Electrical equipment
[ch 8: page 50]The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWR) require electrical systems to be constructed and maintained, so far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent danger. Under the EWR, the employer is generally only responsible for electrical equipment which it supplies. The employer must comply with the EWR “in so far as they relate to matters within the employer’s control” (Regulation 3, EWR). However, as noted above, the employer is also liable under the PUWER for the maintenance of all “work equipment” in “an efficient working order and in good repair”. On the face of it, this should extend to homeworkers’ electrical equipment when used for work, regardless of who owns it.
If the employer does not carry out home visits, the worker may need to bring equipment into the office for maintenance or inspection. Staff who plan on using their own equipment should let management know, so it can be included in the health and safety risk assessment.