Electrical safety
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWR 1989) covers the use and maintenance of electrical equipment at work. The two most common requirements for tenants of commercial property are portable appliance testing (PAT) and fixed wire testing.
Portable applicance testing
You need to regularly check electrical appliances like computers, kettles, and desk lamps to make sure they are safe to use. How often you check will depend on what the appliance is and how much it gets used. Detailed guidance is available on the Health and Safety Executive's website.
Fixed wire testing
The electrical wiring that is part of your building (from the meter to plug sockets and light switches) must be checked periodically by a qualified person. The recognised standard to comply with EWR 1989 is to get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least once every 5 years or earlier, if indicated. All Council tenants should meet this standard. Where remedial works are required to pass an EICR, you will be responsible for carrying these out. Where available, the Council will provide an EICR at the start of your tenancy.
The Health and Safety Executive provide wide-ranging guidance on Electrical Safety.
At the end of your tenancy, you will need to provide the Council with a current EICR as well as evidence of any remedial works carried out to ensure that the wiring is safe and functional