The legislation of specific relevance to electrical maintenance is the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 puts the duty of care upon both the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This includes the self employed.

The PAT test is an important verification tool. The whole process is known as "in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment."  This routine check of all electrical appliances ensures that all your electrical appliances meet the strictest safety requirements.

 

The Health & Safety Executive states that 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances. The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and self-employed persons to comply with the provisions of the regulations and take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of such equipment. This in effect requires the implementation of a systematic and regular program of maintenance, inspection and testing. The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) places such an obligation in the following circumstances:

1. Where appliances are used by employees.

2. Where the public may use appliances in establishments such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shops etc.

3. Where appliances are supplied or hired.

4. Where appliances are repaired or serviced.

The PAT test complies with all legal requirements and may even qualify you for a discount on your insurance premiums, as it proves how seriously you take safety issues. In the event of any damages claims, your PAT certificate proves that your electrical appliances have been tested and certified.

PAT testing includes:

• visual inspections
• earth-bond tests
• insulation-resistance tests
• flash testing
• load tests
• earth-leakage test
• functional checks

Non-compliance with PAT standards can lead to severe punishments for corporations and duty holders, ranging from fines to imprisonment. We therefore recommend that all relevant portable appliances are tested regularly.

We look forward to discussing PAT testing with you in more detail.