Portable Appliance Testing is a process in which portable electrical equipment is inspected and tested for electrical safety. Checks are made for general condition, earth continuity, insulation resistance, etc.

Why do we need our equipment testing?

There is no specific legal requirement to have your portable appliances tested.  Applicable legislation is Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and the Electricity At Work Regulations.   However, there IS a legal duty for all employers and self employed people to make sure that their equipment is SAFE.  The HSE guidance on the subject is contained in HS(G) 107 “Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment”.  The best way to do this is to inspect and test it on a regular basis, and this is why there is an expectation that testing will be carried out.  (free leaflets)

Each year, about 30 people die from coming into contact with electricity, and many more are injured.  About a quarter these accidents involve portable appliances.  By routinely testing items of electrical equipment, any developing faults can be spotted and dealt-with before they have a chance to cause harm.  As an employer, PAT testing is your way of doing what is reasonably practicable to make sure that your portable electrical appliances are safe to use. Top

How often must these tests be done?

HS(G) 107 gives a recommended starting schedule of inspection and testing frequencies, I would use this a guide when advising you if do not have an existing schedule.  Frequency can vary according to type of equipment, frequency of use, environment of use, etc.  Sometimes it is necessary to set a frequency for the worst case and check some items more frequently than strictly necessary to be on the safe side.  Again, I can offer advice on this.

Construction sites are a very hostile environment for electrical appliances.  Frequent inspection and test is required. Top

What will it cost?

Charges for an inspection and testing service do vary.  I have a schedule of rates based on a minimum charge, with a sliding scale according to the number of items to be checked; you will struggle to find more competitive rates, even if you currently do the test in-house.  This is because, as a sole trader, my overheads are low.  You should shop around and make sure you are getting good advice from a professional Health and Safety Practitioner, not just an electrical contractor who may have a vested interest in doing more tests than necessary.  I have seen some organisations charge for testing a kettle lead as well as for the kettle!  This is a rip-off! Top

What needs to be inspected and/or tested?

As a general rule, everything with a mains plug.  There are, exceptions, but portable appliance testing does not involve testing the whole mains installation within a building. Confusion sometimes arises over appliances that are connected directly to the mains, but I can provide professional guidance on this.

What if I buy something new?

Brand new equipment does not need to be tested - providing that you buy your equipment from a reputable supplier and it is CE marked.  However, it's a good idea to make sure that every new appliance is added to an inventory so that it can be tested next time a routine check is done. Top

Our environment is low risk, do I still have to do this?

The HSE recognise that some office environments have much lower risk for portable appliances - reference IND(G)236.  Routine inspection by a competent person may be all that is required.  I can give you more advice on this and perform your inspections if you wish. Top

What about Hotels?

Hotels and other tourist accommodation have their own guidance document - IND(G)237.  The same principles as above apply. Top