Portable appliance testing (PAT) is an electrical inspection of equipment to ensure safe operation. Employers in some countries must maintain safe working conditions, including functional portable equipment. PAT tests may be necessary, but not legally required, and can involve visual inspections or more detailed examinations by electricians. Employers can create a paper trail to demonstrate care and can consult with government safety representatives to determine if testing is necessary.
Portable appliance testing, also called PAT or PAT testing, is an electrical inspection of equipment to confirm that it is operating safely. The law in some countries, including Australia, the UK and New Zealand, requires employers to maintain safe working conditions, including functional portable equipment. They may need to have periodic PAT tests to check their equipment, although this test is not legally required unless it seems necessary. This contradicts the popular myth that a set time is required.
The in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment, as described by law, obliges employers to regularly check portable appliances used in the workplace. This can be as simple as a quick visual inspection to look for frayed wires and other signs of trouble. If an appliance malfunctions or appears unsafe, the employer may arrange for a PAT test. Electricians can examine the equipment, run some tests, and determine if it needs maintenance, repair, or replacement.
After an inspection, an electrician can tag the fixture to provide information about when it was last tested and what the test result was. PAT testing may also involve generating a log that can be filed with maintenance and purchase records. In the event of an occupational safety concern, auditors can review this information. Employers can use routine tests to create a paper trail to illustrate their care, but they can also simply note when appliances were last visually inspected for problems.
Appliances sent in for repair or retrofit may also be subject to PAT testing. The electrician performing the work can test and certify the equipment as safe for use. It is also possible to request a third-party inspection. Electricians can guarantee their work for a specified period of time, offering free repairs or compensation if a problem occurs, and it’s clearly their fault.
Employers unsure about the need to take the PAT test should consult a government safety representative. Information about the relevant sections of the law can be made available and the representative can discuss whether testing would be a good idea given the equipment and working conditions. Desk lamps, for example, probably don’t need a detailed inspection by an electrician every six months. Lightweight equipment used on construction sites, however, could benefit from an annual checkup for common electrical issues because it can be prone to shorts and other problems from heavy use.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
