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If you’re a business owner, you may be considering commercial PAT testing as a way to keep your company equipment safe and comply with HSE’s Electricity at Work Regulations. But with so much conflicting information around, it’s easy to become confused about what action you actually need to take.
Unsure about how regularly your business should PAT test appliances? Maybe you’re unclear about which appliances need testing? In this post, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about PAT testing for businesses, providing you with up-to-date information that’s in line with HSE’s latest workplace safety advice.
What is PAT Testing?
PAT testing, short for Portable Appliance Testing, is an effective method for examining electronic equipment and appliances to check for faults and safety defects. During a PAT test, the electrician will normally carry out a visual inspection to check for visible issues, as well as a more in-depth electrical test using specialised equipment. This equipment allows them to check things like the equipment’s earth continuity and insulation resistance.
Although the best way to test your company equipment is to bring in a NICEIC-approved electrical contractor, you should also conduct simple tests yourself. Between professional test visits, check your electricals for any signs of visible signs of damage, and conduct basic performance checks by switching appliances on and off.
These user-conducted tests shouldn’t be seen as an alternative to professional PAT testing. They're there to provide an additional layer of safety monitoring and help identify potential issues early, ensuring that any problems can be addressed promptly before the next scheduled professional inspection.
Does Every Company Need to PAT Test Equipment?
There is a lot of misinformation around whether companies are legally obliged to PAT test their appliances. The reality is, while not a legal requirement, PAT testing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. These regulations require all electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury to be maintained in a safe condition.
Since many modern companies now offer remote working to staff, company equipment testing has become all the more important. These days, staff take home computers, company phones, and other portable equipment. These come with cables that are frequently moved around and shared between different employees, which can cause wear and tear, fraying, and damage to plugs and connectors.
The last thing you want as an employer is for an accident to happen, let alone in your employee's home, where their family members could also be at risk from faulty equipment.
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Do Laptops Need PAT Testing?
Although laptops themselves don’t need PAT testing, any accompanying adaptors, plugs, and power cables do need checking. This is because, if faulty, they can become fire hazards, cause electric shocks, and lead to equipment failure.
Another thing many business owners forget is that failure to PAT test puts you more at risk of power outages due to tripping. This is not only disruptive to workflow, but it also puts additional strain on your electrical systems and can damage sensitive equipment when power is suddenly restored.
Frequent electrical faults may also increase your insurance premiums and can void coverage entirely if negligence is proven. This can leave your business financially exposed to claims and replacement costs.
Keeping Staff Safe: Higher-Risk Workplace Equipment
So, which items require PAT testing? In a commercial setting, the riskiest appliances include:
- Portable heaters and kettles
- Extension leads and trailing sockets
- Power tools and workshop equipment
- Chargers and adaptors
- Electronic cleaning equipment
- Equipment used outdoors or in damp conditions
- Items that get moved frequently or handled roughly
- Older appliances and equipment
- Equipment with visible wear or damage
Which Pieces of Workplace Equipment Don’t Need PAT Testing?
When it comes to knowing what you do and don’t need to PAT test, a general rule is: if it doesn’t connect to the mains supply and shows no obvious risk of causing harm, it likely doesn’t need PAT testing. Items that don’t usually need testing include:
- Extra-low voltage devices like mobile phone handsets (not chargers) or USB desk fans
- Battery-operated equipment
- Electrical items that are brand new out of the box
- Items that are permanently wired into a circuit
Do Companies Need to Have PAT Stickers on Business Equipment?
Having a sticker on tested equipment is a helpful way to show that checks have been carried out, providing a clear visual record of the test date and result. This allows your staff to quickly identify whether something is safe to use. Most electrical contractors will bring their own labels with them, so you don’t need to worry about providing them.
How Frequently Should Portable Appliance Testing Be Carried Out?
While it’s not a legal requirement, annual PAT testing is a simple and sensible way to stay on the safe side, especially for shared or high-use equipment. Annual testing helps you to protect staff and show that you’re actively maintaining safe equipment, which supports your duty of care under the Electricity at Work Regulations.
If you’re ever unsure about risk, ask your electrical contractor. They will inform you if there are any particular items that need checking more or less often.
Get Peace of Mind with Commercial PAT Testing from Highland Services
Need a PAT test for your business in South Wales? Our ECA and NICEIC-approved team will keep your company safe, compliant, and in the know. Explore our full range of electrical services today and get in touch to let us know your requirements.
