PAT testing - overview
We carry out PAT testing in Dorset, in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, New Milton, Ringwood, Wareham, Broadstone, Ferndown, Wimborne, West Moors and the entire BH postcode area.
Many deaths and injuries result from poorly maintained electrical equipment and fires started by faulty electrical appliances. Around 1,000 electrical accidents at work are reported to the Health and Safety Executive each year; of these, 30 people die of their injuries.
All electrical equipment should be maintained and checked regularly to ensure it is safe and in good repair. In particular, managers (and others, such as landlords) responsible for electrical equipment maintenance should ensure:
- Equipment is maintained in a safe condition
- Information is available to equipment users to ensure safety
- Safe procedures for inspection and testing are used
- Records of inspection and testing are maintained
Legal requirements for testing electric portable, transportable and fixed appliances
- The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
- The Electricity at Work Act 1989
- Consumer Protection Act 1987
State that all electrical appliances supplied must be safe e.g. appliances that are connected by means of a flexible cable, plug and socket, hand held or fixed to the circuitry.
The only sure method of ensuring that appliances are safe is to have them tested by a qualified person using the appropriate calibrated PORTABLE APPLIANCE TEST EQUIPMENT (PAT).
The above tests must be in addition to the visual safety checks that should be carried out by the employer, often on a daily or weekly basis. (See chart of recommended frequencies of inspection from IEE Code of Practice for In-service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment).
Business owners, Directors and their Senior Duty Holders are directly responsible for a "Duty of Care" to provide a safe environment for employees, operators, customers and members of the public to walk through, buy from, live in and work at.
These regulations apply to all industrial and commercial business premises.
Failure to comply with the Electrical Regulations may constitute a criminal offence which could result in the maximum penalty of a £5,000.00 fine, closure or loss of business and/or 6 months imprisonment on summary conviction.
Doing it yourself? Some businesses may try to deal with PAT Testing in-house and in some cases this is perfectly ok. However, many businesses find they just don’t have the time or experience to do it themselves. See our advice sheet on why getting us to do it will be safer and more convenient for you..
See our information on what can go wrong with portable appliances and the outcome of litigation following issues.
