Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

Portable Appliance Testing

What Is PAT Testing and Why Do You Need It

Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use.

While not compulsory by law, a regular schedule of recorded PAT testing demonstrates a commitment to safety, satisfies insurance policies and shows that duty holders have considered safe working procedures involving the electrical items within their business.

Which items need to be tested?

PAT isn't limited to the testing and inspection of small, portable items as its name might suggest.

It actually refers to anything that connects to the electrical wiring system in your building.

This can include IT equipment, vending machines, fixed appliances rated up to 400 volts, photocopiers, fridges and freezers.

How often should appliances be tested?

PAT is covered in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. However, it is not a legal requirement to undertake it at any set interval.

HSE guidelines say: “A record and / or labelling can be a useful management tool for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the maintenance scheme – and to demonstrate that a scheme exists.”

Employers should take a risk-based approach, considering the type of equipment and what it is being used for.

Regular inspection and maintenance of portable appliances enhances electrical safety in the workplace and minimises the risks of fire or shock.

What We Can Do

Using a considered, risk based approach tailored to your workplace KNE Ltd can implement a bespoke Portable Appliance Testing programme which will keep Duty Holders compliant, satisfy insurance policies and keep employees safe.

Our qualified test engineers work quickly and efficiently minimising disruption to your staff and working practices.

In addition to testing they will also carry out minor repairs on items which would otherwise fail.

Faults found in plugs, cables and switches can all remedied on site quickly and efficiently saving on the cost and hassle of replacement.

Every item we test will be clearly labelled with the date of the test and the suggested retest date, and all test results are logged in a detailed report along with a registry of all portable appliances.

Content