What is PAT Testing, do you need it and how do I get it done? These are common questions that we get asked here at East Kent Electrical, so we have written this blog to help answer your questions.
What is PAT Testing
In simple terms, PAT Testing is the safety checking of all the electrical items in your property. So, any item that has a plug needs to be PAT tested by an electrician or qualified person. Once these items are tested, they will then be passed or failed and the appropriate sticker added to the front of the plug.
Do I need PAT Testing?
Any business should ensure that they PAT test all their electrical items. The Health and Safety executive says the requirement is “any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition”, should go through a PAT test. The same principle applies to landlords of properties.
The responsibility of ensuring electrical items are safe lies with the person who is the duty holder. This will mainly be the business owner or landlord but could also be the equipment user, or manager of a premises.
The UK Government has put regulations in place for PAT Testing to create safe working and living environments. These regulations have been put in place to protect you and if you do not comply there can be heft fines or even imprisonment. The main regulation is the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974.
How does Pat Testing work?
The process is not overly complicated but does need to be done by a qualified and competent person. Firstly, there will be a visual inspection of the electrical item. This will follow by the test using the correct testing equipment to ensure it is safe. If the item passes, then the relevant sticker is placed in but if it fails then this item is not safe and should not be used.
How often should PAT testing be done?
There is no set rule for how often PAT testing should be done other than regularly enough to ensure safety. The reason is that there are so many factors that impact the frequency it could be undertaken. Some principles that impact this decision are:
– How often is the equipment being used?
– Is any equipment reported as damaged?
– The type of equipment you are using
If you have any questions regards PAT Testing and need any advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.
