How often you need to get PAT testing done depends on numerous factors, including:

  • Your own risk assessment – a risk assessment will help you determine what needs to be done to maintain safe equipment
  • A fire prevention risk assessment – will assess what needs doing to prevent fires occurring
  • The use of the electrical equipment and who uses it
  • The working environment in which the electrical equipment is used
  • The type of equipment
  • What your insurance stipulates – insurance small print assumes you are meeting your Health and Safety obligations
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. Regulations don’t state how often this needs done, or what needs doing; nor do the HSE – because they don’t want to risk being sued!

Most companies assume an annual PAT testing frequency because it is considered to be best practice.