In: PAT Testing

PAT electrical testing is essential in regards to a company’s health & safety policy to ensure members of staff are not harmed or at danger by any electrical equipment within a business premises. PAT electrical testing should be performed regularly to protect employees and customers against any accidents and liability within the workplace. PAT electrical testing is scheduled by a business in accordance with guidelines stated in the IEE Code of Practice.

PAT electrical testing assesses electrical equipment and guarantees that it is safe to use. In a place of work PAT electrical testing should be scheduled yearly in order to ensure maximum protection of employees and in order to protect the employer from being liable if there is faulty equipment which may cause injury.

There is controversy whether PAT electrical testing is a legal requirement, however, it is not stated by law that PAT electrical testing in specific is vital, unless in a work place where all electrical appliances must be safe. Government guidelines state that PAT electrical testing is the best way to guarantee electrical safety. If an accident were to occur due to a faulty unmaintained electrical appliance the company could be fined or imprisoned.

Additionally, landlords may also ask “What is PAT electrical testing?” landlords are obliged to complete PAT electrical testing on a regular basis (annually), especially if they are renting their property through an estate agent. A landlord requires PAT electrical testing in order to ensure that electrical appliances are safe for tenants. In factories, schools and other places of education PAT electrical testing may prevent fires and injuries which is why portable appliances need to be tested, and PAT electrical testing ensures this safety.

PAT electrical testing ensures that there is no danger of electrical equipment; however, without electrical PAT testing the person responsible could be charged with manslaughter, again, this would be a result of not complying with regulations. In addition, if a PAT certificate is not presented then the properties insurance may be seen as invalid because the necessary health and safety procedures were not taken into consideration, and it is a landlord’s responsibility to be vigilant in regards to electrical safety, if this is ignored and there is no electrical PAT testing certificate presented the landlord may be sued by their tenant for civil damages.