The situation relating to legislation about electrical safety is often mis-understood. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 which incorporates The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, a statutory legal duty is placed on all Employers to ensure that employees and all others are not subjected to risks to their health and safety. In particular, The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires that those in control of part or all of an electrical system, ensure that the system is safe to use and it is maintained in a safe condition.

Whilst this legislation makes it clear that an employer must keep electrical installations and equipment in a safe condition, it doesn’t state how this should be done. The British Standard BS 7671 is also often misunderstood too. It is the standard by which electrical systems should be installed and maintained, a 2008 amendment sets out how inspections should be carried out. BS 7671 is produced by the IET & BSI and is therefore non- statutory.

The Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) and the Portable Appliance Test (PAT) are both certifications set out in BS 7671. Whilst BS 7671 and appropriate amendments are non-statutory regulations, there are 3 very good reasons why you must have your electrical installations and your portable appliances tested and maintained and keep a record of the inspection reports, maintenance records and certificates.

1. Your premises should be safe and approved testing is the only practical way to do this.

2. You may need to prove you have been diligent in your duty of care to ensure that the electric system is safe to use and it is maintained in a safe condition. The certificates from approved testing are the only practical way to do this.

3. Whilst statute may not require these certificates, you will have almost certainly made agreements with others (your landlord and your insurers, for example) to provide such certificates on request.

The Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) is aimed at testing your installation, this is essentially the electrical distribution system including switches, cables, power outlets and transformers etc., as well as fixed appliances such as lighting and other equipment.

How often you have this done can vary depending on your business, but is generally upon occupation and every 3 to 5 years for commercial property. The Portable Appliance Test (PAT) is aimed at testing your portable appliances and the period over which you have this done might vary significantly depending on your business.

It is not the landlords obligation to provide these for a tenant.