Is PAT Testing compulsory?

Work Regulations 1989

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury, is maintained in a safe condition. Read more about electrical safety at work on the government's HSE site. Click here.

Electric shock

A voltage as low as 50 volts applied between two parts of the human body causes a current to flow that can block the electrical signals between the brain and the muscles. This may have a number of effects including:

Stopping the heart beating properly
Preventing the person from breathing
Causing muscle spasms

Is PAT Testing compulsory?

PAT Testing is not compulsory. The law simply requires an employer to ensure that their electrical equipment is maintained in order to prevent danger. It does not say how this should be done or how often.

Employers should take a risk-based approach, considering the type of equipment and what it is being used for. If it is used regularly and moved a lot, testing can be an important part of an effective maintenance regime. This gives employers confidence that they are doing what is necessary to help them meet their legal duties. HSE provides guidance on how to maintain equipment including the use of PAT Testing.

This information is from the HSE and ‘Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence’.

Why keep PAT Testing records?

It is advisable to have regular programme of maintenance and electrical safety testing. This would address any concerns and ensure the electrical safety of employees and general public. PAT Testing is a simple and cheap way to ensure an efficient source of record keeping is in place and each electrical appliance has been tested.

Labelling equipment once tested allows for good management and monitoring tool. This process also demonstrates that a scheme exists.

How can we help?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is one of the most economical and straightforward methods to significantly reduce the risk of harm to your employees. Additionally, it helps ensure compliance with insurance policies by demonstrating due diligence in maintaining workplace safety.

Our team provides a seamless, hassle-free PAT Testing service from beginning to end. You can easily get in touch with our friendly staff via phone or email to receive an immediate quote. Once you approve the quote, we will work with you to schedule the testing at a time that is most convenient for you.

Upon completing the testing, you will receive a certificate via email along with a comprehensive report for each item tested. The certificate serves as proof that responsible steps have been taken to ensure safety. The detailed report will clearly indicate which items passed or failed, allowing for transparent and effective management of appliance safety.