ABSTRACT
The dangers of the use of electricity have been discussed previously in Part 2 Section 9. Legislative control of electrical matters in the past has been concerned with not just the fundamental principles of electrical safety but also specific and detailed requirements relating to particular plant and activities. For many years, the Electricity (Factories Act) Special Regulations 1908 and 1944 controlled the use of electricity at work. These Regulations were enforced under the Factories Act 1961, and continued under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The limiting factor was that the Regulations were only applicable to ‘factory’ premises as defined, and thus applied to a limited number of people and premises. Also, some of the requirements of the Regulations had become outdated as technology advanced and working and engineering practices changed to accommodate it.
