Running a business comes with many responsibilities, and electrical safety is one that’s often misunderstood or overlooked.
Many business owners assume that arranging PAT testing once a year is enough. In reality, workplace electrical safety covers far more than portable appliances alone. Employers, landlords and duty holders all have legal obligations to ensure electrical systems and equipment are kept in a safe condition.
This guide explains what UK businesses are responsible for, what inspections are typically required, and how to manage electrical safety in a practical, structured way.
Who Is Responsible for Electrical Safety in a Business?
Under UK health and safety legislation, responsibility usually falls on the person in control of the premises. This may be:
- Business owners or directors
- Employers
- Landlords or property managers
- Facilities managers
If you provide the workplace or the equipment, you are responsible for making sure it is safe.
This includes electrical appliances, fixed wiring systems and fire safety equipment.
Electrical safety is not about ticking boxes. It’s about reducing risks, protecting people and maintaining safe working environments.
What Does UK Law Actually Require?
PAT testing itself is not a legal requirement. However, several pieces of legislation place duties on businesses to maintain electrical safety, including:
- Health and Safety at Work Act
- Electricity at Work Regulations
- Fire safety regulations for commercial premises
Together, these require that electrical equipment is:
- suitable for its environment
- maintained in a safe condition
- inspected where necessary
- supported by appropriate records
PAT testing, fixed wiring inspections and fire extinguisher servicing are commonly used as practical ways to demonstrate compliance.
Key Areas of Electrical Safety Every Business Should Manage
Most workplaces need to consider three main areas:
Portable Electrical Equipment (PAT Testing)
Portable Appliance Testing focuses on items that plug into sockets, such as:
- computers and monitors
- kettles and microwaves
- extension leads
- power tools
- chargers and portable heaters
PAT testing typically combines visual inspections with electrical measurements to identify faults that could lead to shock or fire.
Results are recorded, and each item is labelled to show it has been checked.
You can learn more about how PAT testing fits into compliance on our main PAT testing service page.
Fixed Wiring Inspections (EICR)
Fixed electrical systems include:
- distribution boards
- sockets and lighting circuits
- permanent wiring
These are assessed through Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs).
Fixed wiring inspections help identify issues such as overloaded circuits, deteriorating cabling or unsafe connections that may not be visible during everyday use.
Most commercial premises require periodic EICRs to maintain insurance cover and demonstrate electrical safety management.
Fire Safety Equipment
Electrical faults are a common cause of workplace fires, which is why fire safety forms part of electrical compliance.
This includes:
- fire extinguishers
- emergency lighting
- fire alarms
Fire extinguishers should be serviced regularly to ensure they operate correctly in an emergency. Records must be kept to show inspections have been completed.
Why Regular Inspections Matter
Electrical problems rarely appear overnight. Most develop gradually through:
- wear and tear
- accidental damage
- ageing components
- incorrect repairs
- environmental exposure
Without regular inspections, small faults can go unnoticed until they become serious.
Routine testing helps businesses:
- reduce fire risk
- prevent electric shock incidents
- avoid equipment failure
- protect staff and visitors
- support insurance requirements
- demonstrate compliance during audits
It also provides peace of mind that safety systems are working as intended.
What Records Should Businesses Keep?
Good documentation is a key part of compliance.
Most organisations should retain:
- PAT test registers
- EICR certificates
- fire extinguisher service records
- risk assessments
- maintenance reports
These records provide evidence that safety checks are being managed properly and are often requested during inspections or insurance reviews.
Many businesses now use digital systems, but paper records are still acceptable as long as they are organised and accessible.
Can Businesses Carry Out Their Own Electrical Checks?
Basic visual inspections can be carried out in-house by trained staff, such as checking for damaged plugs or cables.
However, formal PAT testing and fixed wiring inspections should be completed by competent persons using calibrated equipment.
Professional testing provides:
- accurate measurements
- clear certification
- consistent labelling
- structured reporting
Combining internal checks with professional inspections creates a balanced safety approach.
Common Electrical Safety Issues Found in Workplaces
Some of the most frequent problems identified during inspections include:
- damaged or taped cables
- overloaded extension leads
- missing PAT labels
- incorrect fuses
- outdated wiring
- blocked access to fire extinguishers
These issues often seem minor but can significantly increase risk if left unresolved.
A Simple Compliance Checklist for Businesses
If you’re responsible for workplace safety, the basics are:
- carry out regular visual checks
- arrange professional PAT testing where appropriate
- ensure fixed wiring is inspected periodically
- keep fire extinguishers serviced
- retain clear documentation
- act quickly on any identified faults
These steps form the foundation of responsible electrical safety management.
Final Thoughts
Electrical safety compliance doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does require consistency.
By understanding your responsibilities, scheduling routine inspections and keeping accurate records, you can protect people, reduce risk and demonstrate that your business is taking safety seriously.
PAT testing, fixed wiring inspections and fire extinguisher servicing all play important roles in this process, helping UK businesses maintain safe and compliant working environments over time.