PAT TESTING
PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING
Why is PAT Testing important? We are all used to using portable electrical appliances in the home like electric kettles, toasters, microwaves, and other types of portable equipment but why is this important for business and what is it?
PAT Testing is the process of checking both visually and by using specific tools to make sure any electrical appliances are in working order and are not a danger in the workplace.
The household appliances we mentioned earlier are also used in offices but so are printers, scanners, photocopiers, and other electrical equipment that your employees need to do their job.
A qualified PAT testing engineer will undertake a visual inspection of appliances to make sure they are not cracked or broken. They will also check that all screws and connections are intact.
Even a simple thing like a missing screw from a plug or a plug socket can render the business liable for a potential fine which can range between £5,000 and £20,000.
PAT Testing Legal Requirements
There is no legal requirement to undertake this type of testing and it is not a compulsory requirement. However, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) are clear that all electrical devices in the workplace should be kept in good working order to alleviate the risk of injury or loss of life to an employee, and although there are no legal requirements, this would not stop an employee from suing his/her employer if they were to be injured.
If that were to happen then the employer would have a very hard time in court if they had not obtained any type of proof from an accredited PAT tester or PAT testing company.
Portable Appliance Testing Timeframes
There is no legal requirement to undertake this type of testing and it is not a compulsory requirement. However, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) are clear that all electrical devices in the workplace should be kept in good working order to alleviate the risk of injury or loss of life to an employee, and although there are no legal requirements, this would not stop an employee from suing his/her employer if they were to be injured.
If that were to happen then the employer would have a very hard time in court if they had not obtained any type of proof from an accredited PAT tester or PAT testing company.
PAT Certificate
A PAT certificate will show the location of the test (where it physically took place), an itemised list of each appliance tested with its original serial number or bar code, what the result of the visual inspection was, and what the results of the testing were when connected to a live electrical current.
The PAT certificate will also confirm any appliances that have failed and should be replaced.
PAT testing may not be a legally binding requirement but health and safety in the workplace have become more important in recent years and you will find that fire department inspections will now take into account PAT testing when rendering premises safe to use and inspections by your insurance companies will take these into account when calculating general, property and public liability premiums on your insurance policies.
Keep Legal run several health and safety training programs for employees in the workspace and are now, through a team of qualified electricians and electrical engineers, providing Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to its existing customer base and of course new clients that need a reputable and accredited training and testing company.
PAT Testing - Frequently Asked Questions
Is PAT testing legally required in the UK?
No, PAT testing itself is not legally mandated. However, the UK government has established regulations concerning the maintenance of electrical devices, and PAT testing is an effective method to ensure compliance with these regulations.
What regulations does PAT testing help me comply with?
PAT testing helps you adhere to various regulations, including the 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, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999.
What are the consequences of not complying with these regulations?
Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines of up to £5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. In some cases, fines can reach £20,000, and serious offences heard in the Crown Court could result in over two years of imprisonment along with substantial financial penalties.
Can I be fined for not conducting PAT testing?
While you won’t be fined specifically for not conducting PAT testing, you can face fines and legal consequences for not ensuring the safety and proper maintenance of electrical equipment in your business, which is a legal requirement.
Is it true that claims suggesting PAT testing is legally required are false?
Yes, it is accurate to say that claims asserting mandatory PAT testing under the law are not true. However, the law does necessitate that employers, including self-employed individuals, maintain the safety of all electrical equipment in their business operations. PAT testing serves as a valuable tool to achieve this goal and mitigate potential risks.
Of course, if you need any advice on what PAT Testing is or you have questions about which devices you should be testing, then Keep It Legal are happy to advise you.
For more information and support with PAT Testing, please do not hesitate to contact us.
