A Portable Appliance Test is where electrical appliances are routinely checked to see whether they are safe. PAT testing is vital to ensure the protection of customers and employees.
This code of practice has been made law after being prepared by the Institution of Electrical Engineers with a view to determing the inspections and tests necessary to ensure that electrical equipment is maintained properly so as to prevent DANGER!
In recent years the responsibilities for safety of persons at work have been prescribed in much legislation.
Why you need Portable Apliance Testing
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 puts duty of care upon both the employer and employee to ensure the safety of ALL persons using the work premises. this includes the self-employed. The legislation of specific relevance to electrical maintenance is the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
Pat testing or portable appliance testing is an important part of any health & safety policy. The Health & Safety Executive states that 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances. The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and self-employed persons to comply with the provisions of the regulations and take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of such equipment.
It is clear that there is a requirement to inspect and test all types of electrical equipment in all work situations.
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