equipment. The Memorandum of Guidance HSR25 is a required publication for all contractors seeking registration with, and enrolled with, the NICEIC.

Compliance with the Regulations is defined as either Reasonably Practicable or Absolute:

Absolute – An Absolute requirement must be met regardless of cost, trouble etc. If an Absolute requirement cannot be met, the work or use of the relevant equipment is effectively prohibited.
Reasonably Practicable – In this instance, the risks of a particular work activity or environment can be balanced against the time, trouble and expense involved in taking steps to avoid the risks.