To ensure the safety of your business premises, employees, and customers, it’s important that all electrical equipment is safe to use, and PAT testing is the best way to guarantee this. Here, we look at why you shouldn’t carry out this testing yourself and should always hire a professional to help you.
What is PAT testing?
PAT testing, or Portable Appliance Testing, is carried out on portable electrical equipment within businesses to ensure that it’s safe to use. This covers anything that has a plug which connects into a socket or generator, including laptops and computers, kettles, fans, microwaves, drills, extension leads, and mobile phone chargers.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
All businesses, including landlords and self-employed individuals, are required by law to ensure that the electrical equipment being used within their premises is safe and well maintained. Although this doesn’t necessarily mean that items need to be PAT tested, this is one of the best ways to prove that everything is working as it should be and is unlikely to cause electric shocks, burns, or fires.
Can I do my own PAT testing?
PAT testing is best carried out by someone with plenty of knowledge and experience when it comes to electrical equipment, and carrying out your own testing could put yourself and others at risk. In addition to ensuring that everything is safe, a professional won’t cause any damage to the equipment that they’re testing – which might not be the case should you try it yourself.
Will I get a PAT test certificate?
A hassle-free and cost-effective way to ensure that the electrical equipment being used in your business is well maintained, PAT testing will help you to keep your customers and employees safe, and you’ll be given a certificate to show that testing has been completed. This certificate will list each appliance along with its location, description, and test result. It will also state any equipment that has failed and why. Each item that’s tested will be labelled to show whether it’s passed or failed and the professional will let you know if any further action is required.
Now that you know the facts about PAT testing, it’s easy to see why this is a job best completed by a professional. At Intersafe, we are committed to delivering a high-quality electrical testing service to all of our customers. If you want to keep your business safe with PAT testing, contact us today and we’ll be happy to help.
