During everyday use, electrical equipment can become worn or damaged and pose an electric shock Hazard or potential fire risk. Electrical safety is vital within all workplaces. Portable Appliance Testing (Electrical Appliance Testing) must be undertaken in order for companies and organisations to comply with the 'Electricity at Work' regulations and is a requirement for health & safety. PAT Testing is usually a requirement of your company's insurance policy.
The frequency in how often you should have your appliances tested does vary between the type of equipment it is. For example a bedside lamp will not need to be tested as much as a mains drill or similar. However, as a rule of thumb; once a year is advised for all of your electrical devices.
Appliances that people often forget about getting checked are the dreaded Christmas lights. They get the lights down out of the attic and fill the house with "40 year old, hand me down" lighting sets. In the majority of cases as they have not been used for a such a long period of time, it is not apparent if there is any fault with these ancient appliances!
PAT TESTING KEY POINTS
- 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' all point specific relevance to the importance of PAT testing.
- PAT Testing involves multiple examinations and thus electrical PAT Testing should only be performed by qualified electricians. CDS are fully qualified to carry out such works on your electrical appliances.
- PAT Testing is designed to ensure all portable appliances within a building or premises are safe to use. In the majority of cases, a visual check is not sufficient. To protect the well-being of your assets and your family and staff it is vital to have your appliances tested.
