What is the PAT test legal requirement?
In the UK you are required by law to ensure that electrical appliances for use in a workplace, or for use by a business is fit for purpose and safe for use, and continues to be safe throughout its working life. To do that you need to implement an appropriate ‘preventative maintenance’ regime, which is regularly checked to ensure equipment is safe.
Inspection and testing of electrical equipment is the most common and consistent method for checking electrical equipment to make sure it is safe; that the required safety measures for the appliance are functioning correctly and that the appliance has not become damaged in any way; any damage that has occurred should be repaired either by the inspecting engineer or another competent person.
In the UK we have come to know this inspection and testing process by its more common term; PAT testing. Following ‘PAT’ you are provided with a PAT test certificate which should include an itemised list to confirm that each appliance is safe for continued use. That list should itemise each appliance with a unique number, which will be on the label attached to the appliance by the engineer, preferably in a discreet location. Although putting labels on is not a legal requirement it has become an acceptable method of best practice for identifying appliances against the report.
Around 33% of accidental fires in the UK are down to electrical issues
Over 1000 workplace accidents are reported each year that involve electric shock or burns
If you want to check out the specific guidance concerning electrical equipment at work, feel free, the links are here:
- The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
- The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
If you use us to do your PAT testing we will help you to ensure you are always compliant with the UK workplace health and safety regulations. Contact us today to arrange an appointment.
