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Why PAT testing is crucial for workplace safety & compliance

What is PAT testing?

Portable Appliance Testing, commonly known as PAT or PAT Inspection or PAT test, is a routine inspection carried out on “movable” electrical appliances to check that they are safe to use. Its purpose is to prevent future electrical accidents.

It's an essential part of any workplace's health and safety policy. Here, we'll explore what PAT testing is, why it's important, the legal requirements around it, and more.

PAT test is the process of inspecting and testing electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to use. This includes checking for visible signs of damage, wear and tear, and performing electrical tests. It is important because it helps to identify potential electrical hazards that could cause injury or even death.

What is a portable appliance?

Portable Electrical Appliance refers to electrical equipment that can be moved from one place to another. Some examples are a kettle, coffee machine, microwave, hoover, table lamp, toaster, computer, etc. Portable appliances usually have a lead with a plug attached.

Appliances that are permanently fixed to the building structure are not included in the PAT Test because they are not portable. In other words, because it cannot be carried manually to another location with relative ease, it is not considered a portable appliance. A few examples are electrical heating or cooling units, refrigerators, and built-in lighting.

Legal implications

Currently, no law makes Portable Appliance Testing a requirement for homeowners. However, for landlords and business owners, the law does state that all the electrical equipment within a rental or business property must be safe to use. The current law requires that landlords and employers maintain all portable appliances safe for the purposes intended and that the appliances are kept protected through regular maintenance as well as periodic testing.

Specifically, insurance companies will want to see that measures have been taken to comply with the various Health and Safety acts listed below:

• 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;
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

What is PAT test called now in the UK?

In the UK, portable appliance testing is now called In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (ITEE). This change in terminology was made to reflect the fact that the testing is not just limited to portable appliances.

The change in terminology from PAT test to In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (ITEE) was made to broaden the scope of the testing.

While it traditionally focused on portable appliances, the new name reflects that the testing can apply to any type of electrical equipment that is in use, whether it is fixed or portable.

The ITEE testing process includes both visual inspections and electrical testing to ensure that the equipment is safe to use. The visual inspection looks for any visible signs of damage, such as frayed cords or loose connections, while the electrical testing checks that the equipment is functioning correctly and is electrically safe.

It's important to note that while the name has changed, the importance of regular testing remains the same. Regular testing of electrical equipment is necessary to ensure the safety of employees and compliance with the relevant health and safety regulations.

Who can perform portable appliance testing?

Portable Appliance Testing can be performed by anyone with a PAT testing machine, however, it is advised that the work is conducted by a qualified electrical engineer. There are currently no clearly defined “official” qualifications to be upheld when carrying out PAT tests, but most insurance companies would expect to see evidence of professional training and experience.

How often should portable appliance testing be carried out?

The frequency of testing is entirely dependent on the likelihood of the appliance becoming faulty. Often this is determined by the type of equipment and the environment of which is being used. See some determining factors below:

• How dangerous is the environment that the appliance is kept in?
• How likely the item is to be reported faulty by its users?
• The safety class of the equipment.
• The type of appliance - i.e. handheld appliances are more likely to go wrong than fixed appliances.

The recommended frequency of the PAT test depends on the type of electrical equipment and its usage. For example, high-risk equipment such as power tools should be tested more frequently than low-risk equipment such as laptops.

With brand-new electrical equipment, it does not need PAT Inspection for the first two years - unless, of course, the appliance flags a concern. The only exception to this would be portable electrical equipment used on construction sites.

What appliances require PAT testing?

The categories of an electrical appliance that can require PAT test:

• Fixed appliances
• IT appliances
• Portable appliances
• Moveable appliances
• Stationary appliances
• Cable and chargers
• Hand-held appliances

Can electrical appliances be categorised?

The electrical appliances can be further categorised into Class 1, 2 or 3 appliances:

• Class I – Earthed Appliance (This classification of appliances is the most dangerous because it only has basic insulation so it relies on the earth for protection.)
• Class II – Double Insulated Appliance (This classification of appliances has more insulation which makes it safer as it does not rely on the earth.)
• Class III – Separated Extra Low Voltage (This classification is the safest appliance because it is low voltage; nevertheless, its chargers and leads should still be PAT tested.)

What to expect from a PAT testing inspection?

Portable Appliance Testing entails a visual inspection and a more in-depth check using specialised PAT test equipment to check earthing (grounding) continuity, lead polarity, and insulation resistance. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual inspection but some types of defects can only be found by testing. However, it is important to understand that visual inspection is also an essential part of the process because some types of electrical safety defects cannot be found by testing alone.

At the end of a PAT test, every appliance will be marked “Passed” or “Failed”. Although labelling is not a legal requirement it is advised they are labelled accordingly for effective management of the maintenance process.

PAT test certificate for new electrical items

In the UK, upon procuring new electrical equipment, it's prudent to ask, "Do I need to test new equipment?" While the equipment is new, it's recommended to undergo a PAT test to ensure its safety, especially considering potential damages during transit or manufacturing discrepancies. Once this test is completed, acquiring a PAT testing certificate is paramount. This certificate stands as a testament to the equipment's safety and compliance with UK standards.

Another essential query is, "Do I need to keep records of testing?" The answer is unequivocally yes. Retaining a detailed portable appliance testing certificate provides a comprehensive record of the equipment's safety evaluations, which can be crucial for regulatory or insurance purposes. Additionally, it's best practice to label tested appliances, offering clarity on their safety status and the date of the last inspection.

More information on PAT testing regulations in the UK

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, made the change in terminology from PAT test to In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (ITEE) in the fourth edition of the HSE guidance note HSG 107 in 2012.

The change was made to better reflect the broader scope of the testing and to emphasise that the testing is not just limited to portable appliances. However, some people still refer to it as the PAT test.

The 5th edition of the HSE guidance notes HSG 107, which was published in 2020, provides updated guidance on the practical application of legal requirements for electrical safety in the workplace.

While the document does not focus specifically on PAT testing, it does include information on the inspection and testing of electrical equipment, which includes portable appliances that would typically be subject to it.

In summary, understanding PAT testing regulations is vital for overall electrical safety. The shift to In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (ITEE) highlights its broader scope. The 5th edition of HSE's guidance notes, though not focused solely on PAT testing, provides updated guidance on electrical equipment inspection. For reliable PAT testing near me , check trusted professionals, ensuring a seamless and compliant approach to electrical safety.

Is it wrong to use the term PAT testing?

It is not necessarily wrong to refer to In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (ITEE) as a PAT test, as some people still use the term PAT testing.

However, since the change in terminology was made to reflect the broader scope of the testing beyond just portable appliances, it is more accurate to use the new term ITEE.

Using the correct terminology can help to ensure that there is no confusion regarding the type of testing being carried out and can help to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations.

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