PAT Testing

Portable Appliance Testing - In general anything with a plug attached ie, Toasters, Kettles, Computers etc; if in use in the workplace is required under current Health and Safety guidelines to be visually inspected/tested and recorded.

A certificate is then provided detailing each item tested which can be shown to your local Health and Safety Inspector should they visit.

The Regulation

Regulation 4(2) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAW Regulations) states “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger”

The Requirement

1 General safety in terms of minimising risk of electrocution and fire.

2 The Portable Appliance equipment should be regularly checked and tested at suggested intervals

(HSE Guide to Maintaining Portable Appliance Equipment in offices and other low risk environments 7176 1272 4).

The Benefits

1 To have a safe environment to work in and safe equipment to use.

2 To avoid fines which may be substantiated.

3 To be able to provide your insurance company with certification indicating the appliances are both safe and compliant, many Insurance
  companies are now requesting a certificate for renewal of their policies.