PAT or PAT Testing stands for Portable Appliance Testing and is a way of complying with the multiple health and safety legislations. A qualified engineer performs a number of tests to ensure that  equipment meets the required safety standard. The correct term for the whole process is In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. This process applies to all types of equipment even if they are not portable.

 

Is PAT Testing a legal requirement?

There are a number of regulations which place responsibility on the organisation to ensure that all electrical appliances comply, thes include the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989,  which state that “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained  so as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger” (Regulation 4(2)).  “Electrical equipment includes anything used, intended to be used or installed for use,  to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control,   store, measure or use electrical energy.” (Regulation 2(1)).

The  Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. This states that “Every employer shall  ensure that work equipment is so constructed or adapted as to be suitable for the purpose for  which it is used or provided.” (Regulation 4(1)). This includes all work equipment (fixed, portable  or transportable) connected to a source of electrical energy.”

 

Why should I have my appliances tested?

It is vital that electrical equipment is regularly inspected and maintained as failure to comply could result in serious injury or prosecution. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defect can only be found by testing. However, it is essential to understand that visual examination is an essential part of the process because some types of electrical safety defect can’t be detected by testing alone.

 

How do I know if my items need PAT testing?

If you’ve never had any of your equipment PAT testing, then you will most likely require a test. All items tested usually display a Pass Sticker, showing when the item was tested along with the appliance number and test engineer.