Every week, we get a lot of calls from people who aren’t sure how often their company should go about portable appliance testing for electrical safety.
Because every business is different, the answer is always different, and the frequency of electrical testing is determined by the size, scale, and type of operations.
This isn’t as obnoxious as “how long is a strand of string?” (The answer is always “twice as long as half its length”) , but it’s a sign that the unofficial, widely accepted ‘annual PAT rule’ isn’t always valid.
Larger portable appliances may require more frequent testing in some cases.
We provide a fully advisory service at Sense PAT Testing Birmingham, ensuring the safety of your premises while providing a cost-effective service that is right for you and your company.
Is it necessary to have portable appliance testing every year?
“Any electrical appliances that have the ability to cause harm is maintained in a safe condition,” according to the Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989. While there is no legal requirement for the frequency of portable appliance tests, Sense PAT Testing Birmingham typically conducts these tests every year, company-wide tests for our frequently contracted clients in order to minimise risk to their employees, customers, and visitors.
Do some appliances need PAT testing more often than others?
The recurrence of PAT testing is determined by the type of appliance and the environment in which it is used. A pneumatic drill used on a construction site, for example, should be inspected more regularly than a blow dryer or lamp in a hotel room.
Do I need to keep report of portable appliance tests?
A PAT test report and labelling of appliances is highly recommended as a useful management tool for tracking and evaluating the performance of the maintenance programme – as well as demonstrating that one exists.
Following each inspection, Sense PAT Testing Birmingham issues reports and certificates, allowing you to precisely review your electrical safety procedures.
