The name suggests that the appliance should be ‘portable', in reality any appliance that can be moved without unwiring is categorised as a portable appliance. As well as static equipment such as PC monitors, the guidelines cover electrical appliances owned by employees who use them at work, as these can obviously cause harm to those who use them and others in close proximity.

The regulations apply to all appliances as if they were the property of a business that are being used during working hours. They include the following appliances: - Photocopiers, fridges, mobile phone charges, fax machines, computers, music systems, heaters, irons, PA systems, drills, kettles, microwaves, monitors, ovens etc.

Why do we need our equipment testing?
Contrary to what others will tell you, there is NO specific legal requirement to have your equipment tested. However, there IS a legal requirement for all employers and self employed people to make sure that their equipment is SAFE. The best way to do this is to inspect and test it on a regular basis, and this is why there is an expectation that testing will be carried out.

But remember, the law makes it quite clear that the employer or self employed person is responsible for health and safety. There are a number of reasons why appliances should be PAT tested on a regular basis, but the most important ones are:-

•  To comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations
•  To comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
•  To minimise the risk of fire and injury caused by electrical appliances
•  To satisfy your Insurance Company
•  To comply with all Health & Safety requirements and ISO standards
•  Quality Assurances also requires you to comply

How much will Portable Appliance Testing cost?
The pricing structure is based on the total number of appliances to be  tested. This is a simple system so you know clearly in advance just how much your testing will cost. We tailor our quotes to a companies individual requirements, bearing in mind the type of business environment and the type of equipment to be PAT tested so we can be as competitive as possible. We endeavor to beat any genuine quote.

What needs to be tested?
As a general rule, you should test everything with a mains plug. There are, of course, exceptions, but portable appliance testing does not, for example, involve testing the mains installation within a building. Confusion sometimes arises over appliances that are connected directly to the mains, especially large industrial equipment but also appliances such as hand driers in washrooms. Although these appliances may not come under the definition of "portable appliance" they do still need to be checked and inspected by specialist electrical engineers.

What if I buy something new?
New equipment does NOT need to be tested - providing that you buy your equipment from a reputable supplier. The testing that has been carried out by the manufacturer is in any case more strict that than which is carried out during a PAT test. It's a good idea to make sure that every new appliance is added to your inventory so that it can be tested next time you have a routine check - but there is no reason why you can't use it it the meantime.

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This site was last updated on Friday, February 15, 2008