PAT – Portable Appliance Testing Beckton, E6

What is PAT Testing?

A PAT test is a routine inspection on some types of electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to be used. Its purpose is to prevent electrical accidents in the workplace.

A complete PAT test should include both visual inspections and more detailed testing using specialist equipment. This test covers earth continuity, lead-polarity, as well as insulation resistance checks. Every appliance should be marked “passed” or “failed” at the end of a PAT testing. At that point, you will receive a detailed report on the tests we performed.

 Do I need my appliances tested?

There is currently no legal requirement for PAT testing. However, the Government has established regulations that govern the maintenance of electrical appliances. PAT testing is the best way to ensure these regulations are adhered to.

The UK Health and Safety Executive along with insurance companies will expect you to perform PAT testing to ensure that you are compliant with certain regulations including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974
• The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999

Not complying with the above-mentioned regulations can result in fines of up to PS5,000 and/or six months imprisonment. Fines have been seen to go as high as PS20,000 and offenses heard in the Crown Court have carried sentences of more than 2 years imprisonment in addition to unlimited financial penalties. Even though PAT testing is not required by law, it can help you protect yourself by ensuring you comply with these regulations.

Claims that PAT testing is required by law and that the client is breaking the law by not having it done are simply not true. Employers, whether self-employed or not, must ensure that all electrical equipment used in their business is safe and properly maintained. This means that PAT testing is a critical part of your company’s health and safety and should be considered part of a solution to your safety concerns.

PAT testing is the best way to detect defects that may arise from use. Faults in electrical equipment pose a potential hazard, particularly if they are not repaired readily. Even though PAT testing itself is not required by law, the consequences of electrical faults should be considered carefully.

Local PAT Testers