PAT Testing FAQ

Below are a few questions that many people ask about PAT testing. Of course, we cant answer everything, so if you do have a question, please feel free to ask us!

Why do I need PAT testing? 

So That you comply with regulatory health and safety legislation whose purpose is to prevent death or injury to anyone from any electrical cause as a result of, or in connection with, work activities.

Also to ensure that you comply with requirements from your insurance company, because if it is proven you have not carried out sufficient maintenance and risk assessments, your insurance may become void in the case of an accident!

Who needs it doing?

Most companies will be informed by their insurance parties if they need PAT testing. There is no legal obligation to have it done annually, BUT most insurance companies will request a copy of a recent PAT testing certificate. Infact a good amount of our work comes from companies who’ve just had an insurance inspection. If there’s been an accident involving such an appliance, and it hasn’t been PAT tested, insurance companies CAN and WILL use this as an excuse for not paying out, since it can’t be proven that you took all possible measures to make sure people, whether the public or employees, are safe using the item.

if the accident was serious, and caused harm to a person or building, by law, you could be held responsible, again, since you can’t prove you did all you can to make sure the appliance is safe to use.

How often does it need doing?

When and how often items need testing, can depend on the setting they belong in (construction site, shop, school, ect) and also your insurance company, as many just require a standard annual check, but as a general guide otherwise, for those who have it done as a part of risk assessments: