Portable Appliance Testing – What is it all about?   

Portable Appliance Testing or PAT is a procedure in the U.K. in which electrical appliances are regularly tested for their safety.

In the United Kingdom it is estimated that 25% of all electrical accidents are caused by portable appliances used in the work place. To stop these occurrences, the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 was created. The Electricity at Work Regulations impose a legal requirement on employers and employees to abide to the terms of the regulations. They are required to take the necessary actions to make sure that the use of these portable appliances causes no harm by following a systematic and routine plan of maintenance and testing. The Work Regulations apply in the following circumstances:

• Where electrical devices are utilised by employers or employees
• Where electrical devices are hired or for sale
• Where electrical devices are being fixed and repaired
• Where people may utilize such electrical devices in places like schools, airports, clinics, offices etc

Legal Requisites

There are several laws in U.K. that pertain to electrical maintenance. One of which is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It is a legal obligation of employers, employees, and self-employed individuals to guarantee the safety of all people utilizing their work sites.

Therefore it is the duty of employers to assess the dangers to the safety and health of their employees while at work. It, likewise, should guarantee the safety and health of visitors while in their establishment.

It is the obligation of each employee to help his employer in carrying out the duties imposed by the terms of the Work Regulations. Every employee must also abide to the terms set in the Work Regulations concerning matters which are within his care.

Another law that relates to electrical maintenance is the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 which states that all electrical systems must always be constructed in such a way that it will not cause any danger to people and properties.

The Scope of the Legislation

These regulations cover all electrical devices - from the smallest to the largest electrical device. EAch device must be regularly tested and examined. Each device is then given a 'pass' or a 'fail'. A failed device should be repaired or disposed of.

Who should conduct the assessment and testing?

According to the Electricity at Work Regulations, the person who shall carry out the PAT testing must have the necessary experience or knowledge to conduct the job, or the person must be under the supervision of someone who is qualified to do so.

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