Why PAT Test?

1. Electric portable appliance testing is required by law in the UK.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; Section 4(2) requires all Portable Appliances to be accurately assessed by regular inspection and testing, so that the appliance in question can be confirmed as safe to use

2. To assure the safety of all your portable appliances,

e.g. kettles, microwaves, computers, fridges, telephones and extension leads, PAT testing satisfies these Health and Safety regulations

3. To comply with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 

4. To comply with all Health & Safety at Work Act 1974; Section 2 of this requires the employer to ensure that all appliances comply with the regulations of the Act, and that the employer is responsible in so far as is reasonably practicable in making sure that all relevant equipment is safe to use and without risk to health

5. To minimise the risk of fire and injury caused by electrical appliances

6. To satisfy your Insurance Company

7. To supply Fire Officers and Health & Safety Inspectors with PAT testing certificates and records

Portable Appliance Testing (commonly known as PAT Testing) is the process of inspecting and recording the condition of an appliance. Portable is generally classed as anything with a plug on. It is the duty of every employer to comply with the following regulations.

What is a Portable Electrical Appliance?

Any appliance which needs testing is anything with a plug attached to it. It should also be portable.

A Personal Computer for example, has a monitor, power lead, speakers and maybe an multi-socket extension to test.

Other examples include Kettles, Irons, Leads, Cables, Monitors, Treadmills and Printers.

Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

Duty of care upon the employer and the employee is put upon in the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974.

This is to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises.

This includes the self-employed.