Pat Testing is a Legal Requirement

The Electricity at Work Regulations requires that employers maintain their "electrical systems" at work to prevent any danger to anyone. This is a legal requirement.

Legislation

The legislation of specific relevance to electrical maintenance is the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 puts the duty of care upon both the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This includes the self employed.

Electrical Systems

The term "Electrical systems" refers to the installation as well as all appliances which are connected to it. Qualified electricians normally inspect the installation at periodic intervals. This period varies depending on various attributes.

Maintenance of these electrical appliances can be carried out in-house or by hiring an external company to carry out the Pat Testing. Performing Pat Testing in-house results in cost saving and more flexibility when Pat Testing is carried out.

The IEE Code of Practice

The IEE Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Equipment sets out the standard to which each appliance is comprehensively tested.

Its recommended that you use the latest computerised Pat Testing Equipment or hire a professional company which can offer you this service.

All portable appliance will need testing such as IT equipment, microwaves and kettles. The inspection and testing should be carried out by a fully qualified electrical testing engineer.

Reports & Certification

On completion of the testing you should be issued with a safety certificate and a detailed report that provides information on each individual item.

All items that pass the inspection & testing should be labelled with a safety sticker and a unique barcode number that helps you keep track of all portable appliances in your company.

Repairs

Minor faults found during the course of an Inspection can be repaired as you find them and the appliance re-tested. More serious faults will always be quoted for first.