How Do the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Relate to Health and Social Care?

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWR) is a legal framework designed to ensure the safe use of electricity in workplaces, including health and social care settings. Electricity is essential in health and social care, powering crucial medical equipment, IT systems, and basic utilities. However, it also poses risks such as electric shocks, fires, and equipment failures, which can have serious consequences for both staff and patients. The EWR seeks to reduce those risks by setting clear standards for electrical safety.

In this guide, we will explore the key aspects of the EWR and how it specifically relates to the health and social care sector.

What Are the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989?

The EWR is a statutory instrument enforced in Great Britain under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It applies to everyone who uses, works with, or maintains electrical systems in a workplace. The purpose of the regulations is to prevent danger from electricity, whether to workers, service users, or members of the public.

In practical terms, the regulations set requirements for designing, constructing, installing, operating, and maintaining electrical systems. They emphasise preventing electrical hazards such as electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions.

Who Is Affected in Health and Social Care?

In health and social care, the EWR applies to a wide range of staff and activities:

• Clinical Staff: Doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants often rely on electrically powered devices, such as ventilators, infusion pumps, and monitors.
• Maintenance Teams: Electricians and other technical staff must install and maintain electrical systems safely.
• Administrative Workers: Computers, lighting, and other office equipment also fall under the scope of the EWR.
• Social Care Workers: Care homes, assisted living facilities, and domiciliary care environments all use electrical appliances and systems, from kitchen equipment to hoists for moving patients.

By applying these regulations, organisations can protect not only their staff but also vulnerable individuals, like patients and residents, who may be exposed to risks.

Key Provisions of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

The EWR includes several provisions to ensure the safe handling of electricity in organisational settings. Below, we relate these provisions directly to health and social care contexts.

1. Duty to Control Risks

Employers and employees must take every reasonable step to ensure that electrical systems are safe. This includes identifying and controlling risks to prevent potential harm.

In health and social care, employers must:

• Regularly inspect and test electrical systems in hospitals, clinics, and care settings.
• Replace faulty equipment promptly.
• Perform checks on portable electrical appliances, such as defibrillators, mobility aids, and electric beds.

2. System Design and Construction

Electrical systems should be designed and constructed to ensure safety. This applies even when the system is under heavy use.

For example, in a hospital:

• Patient monitoring equipment must have fail-safe designs to function safely even in the event of a power surge.
• Backup power systems, such as generators or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), should be installed to ensure that life-saving electrical equipment remains operational during power cuts.

3. Maintenance

The EWR requires electrical systems and equipment to be maintained in a condition that prevents danger. Maintenance must include routine inspections and repairs.

For health and social care settings:

• Staff must check equipment like hoists, electric wheelchairs, and hospital beds for wear and tear.
• PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is commonly carried out on smaller appliances found in social care environments, such as kettles or portable heaters.

Regular maintenance helps to reduce the risk of injuries caused by faulty wiring, overheating, or broken devices.

4. Adequate Isolation

Systems must be capable of being isolated to prevent accidents during repair or servicing. Isolation involves cutting off the power supply safely.

In practice:

• Electrical panels and emergency switches must be clearly labelled and accessible in hospitals.
• Care homes might install isolation switches in kitchens and laundry areas to reduce the risks associated with powerful appliances like ovens or dryers.

Isolation is particularly important during emergencies, such as when an electrical fault causes overheating or sparks.

5. Competence

The regulations emphasise that those working with electrical systems must have adequate knowledge and skills. In other words, only competent individuals should carry out tasks involving electricity.

In health and social care:

• Maintenance staff, such as hospital electricians, must have formal qualifications and training.
• Specialist contractors may be hired to work on high-voltage systems like MRI scanners or advanced medical equipment.
• Clinical staff should also receive basic training to ensure safe use of equipment like infusion pumps or defibrillators.

Competence at all levels reduces the risk of human error.

6. Insulation and Protection

All parts of an electrical system must have adequate insulation and protection to prevent unintentional contact with electricity.

For example, health care providers:

• Use trailing socket covers and cable management tools to minimise trip hazards and accidental exposure.
• Install Residual Current Devices (RCDs) to prevent serious shocks when operating equipment.

7. Earthing

Electrical systems must include appropriate earthing to avoid the build-up of dangerous electrical charge. Earthing is particularly important in environments where exposed metal surfaces may come into contact with electricity.

In hospitals, large appliances like surgical lighting, X-ray machines, and defibrillators must meet earthing requirements to protect healthcare workers and patients alike.

Risks of Non-Compliance in Health and Social Care

Failing to comply with the EWR can have severe consequences, particularly in environments where vulnerable individuals depend on electrical systems. Risks include:

• Electric Shocks: Faulty or poorly maintained equipment, such as hoists or monitors, could deliver dangerous shocks to patients or staff.
• Fires: Electrical faults are a leading cause of workplace fires. In a care home or hospital, this could result in devastating harm to residents and patients.
• Service Failures: A lack of regular maintenance or backup systems can lead to life-saving equipment failing during critical moments.
• Prosecution: Non-compliance with the EWR can lead to legal action, fines, or even imprisonment for employers and organisations.

Best Practices in Health and Social Care

Health and social care organisations can comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 by adopting practical safety measures, including:

• Regular Testing and Inspection: Plan routine PAT testing for portable appliances and inspection of fixed installations.
• Training Staff: Train clinical and support staff to use electrical equipment correctly and report faults.
• Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that emergency protocols are in place, like having backup power systems and accessible isolation switches.
• Clear Labelling: Label all electrical panels, circuits, and isolation switches to make it easier to manage the system.
• Appointing Competent Personnel: Assign trained professionals to oversee electrical safety, such as an in-house electrician or external contractor.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable People

In health and social care, additional care must be taken when working with vulnerable individuals who might not recognise electrical dangers. For example:

• In care homes, appliances like portable heaters should have anti-tamper features to prevent residents from interfering with them.
• In domiciliary care, staff should inspect the electrical appliances in clients’ homes to ensure they are safe to use.

Conclusion

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 is a cornerstone of workplace safety, ensuring that the risks of electricity are minimised. Health and social care settings rely heavily on electricity for vital tasks, making compliance with the EWR essential for protecting staff, patients, and residents. By maintaining safe electrical systems, organisations can reduce risks such as shocks, fires, and equipment failures, ensuring safer environments for everyone involved.