Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Why PAT Test?
All portable electrical equipment is subject to getting damaged during use, and this damage could render the equipment dangerous to the user. Without a regular program of testing and inspection, you have not taken reasonable steps to ensure the safety of users.
Tests and inspections should be made at reasonable and regular intervals, bearing in mind the rate of use of both portable and fixed appliances.
Failure to comply with the Electrical Regulations may constitute a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, which carries a maximum penalty on summary conviction of a £5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. Landlords and letting agents could also be sued in Civil Law under the duty of care for failure to ensure the tenants safety and, as a result, face punitive damages.
The PAT Testing Process
Portable appliance testing includes a thorough visual check of the appliance and a series of tests on professional PAT testing equipment.
The appliance or lead being tested is checked for a variety of faults, and given a pass or fail sticker as appropriate. A certificate of testing is also provided for the business showing the results of all tests. We will effect minor repairs at the time of testing (for example an incorrect fuse rating or damaged plug or IEC lead) in order that the equipment is safe to use and can be passed; more significant faults or damage will be reported to the business manager/appropriate person.
The testing will involve switching items off if they are already on. To minimize disruption to staff and customers, the testing can be done out of hours in most circumstances – contact us for details.
All testing is carried out in accordance with The Institute of Electrical Engineers' (IEE) code of practice, with full public liability insurance.
Asset Tracking
With the help of an asset tracking system you can keep control of all your portable appliances.
As part of the PAT testing process, we can help you to implement a system to keep track of your portable appliances. This system provides you with information on the number of appliances you have, their location and their test status.
This can be done by location, asset number or test date. When we re-test your appliances we can tell you their new locations and if any items have not been re-tested. You can then check to see if they have been disposed of or are missing. This enables you to manage your appliances with the minimum amount of disruption to you, your company and your employees. Instead of being given a simple Pass or Fail label at the end of the PAT testing process, your appliances can be given a bar-coded asset label.
A list of your appliances can be supplied as computer data and in hard copy to suit your needs. We can also supply much more detailed information if required. Appliance records can be supplied in Microsoft Access&tm; or Excel&tm; compatible files, or contact us if you would like them in another format.
PAT Testing for Business
As a business, you have a duty to prevent any harm coming to your employees and customers. Portable appliance testing is one of the ways that you can comply with this obligation. Failure to implement a program of regular appliance testing can also have insurance implications.
Insurance companies assume that when giving insurance cover to a business, the owners of that business are complying with all regulations necessary. An insurance company may reduce, delay or even refuse to pay on a claim for damage if an appliance that has not been tested has caused the damage.
The Responsibility of Employers
Electricity at work regulations 1989:
Regulation 4 (2): "As may be necessary to prevent danger all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent so far as is reasonably practicable such danger."
To meet the requirements of the 1989 Electricity at work regulations, it is widely regarded to be necessary to implement a program of planned inspection and testing of portable appliances.
In the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974, all employers have a legal duty to provide safe plant and equipment and every employer must ensure that equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and good repair
PAT Testing for Landlords
As a landlord, you have a duty to prevent harm to your tenants from electrical appliances that you supply. Portable appliance testing is widely regarded as being the best way of complying with this obligation. Without a program of planned appliance testing and maintenance, you could be legally liable for damages resulting from your untested appliances. This covers all portable appliances that you supply, including fridges and freezers, microwave ovens (see Microwave testing), televisions and vacuum cleaners.
The regulations on electrical appliances for landlords and/or letting agents
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, mandatory since 1 January 1997, state that all electrical appliances supplied with let accommodation must be safe. This applies to both new and second-hand appliances and covers all electrical items supplied for the intended use of the Tenant. The only sure method of ensuring that these appliances are safe is to have them tested by a trained competent person using the appropriate calibrated portable appliance testing equipment.
Microwave Testing
We offer a microwave oven leakage and safety testing service to compliment our portable appliance testing work, which can be carried out at the same time as your PAT testing. We are able to test both consumer and industrial microwaves.
Microwave ovens provide a convenient and safe way of cooking food in the workplace, however faults can occur and unless periodically tested they may become a health and safety hazard without you being aware.
Lack of cleanliness and poor maintenance of the door seals can lead to leakage levels in excess of the recommended limit. Testing of the unit involves measurement of the radiation levels around the oven using microwave detection equipment to ensure compliance with legal limits. The safety interlock switches and the door seals are inspected for any signs of damage to ensure that they function correctly and safety.