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Electricity at Work Regulations: Workwear Essentials

5 minute read

Men wearing Portwest Arc Flash clothing.

Electricity is a serious safety risk. You might not always see it, but it’s dangerous and can even be fatal. 

Don’t take any risks with electricity.

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989), employers are legally required to keep workers safe from electrical hazards. 

But, understanding the regulations is only half the job. Using the right PPE and workwear for the job helps you meet the rules - and keep everyone safe.

Don’t worry, this guide keeps it simple. 

Read on for:

  • What PPE electricians and electrical teams need.
  • How the right supplier helps you stay safe and compliant.
  • What the Electricity at Work Act means for your business.

WHAT IS THE ELECTRICITY AT WORK REGULATIONS ACT?

The Electricity at Work Regulations (EAWR) came into force in 1989 to make working with electrical systems safer. 

It exists to reduce accidents, fires, injuries, and fatalities caused by electricity at work.

The EAWR states that business owners and site managers responsible for electrical equipment must make sure it’s always:

  • Used correctly 
  • Safely installed 
  • Properly maintained

WHY THE EAWR MATTERS

Without the Electricity at Work Act, the legal responsibilities of employers would be unclear. 

It gives businesses a clear legal guide to make sure electrical systems are safe - and that anyone working with them is protected.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T COMPLY?

  • Serious, life-changing injuries or fatal injuries.
  • Project delays, shutdowns, or insurance issues. 
  • Damage to reputation from just one serious incident.
  • Legal action, fines, or even prosecution for non-compliance.

 

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR EMPLOYERS

Are any of your workers exposed to electrical risks? You must take all necessary steps to keep them safe.

Start by:

  • Supervising workers when needed. 
  • Providing the right electrical training.
  • Supplying PPE built for electrical work.
  • Using approved equipment and qualified electricians.
  • Carrying out proper installation and ongoing maintenance.

The good news?

A specialist electrical PPE supplier can make compliance simpler - and teams safer.

Chat with our friendly team today. 
Send us a message!

Women wearing Portwest Anti-static workwear.

WHAT PPE SHOULD YOU WEAR WHEN WORKING WITH ELECTRICITY?

Under EAWR, using correct PPE is an essential part of staying compliant. 

Actually, it’s the law. 

If there's any risk of harm from electrical equipment or work, you must provide the right personal protective equipment (PPE).

Which PPE you need depends on the job, the risks, and the working conditions. 

For example, low-voltage maintenance won’t need the same protection as arc flash work.

PPE FOR ELECTRICIANS

Here’s a must-have list of electrical PPE:

Need more help? Check out our guide to arc flash standards.

Anti-static clothing

ALWAYS CHOOSE COMPLIANT GEAR

If your electrical protective equipment doesn’t meet EAWR safety standards, it won’t protect your team - or your business.

From injuries to downtime to legal issues - the list of serious consequences is long.

WHERE YOU BUY MATTERS TOO

It’s not enough to just have PPE. It needs to be the right PPE, and from the right suppliers. 

Make sure PPE is built, tested, and certified for your team's risks and EAWR regulations.

Look for safety markings and standards like:

Explore our full PPE and workwear ranges.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT ELECTRICAL SAFETY SIGNAGE

Signage is often missed. But it’s essential for electrical safety.

It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to comply with the EAWR.

Why? Because electricity is invisible. 

Without proper warnings, your teams or visitors might miss the risks until it’s too late.

Hang clear, compliant signage to:

  • Warn people of electrical hazards.
  • Prevent accidental exposure to live systems.
  • Reinforce PPE zones and safe working areas.

Learn more about safety sign colours or safety sign ticklists.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

Under the EAWR, employers must take all reasonable actions to keep teams safe. 

That includes handling signage. 

Look for:

  • Tough materials that handle site wear and tear
  • Clear colour codes showing danger, warnings, or PPE rules
  • Easy-to-recognise symbols meeting legal standards (ISO 7010)

Keep compliance simple. Get all your PPE and signage in one place with SMI.

Discover our full signage range.

Or, find out why a single-source supplier gets results.

Woman wearing Portwear Arc Flash Clothing.

MAKE COMPLIANCE EASY - PARTNER WITH SMI

PPE, signage, workwear - managing it all can be a full-time job. It doesn’t need to be. 

That’s where SMI comes in. 

We know what keeps your teams safe, your sites stocked, and your business compliant.

Here’s how:

  • 25K+ products in one place
  • Inclusive and sustainable options
  • 97% stock availability and next-day delivery

Learn how MY-SMI® can make PPE ordering easier.

NEED ADVICE?

Got questions about EAWR, electrical PPE, or safety signage?
Call us on 0330 441 3500 or drop us a message.

FAQs

What are the employees’ responsibilities for electricity at work regulations?

Employees must also do their part to keep everyone safe.

That includes:

  • Always using the correct PPE.
  • Following the training they’ve been given.
  • Reporting any faults or PPE risks immediately.

What type of clothing must be worn when working with electricity?

Anyone working with electricity will often need:

But the exact gear your team needs all depends on the job. 

What are the requirements of the electricity at work regulations?

Employers must make sure that electrical systems are safe and maintained. Plus, they should only be worked on by competent, trained people. 

Don’t forget, you need the right PPE and signage on site to meet EAWR rules. 

SMI takes the guesswork out of electrical PPE. 

Get help today.

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