What is PAT testing
Pat testing or portable appliance testing to give it its full name is part of the health and safety requirements of a business.
The Health & Safety Executive estimates that 25% of all electrical accidents that are recorded involve a portable electric device, this could be anything from a kettle to a drill.
In an effort to reduce the number of incidence that involve accidents with portable and other electric appliances the Electricity at Work Regulations were introduced and these regulations placed the responsibility for ensuring all electronic equipment was safe on the employer, this includes those that are self employed. This resulted in a need to have regular, systematic and well documented inspections of the electrical equipment.
Why do PAT testing
The main reason for having pat testing done is so you can keep your self and your employees safe, as with all health and safety exercises, it is the well being of the individual that is paramount.
Other reasons for PAT testing are varied but often include the need to prove the inspections were carried out, in case an indecent occurred, it is a sign that you are taking the health and safety of your employees seriously.
Some insurance companies insist you get regular Portable Appliance Testing and certification to confirm it has been done, while other insurance companies offer incentives to companies by offering a discount to those that can show regular inspections.
Who needs to do PAT testing
As it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure all the electronic equipment is safe, and this includes people who are self employed, it is the companies responsibility to ensure the PAT testing is carried out when due.
In larger companies it tends to be the responsibility of the health and safety comity but in smaller organisations it is often the owner operators of businesses that have to ensure compliance.
It is possible for a trained person from within the company to carry out the checks but it is more normal to use an outside company to do the checks and record the results, this has some advantages in that they will be more experienced and know many of the potential issues that portable appliances could present.
It also provides the employer with some distancing in case of an incident.
A professional and experienced PAT testing company could save you money by getting the job done in a fraction of the time it would take you, they would also have the necessary PAT testing equipment to ensure the job is done properly.