Portable Appliance Testing made easy!

Oct 9 2023 2:38PM

Are you looking for reliable and professional PAT testing service for your business? If so, you have come to the right place. At Arion, we have the expertise and experience to ensure the safety and compliance of your electrical appliances.

Portable appliance testing is a process of inspecting and testing electrical equipment to prevent electrical accidents and injuries in the workplace. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were 1,253 electrical incidents reported in 2020/2021, resulting in 18 fatalities and 1,235 non-fatal injuries. PAT testing can help reduce the risks by identifying and rectifying any faults or defects in your electrical appliances.

Although PAT testing is not a legal requirement in itself, it is the employers’ legal responsibility under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) to ensure equipment is safely installed and regularly maintained. Portable appliance testing is a recognised way of meeting with legal requirements.

By having your electrical appliances PAT tested, you can benefit from:

• Reducing the risk of fire.
• Improved safety culture: By showing your employees and customers that you care about their safety and well-being, you can boost their morale and loyalty.
• Reduced liability: By complying with the law and following the best practices, you can avoid fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage in case of an electrical incident.
• Lower insurance premiums: By demonstrating that you have taken reasonable steps to prevent electrical hazards, you can negotiate better rates with your insurance provider.

We can test any type of electrical appliance that you use in your business, such as computers, printers, kettles, handheld tools etc.

How often do you need to PAT test your electrical appliances? There is no fixed rule or legal requirement on how frequently you need to PAT test your electrical appliances. The recommended frequency of PAT testing depends on the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. For example, a power tool used on a construction site may need more frequent testing than a lamp in a hotel room.

To help you determine the appropriate frequency of PAT testing for your appliances, we follow the guidance from the HSE (HSG 107 guidance), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and the British Standards Institution (BSI). These organisations have suggested some frequencies of inspection and testing based on the category and class of the appliances. For instance, they recommend that:

• Class I equipment (earthed equipment) should be inspected every 6 months and tested every 12 months.
• Class II equipment (double insulated equipment) should be inspected every 12 months and tested every 24 months.
• Class III equipment (low voltage equipment) should be inspected every 24 months and tested only if necessary.

These are only general guidelines and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your business. For more accurate advice, you should consult an experienced PAT tester or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Before using any electrical appliance, you should also do a simple visual check to make sure it is safe to use. A visual check is an essential part of the PAT testing process and can be done by anyone with basic training and knowledge. To do a simple visual check of your electrical appliance, you should:

• Unplug the appliance from the power source.
• Check the plug for any damage, such as cracks, loose pins, or signs of overheating.
• Check the cable for any cuts, abrasions, or exposed wires.
• Check the appliance for any physical damage, such as dents, cracks, or scorch marks.
• Check the appliance for any signs of malfunctioning, such as unusual noises, smells, or sparks.

If you find any problems or defects during your visual check, you should not use the appliance until it has been repaired or replaced by a competent person. You should also report it to your manager or supervisor and label it as faulty.

A visual check is not enough to ensure the safety of the appliance. You should also have it tested by a competent PAT tester at regular intervals.

If you are interested in our PAT testing service or want to know more about it, please contact us today. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free quote. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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