Did you know that the most common cause of workplace injuries and fire breakouts is faulty electrical equipment? This is where a PAT, standing for Portable Appliance Testing, applies. It’s an electrical inspection carried out by electrical testers to examine appliances and ensure their safety. New business owners and seasoned directors with a sense of responsibility, operating in Hoddesdon and around, often hire electrical testers for routine inspection. But do you think that it’s conducted randomly? Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, it’s a legal requirement, failing which, businesses are imposed penalties.

Not sure where to start? While there is no definitive list of electrical appliances to be PAT tested in the UK, employers must consider a few. As we unveil them in this post, you will gradually get an idea of the appliances posing a significant safety risk, when not maintained or checked for defects.

Electrical Appliances Where a PAT Test is Mandatory from an NICEIC-Registered Electrician

You must be wondering which appliances run a higher risk of becoming defective and damaged. An NICEIC-registered electrical contractor points at appliances that are frequently plugged, unplugged and moved. Here are a few of them deserving maintenance to prevent electrocution and electrical fires:

• Power Tools: Industrial-grade tools employed in various work settings are more susceptible to malfunctions. Therefore, routine inspections are necessary to detect impairments before they jeopardise the safety of staff and users.
• Computers and Laptops: It’s impossible to imagine a professional environment without laptops or other computing devices. Since these undergo frequent relocation, regular inspection is mandatory. Electrical testers check for potential flaws that may compromise the safety of employees.
• Power Boards and Extension Leads: Power distribution units and electrical extension cords are prone to wear and tear due to prolonged usage. Therefore, regular assessments are needed to mark defects well in advance so that there is enough time to address the issues without compromising safety.
• Kitchen Appliances: Kitchens are equipped with culinary equipment, such as kettles and toasters. Employers must examine them regularly for potential defects to mitigate safety hazards before they get out of control.

Now that you know where to start, approach qualified electrical engineers to complete a legitimate PAT test. Those registered at NICEIC are preferable for checking the lead polarity, earth continuity and insulation resistance of equipment. Once tested, the professional will mark it as ‘failed’ or ‘passed’ for you to take the next course of action. The current UK safety laws recommend running PAT tests on general IT equipment every 4 years. However, it should be done more frequently for electrical devices like personal laptops, which are regularly transported. The interval is 12 months for them.

How Can You Benefit from PAT Testing Your Appliances?

Investing in PAT testing can spell the following benefits for your business:

• Risk Mitigation: When unchecked, electrical equipment can cause fires to breakout and lead to injuries. Companies encounter a costly downtime in the process. PAT testing identifies potential hazards before they convert to problems.
• Employee Safety: Staff members display a different level of productivity when a sense of safety prevails. PAT testing boosts the morale of people by contributing to a safer environment.
• Legal Compliance: On-time inspection safeguards businesses from legal liabilities when anything goes out of control. It indirectly demonstrates one’s commitment to electrical safety.
• Cost Savings: Businesses can save a lot on expensive equipment repairs and replacements by rectifying electrical faults on time. Plus, it prevents expensive interruptions.

A safe and compliant workplace is always an outcome of dedicated efforts, one of which is the PAT test. In commercial environments, businesses are not only complying with the legal requirements but also safeguarding their bottomline and their employees.

Who to Approach for PAT Testing in the UK?

Sheaworks Ltd, a team of emergency electricians servicing the London area, including areas like Woodford, is here to help. We scrutinise commercial electrical appliances to ensure the safety of properties. From checking the earth bonding to testing the electrical insulation resistance, we do everything to address the faults. We establish where your equipment is safe to use by providing a certificate of confirmation. Contact us for conducting PAT tests at competitive prices!