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We get many queries about what Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is, why clients should do it and what items fall under this testing.
PAT can include items such as:
- Electric drills
- Printers
- PCs
- Kitchen equipment like kettles, toasters etc
- Charging leads for laptops
- Power tool chargers
- And many more…
Although there are fixed equipment or appliances; such as heated towel rails or heaters that seem for testing purposes they still qualify as portable because they plug into a power source.
Why do you need to carry out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)…..
It isn’t a legal requirement to have this testing completed, but it is your responsibility to show a duty of care.
The law simply requires an employer to ensure that their electrical equipment is maintained to prevent danger. And records are essential to prove this.
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 e.g., a floor cleaner or a kettle, testing can be an important part of an effective maintenance regime giving employers confidence that they are doing what is necessary to help them meet their legal duties.
Testing is essential for both businesses and landlords. In rental properties, landlords are responsible for ensuring the safety of electrical appliances provided to tenants. For employers, it is providing a safe working environment by ensuring all equipment used by staff is tested.
In any case, safety should be a priority, and regular PAT can help prevent electrical accidents and ensure the well-being of everyone in an environment where electrical appliances are used.
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