Why do we do PAT testing?
Electrical appliances start off life perfectly safe, but over time they can deteriorate to such an extent that there is a real risk of electric shock to a user or the appliance catching fire. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) ensures electrical appliances are safe to be used (much like an MOT checks your car is safe to be driven).
Here in the UK all workplaces must make sure electrical appliances are safe to be used; various regulations stipulate that appliances must be maintained to a safe level, who is responsible and what must be done. Providing an electrical appliance that is not safe is not complying with the law.
PAT testing is a way of maintaining electrical appliances and it
- Reduces the risk of fires
- Prevents users getting an electric shock
- Is a legal requirement in the workplace
