PAT Testing
10/05/2010
What is PAT testing?
PAT testing or Portable Appliance Testing is a required test to be carried out on portable electrical appliances such as kettles, hair dryers, microwaves and electric fans. For landlords and employers the PAT test is the electrical equivalent of the annual gas safety test and is one of the many health and safety forms which must be filled in.
PAT testing became compulsory for employers following the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989). These state that employers have a duty to ensure that the electrical equipment they provide such as kettles and toaster, computers and workshop tools all comply with regulations and are safe for use by employees and visitors.
Portable appliances can be extremely dangerous if left unchecked. This is backed up by figures from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) which show that portable appliances are responsible for 25% of all reported electrical accidents.
PAT testing needs to be carried out by a qualified and certified electrical engineer. When looking for a business to carry out PAT testing it is best to choose one checked by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC).
In the south east, one company providing PAT testing is ESI Electrical.
