Could PAT Testing Legislation Affect Your Business?
Electrical Appliance Testing, also called PAT for short, is conducted in the U.K., New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, and Australia. This testing routinely checks different electrical appliances to be certain that they are safe. Sometimes this process is also formally called “In-Service Inspection” or “Electrical Equipment Testing.”
What Is PAT Testing Legislation Today?
This testing is conducted to ensure the safety of workers who have to use a variety of different electrical devices. Some tests are conducted every three to six months (high risk) or every twelve months (low risk). The testing is done on some electrical devices to be sure that malfunctions won’t harm workers. In some cases, it might be conducted on electrical or electronic monitoring and safety equipment to simply make sure that the device does its job.
In any case, there might not be a strict legal requirement for companies to have this testing performed. However, many insurers are beginning to require testing in order to conform to the terms of their policies. This is because it has been demonstrated that this periodic testing does help prevent dangerous and unexpected malfunctions. It is usually much better if technicians can uncover possible problems before they cause a breakdown or accident.
Even though this testing might not be strictly required by PAT testing legislation, companies do have to fulfill their obligation to keep their electric equipment safe and maintained. This testing is a way to provide proof that businesses are making every effort to comply with these regulations and protect the health and safety of their employees and customers.
If companies do not comply they might have a hard time proving compliance with their general obligation to keep all electrical devices and electronics checked and maintained. Additionally, it is also possible that workers in factories, patients in hospitals, or general customers could be harmed by malfunctioning equipment. If they pursue a lawsuit, it is also possible that court could find a company negligent in their duties if they did not perform regular testing.
For example, British law requires companies to maintain their electric systems in order to prevent hazards to their employees. The spirit of this law is to get companies to do as much as they practically can. Getting regular PAT testing done is one way to conform to this requirement. Secondly, companies should promptly do repairs to any of their electrical devices that have malfunctions that were uncovered by this testing.
Who Needs Pat Testing?
You should be able to see that PAT tests might not be strictly required, but they help fulfill obligations that are required. This is mostly required by factories, hospitals, and other types of industries. Private homes do not require this test.
The length of time between tests depends upon the nature of the industry and the type of equipment and we at Fire & Electrical Safety Ltd can advise. Construction equipment, for example, should be tested every three months. Equipment for schools, offices, stores, and hotels might only need to be tested every year.
If you’re looking for advice or services such as PAT testing in Northampton or surrounding areas then please give us a call.