PAT – Portable Appliance Testing Harrow

What is PAT Testing?

A PAT test is a routine inspection of some types of electrical appliances to check they are safe to use. It serves to prevent workplace electrical accidents.

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

Failure to comply with the regulations can lead to fines up to PS5,000 or six months imprisonment. Fines can reach as high as PS20,000, and Crown Court offenses can result in sentences exceeding 2 years imprisonment. 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 provides the most effective way to identify defects that can come with use. Faults in electrical equipment pose a potential hazard, particularly if they are not repaired readily. Although PAT testing is not required by law in any way, it is important to consider the potential consequences of electrical faults.

Local PAT Testers