Why Does It Make Sense To Use An All UK PAT Testing Company?

In the UK, Republic of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, PAT testing is the routine service inspection and testing of electrical appliances. Although British companies are not legally required to carry out PAT testing, there is legislation that obliges firms to maintain their electrical equipment in safe condition.

In the UK, regular PAT testing will minimise the risk to your employees, clients and any visitors to your site whilst ensuring your firm does not find itself on the wrong side of the law.

Specifically, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 dictates that onsite electrical equipment must be constructed and maintained in order to prevent danger to any persons on site, including employees, customers and visitors. Whilst there is no specific mention of PAT testing in the legislation, regularly carrying out the tests ensures a company’s appliances stay in line with the legislation. Residential and private properties are not required to PAT test their electrical appliances.

In terms of time, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have set out recommended intervals for PAT testing of appliances. Low risk appliances should be tested annually, medium risk appliances biannually and high risk appliances quarterly as to ensure their safety. The industry within which an appliance is being operated often dictates which category it fall into. For example, appliances used in the construction industry are almost always deemed high risk and must be tested every 3 months. On the other hand, most common appliances used in schools (plugs, etc.) are deemed low risk and need to be tested annually.

Detailed records should be kept of all PAT tests. These records demonstrate a company’s compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, protecting them in case of litigation or civil proceedings. Furthermore, detailed records can draw the attention of future inspectors to existing or previous faults, allowing them to quickly identify reoccurring problems.

The legislation dictates that inspections of electrical appliances should be carried out by a competent person. Not only must that person be able to understand the appliance, he or she must be able to competently use the test equipment and have the ability to decipher the test results. In terms of qualifications, the City and Guilds Level 3 Certificate for In-Service Inspections and Testing of Electrical Equipment is the most widely recognised PAT qualification.

A PAT test usually consists of two parts. Firstly, the electrical appliance is visually inspected by the competent person. Obvious defects such as lose wiring, frayed cables or cracks to the appliance are detected in this initial inspection. Following it, there is an electrical inspection which can vary depending on the appliance being tested. Typically, however, it consists of applied current tests, earth resistance checks and polarity testing, for example.

As PAT testing is fairly unique to the UK, it makes sense to use an all UK PAT testing company. When choosing a company, it is essential for you to ensure they understand the relevant legislation, which categories your appliances fall into and how often they need to be inspected or tested. An all UK firm is a great place to start your search.

There are a number of steps to take in choosing a PAT testing company and each are important in ensuring your company complies with the Health and Safety legislation. Look out for client testimonials, industry recognised qualifications and free quotations or project proposals. Serious questions should be asked of any firm unable or unwilling to provide you with these criteria. By doing your own research, you will quickly be able to identify whether a PAT testing company is competent or suitable for your firm.

To summarise, PAT tests are the safest and most effective way to ensure your company stays in line with UK Health and Safety legislation. Choosing an all UK PAT testing company will give you peace of mind and leave you reassured that your firm meets the stipulations set out in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. When searching for a company, look for client testimonials, industry recognised qualifications and free quotations or project proposals. Doing your homework in the short term and employing a reputable, British company to carry out your PAT testing will ensure you stay on the right side of UK law and minimise the chance of an accident occurring on your site.