In order to maintain compliance with health and safety regulations, UK companies must have a PAT certificate.
This testing measure verifies that all portable appliances adhere to the standards set by various governing bodies.
The Health and Safety Executive requires all portable appliances in both commercial and residential properties to have yearly PAT tests for safety.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 mandates that any reasonable person take precautions to prevent harm from electrical devices or equipment. With the increase in globalization, more cheap electrical products are emerging onto the market (most of which do not go through quality checks). Thus, it is essential to routinely check these electrical items for safety concerns.
What’s PAT testing?
The purpose of PAT testing is to ensure that portable appliances and equipment are safe for use.
This examination usually involves a series of tests that may be slightly different depending on the type of devices, the company conducting the service, etc.
The most basic form of this testing includes:
- Visual assessment of the appliance
- Checking the flexible cables to ensure they are in good condition
- Grounding verification (when appropriate)
- Examining the insulation between parts carrying the current
- Checking any naked metal that could be hazardous
The firm in command performs the test and indicates a fail or pass for each component.
If any problems are detected, the experts might provide appropriate solutions. After testing equipment, the engineer generally puts a sticker on its surface to show that it has been tested.
To supplement this, they also issue a certificate that shows details of testing. The minimum information of a PAT certificate includes:
- The tested site
- Entry of each piece of equipment along with a failed or passed score
- Individual retest dates
- Details of the individual or company that conducted the test
A passing grade is a good sign that the equipment has met all of the testing requirements and is safe to use.
Equipment with a pass rating shows that the producers have done everything necessary to meet all of the specified criteria and is safe to use.
What’s the importance of a PAT test?
The country is home to an influx of electrical goods and equipment from all corners of the globe.
This makes it tough for a customer to tell what’s good and what isn’t. Unfortunately, using low-quality electrical appliances may endanger people’s lives.
It’s no surprise that many devices are known to be hazardous and recalled by manufacturers, with some even being judged unfit for use.
Some electrical equipment is especially risky and might cause electrical burn or shock, misuse, or wear, as well as fire.
The purpose of PAT testing is to make sure that no dangerous electrical equipment is being used in any type of building.
This helps protect the health and safety of everyone who is inside.
So, it’s important for people to test their equipment by using the correct PAT device as soon as possible.
