Electricity At Work Regulations EAWR

Electricity At Work Regulations (EAWR)

These came into force in 1989, yet it would appear that many people are unaware of their duties under the act.
In a normal court of law a person is considered innocent unless the prosecution can prove guilt. With Health and Safety issues a person is guilty until they prove themselves innocent. At college one particular lecturer would constantly remind us that if someone died we could be doing a stretch of 10 years for manslaughter if proven guilty.
The EAWR is a statutory document, meaning that it is written law and thus contravening it means that you could be prosecuted. Like all law, the EAWR written in such a manner that Joe Blogs on the street could not tell what it means, but to lawyers it is clear and precise with no ambiguity.
There is a fundamental law that is always used and that is that ignorance of the law is no proof of defence. So if you did not know about the EAWR, tough luck mate, you could still be facing a manslaughter charge if you breached the EAWR.
So the EAWR is written for lawyers to understand and yet you can be prosecuted for contravening the regulations, does not seem very fair does it?

The Institute of Electrical Engineers IEE also publishes regulations which are not statutory, the latest being the 16th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations (The 17th Edition is due to be published soon). The 16th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations is now a British Standard (BS 7671).

BS7671 is written to go some way to actually offering practical advice in how to comply with the EAWR. If you follow the regulations set out in BS 7671 then you are less likely to find yourself in court for breaching the EAWR. Remember I earlier that in Health and Safety matters you are guilty until proven innocent. The police collect evidence in order that the prosecution can prove that a person is innocent, well since you need to prove your innocence so you need evidence also. BS7671 comes to your assistance by setting out different documentation that when completed can prove that you have exercised your duties.

I hope that the information above as shown how BS7671 compliance can prevent you from perhaps going to prison for 10 years. Look out for additional posting in the near future with respect to the EAWR and BS 7671.