The importance of possessing a portable appliance test (PAT) certificate is that it maximises safety and protection, as well as complying with health and safety regulations because in the case of a claim a portable appliance test (PAT) certificate is proof that the responsible person took necessary procedures to ensure safety. It is advised that properties/businesses obtain a portable appliance test (PAT) certificate because a portable appliance test (PAT) certificate is proof that portable appliance testing (PAT) has successfully been completed in the property. A portable appliance test (PAT) certificate is typically thorough and includes a detailed report stating which appliances, if any, have failed and/or passed (results).
A portable appliance test certificate (PAT) is only to be approved of and presented by a NICEIC/ECA registered contractor and the engineer is “competent”. This means as well as obtaining a City and Guilds 2377 qualification the engineer should regularly carry out this type of work, thus being able to produce accurate results in the portable appliance test certificate which results in maximum safety of the property.
A portable appliance test (PAT) certificate consists of details of the inspection which include:
• The name and address of where PAT testing was completed.
• The name and address of the PAT testing engineer, or, his/hers companies name and address.
• The PAT testing expiry date which is usually six or twelve months.
• An authorised signature
A portable appliance test (PAT) certificate does not include details of individual appliances tested, this may only be included in the PAT test detailed report, which is not always issued, but this can be requested.
A portable appliance test (PAT) certificate is an official paper of proof that shows whether the property being tested is safe. Labels are also attached to each appliance to show whether the appliance has failed or passed a PAT test, although these are not as important as obtaining a certificate.
A portable appliance test certificate (PAT) should be provided with a written report detailing all failed appliances and advice on what action should be taken in order for the property to pass a PAT test. The risk of not completing a PAT test or presenting a recent portable appliance test (PAT) certificate is that the property’s insurance could be void and any accidents or injuries could result in suing the property owner.
