The Electricity at Work regulations

The Electricity at Work regulations states that:

"No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger, or where appropriate, injury, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work".

The IEE Code of Practice

The IEE Code of Practice states:

Those carrying out the inspection and testing must be competent to undertake the inspection and, where appropriate, testing of electrical equipment and appliances having due regard of their own safety and that of others.

What should be considered is that the 'danger' to be prevented, includes not just the dangers which may arise during the testing procedure to the tester and others, but also the dangers which may arise at a later date as a result of using equipment which has not been effectively tested.

The tester must have an understanding of the modes of electrical, mechanical or thermal damage to electrical equipment and appliances and their flexes which may be encountered in any environment.

Are they trained?

Training must include the identification of equipment and appliance types to determine the test procedures and frequency of inspection and testing.

Persons testing must be familiar with the test instruments used and in particular their limitations and restrictions so as to achieve repeatable results without damaging the equipment or the appliance.

A qualified Pat Tester

To be able to Pat Test, you need to attain a level of competency. The HSE look for a level of competency, you can get this by attending a Pat Testing Course which covers all the aspects of Pat Testing.

After attending a Pat Testing Course you will be presented with a Training Certificate. If you are hiring someone to carry out your Pat Testing ensure that they are competent.

Does a Pat Tester need to renew their training?

Having a Pat Tester renew their training certificate is not normally necessary, if they have completed a course which confirms their competency and are carrying out Pat Testing regularly.

If someone has not Pat Test in a number of years, attending a Pat Testing Course can serve as a refresher.

At present, there are no plans to change the regulations covering PAT testing.