PAT – Portable Appliance Testing Stratford, E15

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 full PAT test should include both a visual inspection and a more in-depth check using specialist PAT testing equipment. This test covers earth continuity, lead-polarity, as well as insulation resistance checks. At the end of a PAT test, every appliance should be marked ‘passed’ or ‘failed’, at which point you will be provided with an in-depth report of the tests we have carried out.

 Do I need my appliances tested?

There is currently no strict legal requirement for PAT testing. The Government however has put regulations into place that pertain to the maintenance of electrical appliances and the most effective way to ensure that these regulations are met is through PAT testing.

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 can reach as high as PS20,000, and Crown Court offenses can result in sentences exceeding 2 years imprisonment. So even though PAT testing itself is not legally required, it simply helps you to protect yourself by ensuring that you are complying 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. Electrical equipment faults can pose a danger, especially if they are not easily repaired. 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