What is PAT Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing, also known as PAT Testing, is the completion of checking and inspecting of electrical equipment that connects into sockets by a plug. PAT Testing is a key element of electrical safety that can go far in protecting your workforce and workplace from fire and electrical faults.
PAT Testing is a continuous measure that needs to be conducted to ensure safety. Depending on a range of different factors, the frequency of PAT Testing can range, but frequent testing is never discouraged. Read on to understand what factors can influence the frequency of PAT Testing.
Legal PAT Requirements and Regulations
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are the set of regulations that govern PAT Testing. The standards and rules outline the requirements of ensuring a safe workplace, include the necessity for PAT Testing.
The regulations touch on the responsibilities of employees, stating the expectance for them to comply with regulations to the extent of their abilities. For employers and everyone in the workplace, it is generally expected to not abuse electrical equipment or use it in a dangerous manner.
PAT Testing Frequency Recommendations
There are a vast number of factors that can influence the frequency of PAT Testing.
High risk appliances such as kettles and vacuum cleaners are used on a more frequent basis, meaning that they pose a higher risk of fault. Because of this, the high-risk applications will require more frequent testing.
If equipment is portable and handheld, this increases the risk of damage to the equipment, yet again leading it to be more high risk, increasing the necessity of more frequent testing.
Environmental factors can also come into play. Harsh environments like construction sites or commercial kitchens may lead to increased risk of damage and more demanding use. Similarly, wet or dusty environments can pose great risk of damaged equipment, with temperature fluctuations also increasing the wear and tear of equipment and challenging their working temperature window.
Other factors can include the competence of users with electrical equipment, using equipment as per the manufacturer’s guidelines and the age of the equipment. Previous PAT Testing results and recommendations should also be considered, if the condition of specific electrical equipment is known.
Because of this, high-risk electrical equipment requires annual testing, whilst low-risk, less-used equipment can go 2-4 years between each PAT Test.
Benefits of Regular PAT Testing
By scheduling regular PAT Testing, you will reduce the risk of electrical hazards and increase safety. Because of potential damage and extensive use of electrical equipment, this can lead to electrical fires or nasty shocks. Using PAT Testing services will identify any potential hazards, as well as check on the condition of your electrical equipment to prevent any unwanted electrical surprises.
PAT Testing can also extend the life on your electrical appliances. By investigating excessive usage or uncovering risk of damage, PAT Testing results will inform you of the condition of your electrical equipment, informing you of previously unaware conditions. From these results, you can take action preserve the life of your electrical appliances, whether that be relocating it, changing usage habits or training colleagues on its appropriate usage methods.
You’ll also be complying with legal standards and avoiding any insurance implications. By proving that you are upholding your responsibility to look after your workplace and fulfil the expectations placed on you to prioritise safety, you are also covering your back. With a paper trail of frequent PAT Testing, certificates and results, you can prove that you are doing your utmost in prioritising workplace safety.
Choosing the Right PAT Testers For You
If you’re looking for PAT Testing suppliers, the team at Fire and Electrical Safety are your go-to PAT Testing experts. With extensive amounts of PAT Testing experience, our qualified technicians deliver a PAT Testing service that exceeds your expectations, prioritising a level of customer service that leaves a lasting impression.
Our talented technicians adapt to all clients, providing you with a bespoke and unique PAT Testing service that truly represents your requirements and needs. Providing you with results that you understand, you will gain an immense amount of confidence when you place your trust in Fire and Electrical Safety for all your PAT Testing needs.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our team who will be eager to address any queries.