The importance of electrical health and safety inspections

By Fifty21 Media

29 Mar 2023

electrical-safety-sign.jpeg.jpg

As a property owner, you have a legal obligation to ensure that your premises are safe and comply with health and safety regulations. This includes conducting regular inspections and testing for various systems, including Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR), fire alarms, electrical equipment testing (EET), and emergency lighting.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of these inspections and testing and their legal requirements.

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)

EICRs are essential to identify potential electrical hazards and ensure people's and property's safety. The regulations require EICR inspections to be conducted periodically, typically every five years, for many types of properties. However, some properties require annual or three-year inspections. During an EICR inspection, a qualified contractor will conduct a thorough inspection of electrical installations and wiring, checking for any damage, wear and tear, or non-compliance with current safety standards. The primary reason for EICR inspections is to detect any potential electrical hazards that could cause injury or death to occupants and damage to property.

Fire Alarm Inspection and Testing

Fire alarms are the first line of defence in case of a fire, and regular inspections and testing are necessary to ensure that they are working correctly. These inspections are typically required annually and involve checking the fire alarm system's sensors, control panel, and audible/visual alarms. The inspection will also verify that the fire alarm is correctly linked to the emergency lighting system and that the power supply is reliable and sufficient.

Electrical Equipment Testing (EET)

EET inspections are required for all portable and fixed appliances to ensure they are safe to use and do not pose a risk of electrical shock or fire. The inspection involves checking for any defects or damage in the plug, cable, and appliance's internal components. EET inspections are required at different times depending on the type of equipment and its use. Using a qualified EET specialist to work out your risk assessments can save you substantial money for most businesses and organisations.

Emergency Lighting Inspection and Testing

Emergency lighting provides a reliable light source to guide occupants to the nearest exit in case of a power outage. Regular inspections and testing are necessary to ensure that emergency lighting is working correctly and that the battery backup power supply is sufficient. Emergency lighting inspections are typically required annually.

The Importance of Using Reputable and Qualified Contractors

It is crucial to use reputable and qualified contractors to conduct EICR, Fire alarm, EET, and Emergency lighting inspections and testing. Using cheap and unqualified contractors can lead to incomplete inspections, shoddy workmanship, and inadequate safety measures, which can ultimately result in health and safety hazards. Property owners risk facing heavy fines or legal action and prison sentences if they fail to comply with safety regulations, putting lives and property at risk.

Legal requirements for EICR inspections and their regulations, along with legal requirements for Fire alarm inspection and testing, EET inspection and testing, and Emergency lighting inspection and testing, are critical for health and safety within your organisation and also to ensure the people/occupants and property safety. Ensure that you use a time-served competent contractor who can prove the qualifications of the engineers sent out to do the work, thereby giving you peace of mind that this is being done properly. By conducting regular inspections and testing, property owners can ensure that their premises are safe and comply with the latest safety regulations.

Latest news

1

Celebrating 20 years of connecting the county Group making celebratory gestures and cheering

Celebrating 20 years of connecting the county

27 Oct 2025

2

BAKO named 'Supplier of the Year' at awards BAKO Supplier of the Year

BAKO named 'Supplier of the Year' at awards

27 Oct 2025

3

St Annes thrives with strongest August footfall in years St Annes Square footfall

St Annes thrives with strongest August footfall in years

26 Oct 2025

4

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action BAE Systems production

BAE Systems workers vote for strike action

23 Oct 2025

5

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West Nick Miles, National Cyber Force deputy director for Samlesbury

National Cyber Force launches startup programme in the North West

23 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

The AI Lab: E-commerce
Ai Lab ecommerce (1).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025

The AI Lab: E-commerce

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin