Services.....

Portable Appliance Testing

Do we have to PAT Test?

PAT testing is not strictly compulsory, although it is regarded as the most effective means of maintaining compliance with the electrical regulations that exist to protect employees, customers and tenants. In the unfortunate event of an electrical accident, prior failure to have your Portable Appliance Tested may leave you or your business in a vulnerable situation.

The very name ‘Portable' electrical appliance indicates that the equipment may be subject to damage during use or transport, this may cause the item to become dangerous. In order for you to ensure the safety of persons using your equipment it is essential that a regular programme of testing and inspection is implemented.

The manner and rate of equipment use should be considered when determining the intervals between Tests and inspections. The Tests and inspections of both fixed appliances and portable appliances should be made at reasonable and regular intervals.

Failure to comply with the Electrical Regulations may constitute a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 which carries a maximum penalty on summary conviction of a £5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. Landlords and letting agents could also be subject of financial penalties through Civil Law under the duty of care for failure to ensure the safety of tenants.

PAT Testing for landlords

Landlords have a duty to prevent harm to tenants from supplied electrical appliances. Portable Appliance Testing is widely regarded as being the best way of complying with this obligation. A programme of scheduled appliance testing and maintenance, may prevent enforcement action or liabilty for damages resulting from untested appliances. Portable appliances include fridges and freezers, microwave ovens, televisions and vacuum cleaners.

The following regulations are only a sample of the legislation applicable to electrical appliances.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, mandatory since 1 January 1997, state that all electrical appliances supplied with let accommodation must be safe. This applies to both new and second-hand appliances and covers all electrical items supplied for the intended use of the Tenant. The only sure method of ensuring that these appliances are safe is to have them tested by a trained competent person using the appropriate calibrated portable appliance testing equipment.

PAT Testing for business

As a business, you have a duty so far as is reasonably practicable to ensure the safety of any person affected by your work activity, this includes staff, customers, visitors and indeed any other person. Portable appliance testing is one means of compliance with this obligation. Failure to implement a programme of regular appliance testing can also have insurance implications.

The small print within Insurance Policies often includes instructions to comply with any applicable regulations, failure to do so may be interpreted as being negligent. Any such failure may in the event of a claim, result in the insurer fighting any claim, delaying any claim or reducing the payment in any claim.

The responsibility of employers

Electricity at work regulations 1989 Regulation 4 (2):
'As may be necessary to prevent danger all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent so far as is reasonably practicable such danger.'

To meet the requirements of the 1989 Electricity at work regulations, it is widely regarded to be necessary to implement a programme of planned inspection and testing of portable appliances.

In the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974 , all employers have a legal duty to provide safe plant and equipment and every employer must ensure that equipment is maintained in good and efficient working order and good state of repair.

Portable Appliance Testing, how is it done?

A competent person will examine the appliance, making a thorough visual check prior to using appropriate suitably calibrated Portable Appliance Testing equipment to perform a series of tests including; earth, polarity, insulation and leakage.

The appliance or lead being tested is checked for the above faults, and given a pass or fail sticker as appropriate. A certificate of testing is also provided for the business showing the results of all tests. We will effect minor repairs at the time of testing (for example an incorrect fuse rating or damaged plug or IEC lead) in order that the equipment is safe to use and can be passed; more significant faults or damage will be reported to your company representative manager.

During testing, items which are switched on will be switched off although any disruption will kept to an absolute minimum.

We can arrange for our engineers to attend during out of office hours in order to further minimise any disruption. As we provide services to several schools / colleges, we schedule work throughout the term breaks.

All testing is carried out in accordance with The Institute of Electrical Engineers' (IEE) code of practice, with full public liability insurance.

EQUIPMENT LOCATOR

This allows you to maintain records of particular items and the location in which they are used.

During the Portable Appliance Testing we identify each item and the location it was tested / used. The accompanying disc which is in Microsoft Excel format, retains the information but allows you to access the system in order to remove items no longer in use and add any replacement items. One of the benefits of this can be the time saved during any future inventory audit. You have instant access to information detailing; type and location of appliance, number of appliances and the test results of each appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Portable Appliance Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an important part of a company's or individual's responsibility to health and safety. This is done using a series of specialised testing procedures on your portable appliances.

What does a PAT test consist of?

We start with a visual inspection checking for:

• Damaged flexes
• Damaged plugs and equipment (overheating, burn marks, discolouration)
• Correctly wired plugs
• Correctly rated fuse

Then a series of tests (depending on the class of equipment), they may include

• Earth continuity testing
• Insulation resistance
• Polarity test
• Earth leakage test

What is classed as a portable appliance?

A portable appliance is any equipment which is powered between 40 and 240 volts and which is connected to the electrical mains through a plug, usually 13 amp, but we are also able to test both 110 volt and 240 volt wet weather equipment.

Do I have to get my equipment PAT tested?

The law states that all equipment must be in a safe condition and fit for use. See Regulation 4 (2) of the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989.

With a regular maintenance schedule in place PAT Testing ensures that all equipment is safe and fit for use.

In the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974, all employers have a legal duty to provide safe plant and equipment and every employer must ensure that equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and good repair.

How often do my appliances have to be PAT tested?

This will depend on your company risk assessment and maintenance schedule. If your company does not have these documents for PAT testing we can help with this.

Does PAT Testing affect our insurance cover?

Insurance companies expect that when giving insurance cover to a business, the owners of that business are complying with all regulations necessary. An insurance company may reduce, delay or even refuse to pay on a claim for damage if an appliance that has not been tested has caused the damage.

Why should I use DP CONSULTANCY (NE) LTD to do my PAT testing?

We are a Health & Safety specialist company providing all services required to ensure that you are fully compliant with all H & S legislation. Our staff (all of which are CRB checked) are selected to perform their individual role, Portable Appliance Testing being allocated to our Electrical Engineers. All our testing is carried out in accordance with The Institute of Electrical Engineers' (IEE) code of practice.

Our services are provided in a thoroughly professional manner with a focus on customer care from enquiry to delivery. We encourage feedback as we strive to constantly improve and build on relationships with our clients.

Our prices are all-inclusive of ancillary items and remedial work such as replacing fuses and rewiring plugs.

What areas do you cover?

We are based in the Tees Valley but provide services to clients within the boundaries of Scottish Borders, Cumbria and The Midlands.

How much will my PAT testing cost?

This varies due to the number of items to be tested, the higher the number dictates the reduction in price per item.

If you have a quote from another company please contact our office and receive a competitive quote.

How long will the testing take?

An estimate of 40 items per hour in ideal conditions, with appliances being readily available and requiring no remedial work.

Will the testing be disruptive?

During Portable appliance Testing we aim to minimise disruption by only disconnecting items as we test them.

We can work outside of business hours or at weekends if this helps.

If you have any other questions, please contact us.