Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
At Inspection Services (UK) Ltd, we help businesses across the UK ensure their electrical equipment is safe, compliant, and fit for purpose. Our Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) service is designed to support your legal obligations under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and promote a safer working environment for your staff and visitors.
Portable Appliance Testing Explained
Portable Appliance Testing refers to the inspection and testing of electrical equipment that is connected to the mains via a plug, so this will include large items such as photocopier machines as well as small items that are moved around frequently. The aim is to ensure that appliances are safe to use and free from defects that could cause electric shock, fire, or injury.
Our testing service includes both:
- Visual inspections (e.g. checking for damaged cables or loose plugs)
- Electrical tests (e.g. earth continuity, insulation resistance)
Legal Requirement for Portable Appliance Testing
It’s important to note that PAT is not a legal requirement in itself, but it is one way to demonstrate compliance with the legal duty to maintain equipment in a safe condition. The legal requirement for electrical equipment comes under Reg 4, The Electricity at Work Regulations 19898 which requires that electrical equipment is maintained so as to prevent danger, ie maintain it in safe working condition. HSE produce guidance to help interpret what employers should be doing to meet this requirement. An example of this is HSG107 “Maintaining portable electrical equipment” which can be found here.
HSE also has guidance on maintaining electrical equipment that is used in low risk environments (INDG236) which can be found here
Benefits of PAT Testing
- Legal: Demonstrates compliance with health and safety legislation.
- Financial: Reduces the risk of costly downtime, insurance claims, or equipment damage.
- Moral: Shows a commitment to staff safety and wellbeing as well as customers if they use equipment provided by you. This helps promote your health and safety culture.
- Operational: Helps identify faulty equipment before it causes harm or disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but maintaining electrical equipment in a safe condition is a legal duty. PAT is one way to demonstrate compliance as it provides a benchmark by which you can demonstrate a system and process of regular checks that have been completed by a competent person.
New items should be supplied in a safe condition. A visual check is usually sufficient before first use. They should be added to your asset / electrical test register, though, so they are included in future test regimes.
There’s no legal requirement to label or keep records, but doing so helps manage your maintenance programme
A competent person with the right training and equipment. In low-risk environments, this could be a trained staff member who is provided with the correct equipment.
We recommend that you remove it from use immediately and either repair or replace it. Failed items will be clearly marked in your report.
How We Can Help
Inspection Services (UK) Ltd offers a reliable, nationwide PAT service tailored to your needs:
Qualified Engineers
All testing is carried out by competent professionals using calibrated equipment.
Flexible Scheduling
We work around your operations to minimise disruption.
Clear Reporting
You’ll receive a detailed report and asset register, with any failed items clearly identified.
Compliance Support
We help you meet your obligations under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.