The end of March and start of April are a common time for businesses to require all of their appliances and electronics to be PAT tested, requiring a qualified electrician to help ensure that their work tools are safe to use.
As PAT testing is so necessary and yet has become more difficult to undertake on a systematic level in the wake of a hybrid working environment, flexible electrical experts qualified to set up and operate an effective PAT testing routine are more important than ever.
Why is this? What is PAT testing for? What does it involve? Who needs to do it? And when and how often are they needed?
What Is PAT Testing?
Short for Portable Appliance Testing, PAT testing is an effective process of inspecting electrical equipment used by workers to ensure that it functions normally, is safe to use, complies with safety regulations, and meets the requirements for risk assessments related to the use of electrical equipment.
Exactly what is tested will depend on the business and the electrical equipment used, but work-supplied equipment that is commonly PAT tested includes:
- Laptops.
- Mobile phones.
- Tablets.
- Desktop computers.
- Printers.
- Charging cables and extension leads.
- Kitchen equipment such as fridges and toasters.
- Lamps.
- Audio-visual equipment.
- Portable heating equipment and fans.
- Power tools.
What Does PAT Testing Involve?
The exact nature of a PAT test will vary depending on the electrical equipment being tested, where it is being used and how. Here are the most common parts of a PAT test, although the specifics will often vary:
- User Checks – Users will typically report any obvious problems such as cable damage, exposed wiring, strange noises or smells whilst in use, case cracks and so on.
- Formal Visual Inspection – A competent person (typically a qualified electrician) will systematically check the device for damage, that the fuse is correct, that the cable is not under stress, that no liquid has entered it and that its operating environment is safe.
- Electrical Testing – This includes testing the earth continuity, insulation resistance, conductor leakage, wiring polarity, RCD trips (where appropriate) and functional tests to ensure the device works normally.
- Labelling And Reporting – The results will be logged, and a sticker will be added to the appliance to note whether it has passed or failed, when the test was undertaken, who did it and the next recommended test date.
Why Is PAT Testing Undertaken?
- It protects workers, customers, other types of users and people nearby who could be affected by potentially dangerous electrical failures.
- It is often part of health and safety requirements to ensure that electrical equipment is kept in a safe condition, and whilst PAT testing is not strictly required, it is a very effective way of doing so.
- Early issues with equipment can be detected early and can be more easily repaired or replaced, saving a business money.
- It is part of a company’s risk management obligations.
Who Needs To PAT Test Devices?
Employers have a duty of care to ensure all electrical equipment supplied by them is safe and kept in a safe condition. This means that any employer who supplies equipment to employees should carry out PAT testing.
When Is PAT Testing Needed?
Exactly when PAT testing is needed depends on the particular appliance and will often be part of a risk assessment. In general, most electronics are tested every year or every two years.
Why Are So Many PAT Tests Undertaken In Spring?
April is the new financial year, so PAT tests are typically timed around then to ensure that new equipment can be factored into annual budgets.