PAT (PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING)

A PAT test is a routine inspection of some types of electrical appliance to check they are safe to use. Its purpose is to prevent electrical accidents in the workplace.

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Having you items PAT tested is not a "legal" requirement but, The Health & Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974 says that an employer must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that the workplace they provide is safe. PAT testing is a one way they can ensure their portable electrical items are safe to use. 

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The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires that equipment provided for work is:

• Suitable for the intended use

• Suitable in this context means the equipment is free from health and safety risks

• Maintained in a safe condition

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How do we carry out a PAT test?

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Step 1 - Visual Inspection

Firstly, each individual item is visually inspected. The power cord is visually and physically checked to ensure that there are no cables protruding and all the necessary insulation is in place.

Where the cable meets the appliance, a visual and physical inspection is carried out to ensure the connection is secure and safe.

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Step 2 - The plug

Next, the plug is inspected to ensure that it conforms to BS 1363 and the pins are sleeved. Although this is not retrospective and old plugs already in use can still pass a PAT test. 

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Step 3 - The Fuse and inside the plug

If possible, the plug top is removed and the inside of the plug is inspected. We make sure that all the wires are securely and correctly connected to the appropriate pins. There should be no loose strands which could result in a poor connection.

The fuse is removed from all plugs to ensure that it is the appropriate amperage for that appliance.

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Step 4 - Using the PAT Testing machine

After all of the above steps have been carried out and the appliance is in assured of being in good condition, the plug is put back together. There are three different categories of appliance, each with their own test; Class 1, Class 2 and Extension Leads. Once the category has been determined, the appropriate test on the calibrated machine can be selected.

All items that are tested are initially subjected to a Leakage Current Test to ensure that there is no earth leakage from the appliance. If the appliance passes, then depending on the category of item, the specific test is selected on the PAT Testing machine and the full PAT Test is carried out.

Our sophisticated machine alerts us if there are any problems with your electrical items. If there are any problems and your item fails, we will explain that the item should be removed, not used and disposed of.

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Step 5 - PAT Labels

Once we are satisfied that your item is safe, we will make an accurate log of the item including the make, model, type, serial number and any other remarks regarding the test sequence. Your passed item will have a pass label placed on it identifying the unique number, who has tested your equipment, the date of the test and the recommended date of the next test.

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Step 6 - Inventory

Once your site has been fully tested, we will send you a full inventory of everything that we have tested with all the details logged and whether the item has passed or failed.

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How much will it cost?

Minimum call-out charge: £75 – inclusive of up to 30 items tested.

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Additional costs per item:
31-50 items: £1.50 per item
51-150 items: £1.25 per item
150 + items: £1 per item

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Require PAT testing?

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For more information or to book please contact us on 03301330529 or email us at info@safetyfirstcornwall.co.uk