Here is a selection of some of the regulations that make up the current legislation that makes it the employers responsibility to ensure portable appliances are safe… The Health & Safety Executive states that 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances. The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and self-employed persons to comply with the provisions of the regulations and take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of such equipment. This in effect requires the implementation of a systematic and regular program of maintenance, inspection and testing. The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 puts the duty of care upon both the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises (including the self-employed), placing such an obligation in the following circumstances: 1. Where appliances are used by employees. 2. Where the public may use appliances in establishments such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shops etc. 3. Where appliances are supplied or hired. 4. Where appliances are repaired or serviced. The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 states: "Every employer shall make suitable and sufficient assessment of (a) the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst at work, and (b) the risks to ensure the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him or his undertaking." The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 set out minimum safety requirements for all new and second-hand electrical equipment, including devices, appliances and apparatus, supplied in your home and throughout the UK. Portable appliance testing (PAT) is an important part of complying with electrical health and safety legislation and vital to your Health & Safety Policy. Under The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) you, as an employer, have a responsibility to maintain, in safe working order, all electrical equipment used in your business.   Therefore regular PAT testing should be done where employees, customers and the general public use electrical equipment, or if it is hired out. PAT testing should also be carried out after a piece of equipment has been serviced or repaired. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires electrical appliances and systems to be maintained to prevent risk of accident. The Health and Safety Executive Memorandum of Guidance HS(R)25 recommends that such maintenance be based on a regime of regular inspection and testing by a competent and qualified person.  So what does it all mean? To summarise the scope of the legislation, it is clear that the combination of the HSW Act 1974, the PUWER 1998 and the EAW Regulations 1989 apply to all electrical equipment used in, or associated with, places of work. The scope extends from distribution systems down to the smallest piece of electrical equipment. It is also clear that there is a requirement to inspect and test all types of electrical equipment in all work situations. So it is essential that you protect your employees and your business by establishing and operating a Managed Electrical Appliance Inspection and Testing System. To help you develop the most appropriate plan, we offer a free site assessment visit during which one of our specialists will review your inventory of electrical appliances and discuss with you the type of inspection and testing system you need to have in place to meet your legal obligations.