Is PAT Testing A Legal Requirement In The Workplace?
Portable appliance testing – commonly known as PAT testing – is an essential health and safety procedure for businesses. It’s to check the safety of the electrical appliances or electrical equipment that you use.
But what do the rules and regulations say about PAT testing? Is it actually a legal requirement for businesses? And how often should your electrical equipment be tested?
Here, we’ll clarify PAT testing regulations in the UK. We’ll help you to understand what testing of electrical equipment needs to be done, and when, in order to keep your working environment safe.
What is PAT testing?
Portable appliance testing is a series of checks on electrical appliances and electrical equipment to ensure they’re safe to use. PAT testing involves a thorough visual inspection, and checks for internal faults and functionality. Faulty electrical equipment can create electric shocks or electrical fires which may cause serious injuries or even death, as well as damage to equipment and property.
The term ‘portable appliance’ is misleading though. PAT testing includes electrical equipment that really isn’t portable. The obvious items in an office might include computers, kettles, extension leads, phone chargers, vacuum cleaners and coffee machines. Depending on your workplace, it could include hair dryers, power tools or video cameras for example. All of those are realistically portable. However, the term also extends to bigger and heavier electrical equipment too. Think washing machines, photocopiers, or even cement mixers (if your workplace is a construction site).
What are the legal requirements around portable electrical appliances?
Is regular PAT testing a legal requirement? Technically, it’s not. There are no specific laws stating that you must test your workplace electrical equipment on a regular basis. However, there are laws around workplace safety and protecting your employees and customers. That includes maintaining electrical equipment in order to prevent danger.
Key workplace safety regulations
As a business owner, or duty holder, you’re responsible for your employees’ health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace. You need to comply with the following legislation around health and safety:
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
These regulations state that you must keep all electrical equipment that could cause injury in a safe condition. This includes regular visual inspections, testing, and maintenance to keep those appliances in good working order.
Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations 2016
Before electrical equipment can be placed on the GB market, they must meet the specific criteria detailed in these safety regulations. Manufacturers must show how their products meet safety standards.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Employers must ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. It’s your responsibility to make sure that their working environment is safe. That includes the careful installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
Every employer must ensure that work equipment, including electrical systems, is suitable for its intended use, maintained in safe condition, kept in efficient working order and in good repair. As such, it must be inspected regularly.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
This legislation requires employers to carry out risk assessments to identify potential dangers to employees, customers and site visitors. Both the employer and employees must take the necessary steps to mitigate against risks.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
These regulations aim to ensure that employees operate in a safe, clean and well-lit work environment. However, it also covers anyone who may use the premises. This extends to adequate maintenance of electrical equipment to reduce the risk of electrical faults that may cause accidents or injuries.
IET Code of Practice
In the UK, we have specific codes of practice (like the IET) for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. It provides guidance on PAT testing requirements and procedures.
How often should PAT testing be done in the workplace?
It’s advisable to conduct PAT testing more frequently on items that you use most often.
Equipment subject to wear and tear is more high risk and should be inspected frequently. It’s a good idea to carry out a risk assessment to determine risk levels and how often your equipment should be checked.
For example, a construction site would be considered a high-risk environment. There, power tools are used constantly, often in adverse conditions, and get moved around regularly. They’re likely to experience wear and tear, and should be checked frequently. However, a spare power cable that’s only used on a rare occasion would be deemed low risk and would need checking less often.
Advice on PAT testing frequency from The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says:
“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 eg 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.”
What does PAT testing involve?
PAT testing should be carried out by a ‘competent person’ who’s had adequate training to perform the tests correctly. That doesn’t have to be a qualified electrician, but it must be somebody who knows what they’re doing.
Specialist PAT testing equipment is needed to conduct the correct, in-depth testing. Along with a visual inspection of the electrical items, there should also be earth continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance checks as part of the process.
Stay compliant and keep your workplace safe
Our team of experienced, qualified electrical experts can protect your business from electrical risks. Our comprehensive portable appliance testing (PAT testing) will ensure that all of your electrical appliances meet stringent safety standards. We can undertake visual checks and testing of electrical equipment regularly.
Contact our friendly, knowledgeable team with your queries and to discuss PAT testing costs and our competitive pricing solutions.