The guidelines around PAT testing require that all landlords, employers and even self-employed individuals make sure that their portable electrical appliances are safe and suitable for the intended use. Damage and fault can occur with all electrical equipment use, which makes it essential that these items are tested regularly for safety.

PAT guidelines were put into effect to ensure that all companies conform to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999.

Who Can Conduct a PAT Test?

The law states that PAT tests should be carried out by a “competent person”. According to the IEE Code of Practice, this means the person must have:

• An adequate knowledge of electricity;
• Sufficient experience of electrical work;
• An adequate understanding of the appliance that needs testing and practical experience of that class of appliance;
• An understanding of any hazards that could arise during the work and the precautions that should be taken;
• And the ability to recognise whether it’s safe to continue the work.