The paper is divided into two parts. The first part deals in broad terms with the principles and acceptable levels of safety in relation to standards and certification leading up to the formation in this country of the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board for Household Equipment (BEAB). Particularly with regard to BS3456 (the Standard covering the testing and approving of household electrical appliances), the contents of which are analysed, the conclusion reached is that the safety levels contained therein have been determined largely through subjective judgement rather than technical appraisal. The second part of the paper is concerned with the objectives and procedures, and the organisation to implement them, of the BEAB. The BEAB's relationship with the electrical industry, the British Government, particularly with regard to legislation, and the general public are outlined together with an analysis of the present effectiveness of the BEAB and its importance in the future when the UK joins the EEC.