PAT Test Regulations. The Essentials You Need To Know

PAT Test Regulations the essentials you need to know in your business?

PAT Testing, or to be more precise, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) falls within the employer’s duty of care under The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

This states that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury must be maintained in a safe condition.

The Regulations do not specify what needs to be done or how frequently. Neither is the inspection or testing of electrical appliances a legal requirement as such.

However, the flip side to this is that if an employee is injured or killed through electrocution of a non-maintained, or badly maintained appliance, then the business owner or responsible person will have a very tough battle to prove they have no liability in this incident.



What Does Portable Appliance Testing Consist Of?

There are three parts to the testing:
1). Visual inspection
2). Earth continuity test
3). Insulation test

The testing should be carried out regularly (usually every 12 months) and should be carried out by trained, authorised personnel.
It’s actually a general myth that the law says it has to be carried every 12 months, but it is down to the employer to make an assessment of the risk factor and provide evidence of regular planned intervals of inspection.

In a low risk environment such as a small office it is quite possible that a formal inspection and test could be every two to five years with visual inspections carried out more frequently, but that should be decided by the business owners or managers based on the acceptable level of risk in the environment.
The visual inspection looks at damage to the cable, the plug, the body of the appliance, loose components and also where the appliance is being used (its environment).

The visual inspection also examines the plug for correct and safe wiring, correct fuses and loose connections.
The earth continuity test checks for correct earthing and continuity between the plug and critical parts of the device.
The insulation test checks the cable for potential breakdown in its insulation and unseen faults.
Commonly, evidence of testing being carried out can be observed by the attachment of a coloured sticker detailing the date of inspection and who carried out the test.



What is the Insurance Company View?

Do insurance companies insist on Portable Appliance Testing?

Many Businesses are unaware of the Insurance implications of not having an up-to-date Portable Appliance Testing program in place. As over 25% of fires start from portable appliances, Insurance companies have a big interest in mitigating that risk and insist that a program of regular testing is in place.

Failure to carry out the necessary tests may result in an insurance company refusing to pay out in the case of an accident or a fire caused by a faulty or badly maintained electrical appliance.
Again, while the law does not specify the frequency of testing, it would be prudent to check with your insurer what their requirement is.



Is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Compulsory?

This is what the HSE says.

“No. The law simply requires an employer to ensure that their electrical equipment is maintained in order to prevent danger. It does not say how this should be done or how often. Employers should take a risk-based approach, considering the type of equipment and what it is being used for. If it is used regularly and moved a lot e.g. a floor cleaner or a kettle, testing (along with visual checks) can be an important part of an effective maintenance regime giving employers confidence that they are doing what is necessary to help them meet their legal duties. HSE provides guidance on how to maintain equipment including the use of PAT.”

However, treat this as a poison chalice. Although this is what the HSE say, it would be very unwise not to have a regime of inspection in place. In the unfortunate scenario of having a fire or an accident at work caused by an unsafe appliance, the HSE and potentially the courts will insist on an employer proving they took reasonable care by having a regime of PAT or inspection in place. If not then the result is negligence, with all the implications that come with it.

Is it really worth it for what is a relatively small cost for peace of mind and workplace safety?

For downloadable guidance from the HSE, visit our Knowledge Base



And last but not least.

We all have a role to play in effective health and safety, and for those actively involved in promoting safe working practices it can be a rewarding, interesting and varied role.

Please visit this site often where you will find a growing number of articles, resources, advice and opinion.

Whether you are a seasoned health and safety professional, or just getting started, we value your opinions and input so please feel free to comment on any of the posts.

Due to the ever-changing nature of regulations and the law, please visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/ for the very latest information and updates.



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