PAT Testing (or Portable Appliance Testing) is not an obligation. The law however requires businesses to maintain appliances to ensure safety of all in the workplace. These tests should be carried out by a 'competent person' who can perform the checks safely. It may have been decided in your organisation that you are now carrying out PAT Testing in house, this may enable you to utilise internal resources and cut costs.
If you are carrying out PAT testing in house there are some practical considerations to ensure that you carry out electrical maintenance correctly and efficiently. Although the law does not require you to label equipment that has been tested, nor to keep records, it is good practice and will help you manage your equipment servicing needs. If an appliance does cause harm to someone in the workplace, it will be invaluable evidence that all necessary checks were performed.
It is a good idea to draw up a list of the appliances covered by the legislation. Estimate how often appliances are used and refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for regular maintenance and servicing. This will aid you in determining how often appliances should be serviced and when PAT should be conducted.
The law states that that anyone conducting PAT Testing must be trained in Portable Appliance Testing - this is covered in the law as a 'competent person.' The IET state the following when it comes to defining a 'Competent Person':
"A person who possesses sufficient technical knowledge, relevant practical skills and experience for the nature of the electrical work undertaken and is able at all times to prevent danger and, where appropriate, injury to him/herself and others."
Your organisation have decided that you are carrying out PAT testing in house, you have a 'competent person' in your workforce, you now need to understand the test performed on a portable appliance. Here are the tests required:
If after weighing up the options you have decided to outsource your Electrical Testing maintenance, Intersafe are specialists in Periodic Inspection and Testing, PAT Testing and Thermal Imaging. Contact Stephanie by calling 02380 610101 or email stephanie@intersafe.co.uk to book an appointment.