PAT Test Services

Portable Appliance Testing Is Your Responsibility!

What is PAT Testing

Portable Appliance Testing is the term used to describe the visual inspection and electrical testing of the many and varied appliances found in the workplace. This procedure is carried out in order to ensure that all electrical appliances are kept, used and maintained in a safe condition to minimise the risk of injury, electric shock or fire.

The test requirements cover almost all electrical equipment found in the workplace, portable or otherwise. As well as the usual shop, office, workshop, kitchen and domestic equipment, such as computers, printers, copiers, lamps, tools, kettles, toasters, power and extension leads, etc, other items such as microwaves, water coolers, refrigerators, coffee machines and the like are also required to undergo testing. In short, pretty much anything that plugs in to the fixed wiring installation will require testing.

The performance of such tests is required by various pieces of health and safety legislation. These include;                    

• Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
• The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

The essence of the legislation and regulations is to put A Duty Of Care on every employer to Ensure the Health, Safety and Welfare of their employees. To make it the Duty Of Every Employee to take Reasonable Care for the Health and Safety of themselves and other persons who may be affected by their Acts or Omissions at work. To impose Duties upon Employers, Employees and Self Employed Persons to Ensure that All Systems and Equipment shall be Constructed, Maintained and Used in a manner so as to Prevent, as far as is reasonably practical, danger of Death or Injury.

The above is a basic summary of the various legislation and regulations. Please see the regulations and acts themselves for full information regarding the responsibilities, duties and obligations of employers and employees.

PAT Test Services will carry out this inspection and testing procedure in a professional and efficient manner. We are City & Guilds qualified and carry out all tests in accordance with the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) Code of Practice.

We will endeavour to minimise disruption to your staff and business, but access will be required to all items of equipment and each item will need be turned off and disconnected from the power supply.