PAT Testing Guidance

The HSE advises businesses to get their electrical inspections done as soon as possible The HSE advises businesses that have missed their usual ‘retest’ due to the pandemic to get that test done as soon as possible to bring their records up to date. HSE update "Thorough examination and testing of equipment" guidance In early April (2021) the Health and Safety Executive [...]

Top 15 Tips for the safe use of electrical extension leads When we are PAT testing in offices, building sites and pretty much every business we see a lot of instances where socket extension leads are used incorrectly. Here we have put together a list of 15 top tips for the safe use of the extension lead. Electrical extension leads are often used incorrectly, just because it has 4 sockets doesn't mean they [...]

PAT Testing Fails PAT Testing Fails - these photographs are all of appliances that have failed our inspections when on site at clients, doing their electrical safety inspections. Because of website storage issues we can't post endless photographs here so to keep up to date with our PAT Testing fails, to see more plugs in a bad way and to see appliances that are dangerous, damaged, melted and so on, [...]

What you need to know about PAT Testing Pat Testing (also known as Portable Appliance Testing) is a way of checking your electrical equipment to see if it is SAFE. PAT Testing is an important part of your organisation's Health and Safety regime. It doesn't matter whether you're a small business or a large multi-site corporation; if you use electrical equipment in your business, then you have [...]

Can I PAT test my own equipment? Yes, you can PAT test your own equipment; if you are a competent person with the relevant training, knowledge, equipment and time. It is essential that you or someone in your business is competent in electrical safety if you/they are going to carry out PAT testing. A competent person should: have good knowledge of electricity have experience of electrical work know how to carry out a [...]

PAT Testing for home workers - safety tips If you need PAT testing and you're working from home, that's fine, we can help. We can wear face masks, and wipe surfaces we have touched; we'll do what is necessary to keep you covid-secure and electrically safe. Do you need PAT testing when you work from home? If you work for a company and they require you to work from home then [...]

Here are 8 Christmas Lights Safety Tips When putting up your Christmas tree lights this year, or taking the tree down in the new year, make sure you follow these 8 Christmas lights safety tips: Always switch off your lights at the socket before changing a faulty bulb Always inspect the cable and the bulbs for damage before switching the lights on If the lights are damaged when you get them from your storage, or [...]

12 Reasons why electric shock accidents involve portable appliances so often (number 8 may shock you!) Reasons why electric shock accidents involve portable appliances One of the biggest problems in any workplace is the use of portable electrical equipment. Referred to as portable appliances, electrical equipment fitted with a plug presents a high risk of becoming damaged and thus dangerous.  Portable appliances include any electrical appliances that can be [...]

How often should pat testing be done in an office? How often should pat testing be done in an office?PAT tests in offices may not need doing as often as you may think. Many offices get their appliances tested every year but that may be too often. If you do a risk assessment you will find that most if not all appliances won't need doing that often.  Stationery appliances such [...]

Does new electrical equipment need PAT testing? Does new equipment need PAT testing? It is not normally necessary to test new items of electrical equipment, because the manufacturer has already tested it, but they should be inspected to make sure there is no damage and that it meets British Safety Standards (as it may have been built incorrectly, abroad) before first use. New electrical equipment built within the EU and labelled with [...]