Is it important to have PAT Testing?

First of all, PAT testing is an inspection of some types of electrical appliance to check whether they are safe to use. This helps to prevent electrical accidents in the workplace. When it comes to health and safety compliance, businesses naturally want to do their best to ensure the safety of their staff and comply with H&S guidance. There is however some confusion over whether PAT Testing is required or only recommended for businesses. What is the situation for Cambridge businesses with regards to PAT Testing? Do they need to have it done or not?

Electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury must be maintained in a safe state, according to the Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989. The Regulations, on the other hand, do not specify what must be done, by whom, or how often (i.e., they do not make electrical appliance inspection or testing a legal necessity, nor do they require it to be done annually).

But, in reality, how can a company comply with this regulation? This criteria could be met by doing PAT Testing on a regular basis. And, unless your company employs an on-site electrician who checks and maintains all electrical appliances on a regular basis, PAT Testing appears to be the best alternative. 

The frequency with which equipment is inspected and tested is determined by the type of equipment and the environment in which it is utilised. A power tool used on a building site, for example, should be inspected more frequently than a bulb in a hotel room. Annual PAT Testing is usually sufficient for most firms that comprise of office environs with possibly a staff kitchen and lab equipment.

We provide PAT Testing services to a variety of local enterprises, ranging from technology and pharmaceutical companies to hotels and restaurants. We also handle PAT Testing for Cambridge landlords who need it for their rental properties.