Understanding the Guidelines for PAT Electrical Testing in Essex

Posted by Trade Facilities Services on September 1st, 2017

PAT stands for ‘portable appliance testing’ and it examines electrical equipment and appliances to ensure their safety during usage. Its testing legislation was passed to make sure that all companies can conform to the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act. Likewise, it ensures conformance to the Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations of 1999, Provision and Use of Work Equipment regulations of 1998, and the Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989. An ocular inspection may reveal most electrical safety defects, but some problems can only be determined by testing.

PAT electrical testing includes a visual inspection, too, as some types of defects cannot be found by mere testing. A quick user check may be helpful in routine electrical maintenance, but a thorough testing and visual inspection by a qualified electrician is also recommended at appropriate times, depending on the equipment and the application. By conforming to PAT regulations, you can be sure that all portable appliances are safe and you can avoid being penalised for violations. Keep in mind that the testing law applies to all landlords and self-employed persons who need to make sure that their portable electrical appliances are suitable and safe for use for their intended purpose.

The guidelines for PAT electrical testing in Essex ensures that your equipment is protected and properly maintained via regular maintenance, periodic testing, and inspections. Safety testing and inspections make sense, as fault and damage can occur in all electrical equipment. PAT regulations do not specify the type of person to conduct the testing, but to ensure accurate and reliable results, consider hiring a certified electrician who is knowledgeable and properly equipped for the task. This professional can easily understand and interpret the results to you, too.

Regulations for PAT electrical testing in Essex are not compulsory, but that does not mean you can forget about it. Should your portable appliances and equipment cause any harm or injury, you could be liable. Hence, you need to make sure that all your appliances and electrical equipment are regularly maintained and inspected by a qualified electrician. PAT testing can show that you are a responsible employer and that you care about the safety of your business and your employees and customers.

There are no pre-determined schedules for conducting PAT electrical testing in Essex, but you need to consider hiring an electrician to test your appliances and equipment at least once a year to ensure their safety and compliance. This will help limit your liability, too, in case an accident occurs.

About the Author

I am James Livingstone the owner of Trade Facilities Services, we provide electrical certificates and electrical testing in London, Essex and Kent at reasonable and fair prices. The company is fully insured and all electricians are qualified and are members of either NAPIT or the NICEIC. We believe in publishing the correct information for our consumers to ensure they get value for money.