Duty Holder Responsibilties

Safe Places of Work - Safe People at Work - Safe Systems of Work

• What/Who are Duty Holders?
  Everyone who is involved with electricity i.e. - working on it, working with it or using it - from the engineer in the main switch room to the person on the shop floor pressing the trigger on a power drill.
• How far do the Duties go?
  Regulation 3(2)(b) of the 'Electricity at Work Regulations 1989' states that a 'Duty Holder' must:

  "comply with the Regulations in so far as it relates to matters within his control."

• Who has prime responsibility?
  The prime responsibility is placed on Employers, Directors and Managers.

'Duty Holders' cannot escape their responsibilities under the law, to themselves, their employees, their customers and other stakeholders in their business. 'Duty Holders' are deemed to have the resources and the authority necessary to provide a safety management system and can be held legally accountable following a criminal offence. It is essential for 'Duty Holders' to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

CHARGED WITH ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE? THEN YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

• Do I have updated network drawings?
• Do I have comprehensive test records?
• Does sample testing provide sufficient cover?
• Do I have inspection records highlighting the electrical condition?
• Do I have documented Safe Working Procedures?
• Do I have documented Electrical Safety Rules?
• Do I have a trained and competent workforce?
• Does the company have a positive safety culture/attitude?

If the answer to any of the above questions is 'no' then please contact us here at NECTA where we would be more than happy to answer any of your queries. You may be interested in our 'Duty Holders Responsibilities' training course provided by NECTA Electrical Training.