Portable Appliance Testing

PAT TESTING IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF ANY HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

WHAT DOES PAT TESTING INVOLVE?

Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defect can only be found by testing.

However, it is essential to understand that visual examination is an essential part of the process because some types of electrical safety defect can’t be detected by testing alone.

The term PAT was removed on release of the 5th edition of the IET regulations in September 2020. The new term for PAT is In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

WHO MUST DO THE TESTING

Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment must be carried out by a competent person or qualified experienced Electrician/ PAT tester. The person carrying out the inspection and testing must use a calibrated PAT testing machine. Details of the inspection and testing are to be logged and kept as proof of the Duty Holder, Manager or Owners compliance to the regulations relating to electrical equipment.

A regular programme of inspection and testing of electrical equipment or PAT testing is an important part of any Health & Safety Policy.

WHY DO I NEED TESTING?

As the Duty Holder or Owner of electrical appliances or equipment, you have a duty of care to prevent this equipment becoming faulty or causing injury/ damage, and remain compliant with H&S Regulation.

What if you lost your business or home due to an electrical fire?

What would you do if your insurance proved invalid because you could not produce evidence of your efforts to minimise the risk of electrical equipment from becoming faulty?

With this in mind having a regular regime of inspection and testing of your electrical equipment is recognised as the best way to comply with your obligations regarding the Health & Safety Regulations and the Electricity at work act 1989, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER1998). Without it you could find yourself in a very difficult situation if any accident involving electrical equipment were to occur.

HOW OFTEN IS INSPECTION REQUIRED

Electrical appliances need to undergo a Risk Assessment, which determines the inspection, testing, and maintenance frequency.

Based on the Risk Assessment, some electrical equipment previously tested annually may now require less frequent testing. High-risk electrical equipment may require more frequent inspection and testing due to the risk of it becoming faulty.
Your insurance provider can offer guidance on the appropriate inspection and testing intervals for your electrical equipment.
Failure to implement a regular, documented inspection and testing program could result in your insurance becoming invalid.

KNOW YOUR PAT TESTING STICKERS

There are different PAT plug top stickers that identify the different tests that have been carried out on electrical appliances and equipment!

GREEN: Indicates that the appliance/equipment has passed the PAT inspection and test.

BLUE: Indicates that the appliances/equipment has passed only a visual inspection. This applies to such things as adaptors and mobile phone chargers.

RED: Indicates that the appliance/equipment has failed either a visual inspection or the electrical test process. These appliances and equipment should never be used if they have been RED stickered and need to be removed from service immediately.