Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

 PAT testing is a way of demonstrating that organisations are taking all reasonable efforts to meet their legal requirements, by providing a safe working environment for staff, customers and premises. 

It is considered best practice when complying with many government regulations:-

• Health & Safety at Work etc Act (1974).
• The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations (1999).
• Electricity at Work Regulations (1989).
• Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998).

PAT testing can demonstrate your compliance and due diligence to the above regulations and assists in any Health & Safety at Work issues. It can also be beneficial for reducing any business insurance premiums and progressing any insurance claims.

PAT Testing needs to be undertaken by a competent/trained individual who understands the relevant “Code of Practice”, and also has the necessary calibrated equipment.

It is a structured combination of thorough visual inspection, plus a series of electrical tests that validate the electrical safety of the equipment and minimizing the potential for any electrical damage or faults.

PAT Testing is undertaken at a frequency that is dependent on the perceived risk of such equipment. Many people assume that it needs to be undertaken once every 12 months, (and indeed this is the default common practice most organisations take). However the Code of Practice clearly outlines a testing frequency that depends upon:-

• The usage of equipment, e.g. stationary, portable, handheld and even IT equipment.
• The location of equipment e.g. in offices, shops, factory, construction sites.

We can advise you on the recommended repeat testing frequency, and also the critical role of the “Duty Holder”, all as part of our professional testing service.

PAT Testing is usually performed at the clients’ premises (shop, office, factory, or landlord property).  We offer a professional flexible service, such that this work can be undertaken at a time that is convenient to your working hours, and business needs. In some cases the equipment can also be taken off-site, tested at our office and later returned to the client.