Why, What, How Often?
Why PAT Test?
PAT Testing is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that your electrical equipment is safe and fit for purpose. Inspection and testing is a way in which Duty Holders, employers, businesses and landlords can ensure that their electrical appliances do not pose a threat to the health and safety of their employees, customers and the public who may come into contact with those appliances.
What is PAT?
The term PAT generally refers to in-service inspection and testing of portable appliances.
Electrical appliances are built to specific standards and these appliances undergo Type Approval Tests and the Production Line Tests by the manufacturer before they reach the customer to ensure that they conform to the required standards.
PAT testing is essentially a repeat of the electrical safety tests that were carried out at the time the product was built. It is a periodic in-service electrical safety inspection and test to ensure that the electrical safety of the appliance is not compromised while the equipment is in service.
How often to PAT Test?
There are no specific timescales for the frequency of PAT tests. However, the regulations say that the level of precaution taken should be ‘appropriate’ to the risk.
The frequency of inspection and testing is dependent on equipment type and environment and requires assessment. There may be specific requirements regarding ISO certifications, insurance, company health and safety policy and other interested parties.
Periodic inspections and testing should be carried out to fully ensure the safety of electrical appliances. Frequency of inspection depends on the type, nature and work environment of the equipment. PAT testing does not only apply to the more hazardous environments such as the construction industry but equally to office environments, hotels, schools, retail outlets and any place where employees, customers and the general public may be exposed to risk from a potentially faulty electrical appliance.