What is PAT Testing?

We use all kinds of electrical equipment in the workplaces. From kettles to power-tools, employers must ensure these appliances work safely on a daily basis.

Portable appliance testing or ‘PAT testing’ helps pinpoint whether appliances are safe to use. Using faulty equipment can cause all kinds of health risks - resulting in potential injuries, negligence claims, and even compensation penalties.

In this guide, we’ll look at what a PAT test is, whether it's a legal requirement, and how to perform them for your electrical equipment.  

What is PAT Testing?

A PAT test is performed to see if a moveable electrical equipment is safe to use. They include a checklist and test machines to make this decision. If an appliance passes, it’s safe enough for people to use – securing your office health and safety.

Many PAT tests use a visual examination to see if they’re working safely. However, some do require more rigorous analysis. The assessments are usually carried out by someone with relevant PAT testing training.

It falls to employers to maintain safe electrical equipment through PAT tests. Through regular maintenance, you’ll be able to ensure your employees work safely, as well as protect anyone who visits your workplace. 

Who should perform PAT tests?

A PAT test should only be conducted by someone who’s qualified for the role. This ‘competent person’ should have the correct PAT testing training to check and maintain appliances.

They should oversee holding regular examinations for all electrical equipment. And should know what steps to follow should an appliance fail a PAT test.

Most companies will assign a qualified employee to carry out their electrical tests. However, some companies employ an external health and safety officer to conduce the assessments on their behalf.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

In the UK, PAT testing isn’t a legal requirement. However, there are relevant laws which relate to maintaining portable electrical equipment.

Employers hold overall responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of anyone in their workspace. This includes employees and non-employees (like customers or visitors). So, when it comes to PAT tests, the following laws apply:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA).
• The Electrical at Work Regulations 1989.
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998.

A lack of legal compliance means you could end up causing minor and major accidents. Injured parties could raise claims against you due to negligence - which may result in paying fines or being prosecuted (depending on the severity of the case).

What needs PAT testing?

There is endless electrical equipment that should be PAT tested. A good marker to follow is anything that can be plugged and unplugged. Also, they usually come with a plug and cable lead.

Portable electrical equipment is categorised into two sections:

• Class I: This is any electrical equipment that has an earth connection (which prevents electric shocks). For example, kettles, toasters, microwaves, and fridges.
• Class II: This is any electrical equipment that has double insulation helping to prevent contact with live parts. For example, computers, photocopiers, lamps, and TVs.

How to perform a PAT test in your workplace 

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure every electrical equipment in your workplace is safe to use. Through regular PAT tests, you’ll be able to encourage a safe workplace environment – complying to all legal requirements.

Let’s take a look at how to perform a PAT test in your workplace:

Create a PAT inventory

The first step to take is creating a PAT inventory. This checklist specifies every piece of electrical equipment found in your workplace. From here, you (or your competent person) can carry out tests accordingly.

The inventory can cover things like:

• The name, location, and description of the equipment.
• If it has additional items connected to it (like chargers, adaptors, or extensions).
• Who performed the last PAT test (and when).

Perform a visual inspection examination

The next step involves performing a visual inspection examination. Visual checks can erase around 90% of PAT problems according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

A visual inspection examination can include checking:

• Plugs: Look for burns, bent pins, or incorrect wiring. 
• Cables: Look for fraying, abrasions, and exposed wiring (which is an immediate failure).
• Appliances: Look for obvious damage, corrosion, or casual wear and tear.
• Main socket: Look for cracks, overheating, or loose switches.
• Environmental checks: Look for loose wires, overloaded extensions, or fire/water hazards.
• Residual Current Device (RCD): Check to see if the current is flowing correctly.

Initiate a manual inspection examination

Some appliances may require a manual inspection examination as well as a visual one. This is usually done by an external health and safety officer who’ll have their own PAT equipment).

A manual inspection examination involves using a portable appliance tester. The PAT testing machine will look for things like earth continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance. 

Any equipment that fails a manual examination should be removed from use immediately. It falls to the employer to either have the appliance repaired or replaced with a more efficient appliance. 

Present a PAT test certification

The last step is to present a PAT test certificate for the tested equipment. This is written documentation on details regarding the equipment. For example, where the test took place; and most importantly, did it pass (or fail) the test.

An external health and safety officer will usually provide PAT test certificates. Again, whilst these aren’t a legal requirement, they are worth having for maintaining workplace health and safety.

How long does a PAT test last?

There is no definitive period for how long a PAT test lasts. However, try to perform regular tests. This can be annually or following an incident with specific appliances.

Class I items should be tested every two years and Class II every year. Using this regular method can help you and your employees maintain workplace safety and legal compliance. 

Do you need to document PAT test results?

Every employer should aim to document PAT test results for their appliances. This includes labelling items with PAT label, as well documenting the results in writing.

Whilst it’s not a legal requirement, it’s more beneficial to keep track of testing. Not only will it help keep up with maintaining them, but it also minimises health and safety risks. 

Do you need to carry out PAT tests on new equipment?

It’s normal to assume new equipment won’t have PAT testing requirements. However, it’s always best to run one before introducing it into your workplace. 

Brand-new equipment is usually sent in a safe condition. But perform a visual check beforehand. If you’re introducing second-hand equipment, try to attain relevant PAT test findings before using it. 

Get expert advice on PAT tests with Peninsula

You never know when accidents can occur, especially when it comes to your workplace equipment. Using PAT tests can help minimise any risk of safety injuries from affecting your staff.

Peninsula provides expert advice on using PAT tests. We offer 24-hour H&S advice – ensuring your employees work in the safest environment possible. 

Want to find out more? Contact us on 0800 028 2420 and book a free consultation with one of our Health and Safety consultants today.