How often should PAT testing be done?

August 16, 2022DazzerPat Testing

If you’re running a business, it’s essential to ensure the safety of your employees and customers. One way to do this is by performing PAT testing regularly. But how often should pat testing be done? This blog post will answer that question and provide tips on ensuring your business is safe from electrical hazards.

Electrical safety is essential!

Did you know that businesses have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their employees and customers? Also, legislation in the UK mandates that all electrical appliances be kept in a safe condition. That’s where we come in. We’re experts at PAT testing, and we can make sure your business is up to code.

Not only will it make you a smarter business person, but it will also protect your business from losses due to faulty appliance accidents.It will also keep your employees and customers safe and prevents any dangerous accidents from happening.

Contact us today. Click here to schedule a PAT test for your business!

PAT Testing: Definition, Uses, and Importance

P stands for Portable, A for the appliance, and T for testing. PAT testing refers to the inspection and testing of mobile electrical devices. It is usually done to ensure that electrical appliances are safe to use.

PAT testing is usually used to check for any potential electrical hazards. It is essential because if there are any electrical hazards, it could lead to an accident.

Uses of PAT testing include:

  • Checking for damage to the appliance
  • Checking for loose wires
  • Testing the earth continuity of the appliance
  • Test the insulation of the appliance

PAT testing is vital to ensure the safety of any electrical appliances, and these safety standards are followed and maintained.

Importance of PAT testing:

  • Preventing accidents– By having your electrical equipment tested regularly, you can avoid accidents. That is because any potential hazards will be found and fixed before they have a chance to cause harm.
  • Keeping employees safe– One of the main reasons for PAT testing is to keep employees safe. By ensuring that all electrical equipment is safe to use, you can avoid any accidents or injuries in the workplace.
  • Check the quality of appliances – PAT testing can also help ensure that your electrical appliances’ quality is up to par. This is because any devices that are not up to standard will be found and replaced during testing.
  • Keep the electrical equipment in a safe condition– By regularly testing and maintaining it, you can keep it in a safe condition for longer. It means you won’t have to replace it often, saving you money in the long run.
  • Electrical fires – Another reason why PAT testing is so important is that it can help to prevent electrical fires.

PAT testing is vital because it helps to prevent accidents and injuries. It also protects businesses from liability in the event of an accident. Accidents happen, and companies can be held liable when they do. That is why it’s essential to have your electrical equipment regularly tested.

5 Benefits of Portable Appliance Testing You Need to Know 

PAT testing is vital for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few of the benefits of having your electrical appliances regularly tested:

  1. Saves lives– This is the most crucial benefit of PAT testing. Regularly testing your electrical equipment can prevent accidents and save lives.
  2. Prevents injuries– In addition to saving lives, PAT testing can prevent injuries. It is because any potential hazards will be found and fixed before they have a chance to cause harm.
  3. Protects businesses from liability– As mentioned above, companies can be held liable in the event of an accident. You can save your business from harm by having your electrical equipment regularly tested.
  4. Helps to ensure the quality of appliances– As mentioned before, PAT testing can also help ensure that your electrical appliances are up to par. It is because any devices that are not up to standard will be found and replaced during testing.
  5. Saves money in the long run– By regularly testing and maintaining your electrical equipment, you can keep it in a safe condition for longer. It means you won’t have to replace it often, saving you money in the long run.

These benefits are just a few of the many reasons why PAT testing is so important. PAT testing is vital for businesses and their customers as it helps ensure everyone remains safe when using electrical appliances. Although some people may see it as a hassle, it’s a necessary evil to prevent any accidents or injuries from happening. 

To start enjoying these benefits today, contact RB Services and you will get peace of mind!

What needs PAT Testing?

PAT testing is vital for any electrical equipment that is used in the workplace. It includes anything from computers and printers to kettles and microwaves. Any electrical appliance that plugs into the mains needs to be tested.

These are the several categories of electrical equipment that should undergo PAT testing:

  • Fixed appliances– These are permanently installed, such as ovens and air conditioners.
  • Stationary Appliances– These are appliances that are not permanently installed but are not moved around often, such as dishwashers and fridges.
  • IT Equipment – Computers, printers, and scanners all fall into this category.
  • Moveable and portable appliances -This includes anything that is not fixed or stationary, such as kettles and toasters.
  • Cables, wires, and chargers are often any cable, wire, lead, or charger that connects to an electronic item or plugs into a wall.
  • Other hand-held devices can include anything from hair straighteners to power tools.

If one or more of the appliances listed above are used on your office, then you urgently need to conatct RB Services to get a comprehensive PAT Test. With a team of  experienced and professional technicians the test will be done accurately.

Three Electrical Classes of PAT Testing

PAT testing can be done in three different ways, and the method used will depend on the class of the appliance.

  1. Class I – This class is composed of appliances that have a metal chassis or casing. The metal casing  helps to protect against electric shocks as it provides a path for electricity to flow through if there is a fault.
  2. Class II– This class is composed of appliances that have double insulation instead of a metal chassis. The double insulation  provides extra protection against electric shocks as there is no metal for electricity to flow through if there is a fault.
  3. Class III -This includes appliances that have specialized insulation. This includes electrical items used in medical setting or other sensitive environments.

The class of an appliance helps determine whether it needs to be PAT tested and to what degree. Class 1 appliances need a full PAT test, Class 2 equipment needs a PAT insulation test, and Class 3 appliances don’t need to be PAT tested at all.

Examples of Class I Appliances or equipment includes:

  • Hair dryers and kettles
  • Table lamps and washing machines
  • Fridge and microwaves
  • Irons and Toasters
  • Computers and laptop cables

Examples of Class II Appliances or equipment includes:

  • Vacuum cleaners and hairdryers
  • Drills and Desktop Printers
  • Hovercrafts and food mixers
  • Television and DVD players

Examples of Class III Appliances or equipment includes:

  • Laptops
  • Mobile chargers
  • Torches
  • Cameras

Class I carries the symbol of a circle with a line going through the middle, Class II has two squares on top of one another, and Class III has a diamond shape with three lines downwards.

Remember, It’s Important to know the categories and classes of the appliances because each type has different requirements for how often they must be PAT tested.

Why is Portable Appliance Testing necessary?

The primary reason for the PAT test is to ensure the safety of individuals using electrical equipment. It also helps businesses from any legal implications of an accident. PAT testing is vital because it can help to prevent accidents and injuries.

PAT testing is also necessary for businesses to ensure that their electrical appliances are up to standard. It is because any devices that are not up to standard will be found and replaced during testing.

With an ever-increasing number of counterfeit electrical products in the market today, ensuring your electrical products are legitimate and safe is vital. 

Finally, a PAT test should be conducted after any new purchase of electrical products and then in regular intervals to check for deterioration and uphold safety standards. 

PAT Testing Frequency: How Often Should You Get It Done?

There is no specific answer regarding how often you should get a PAT test done. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not give an exact period or frequency.

However,  PAT testing frequency will depend on the following  factors:

  • The risk level of the environment
  • Electrical class of the appliances
  • Category of the appliance

According to the Health and Saftey executive, considering the following is also necessary, which include:

  • Manufacturer’s recommendations
  • Age of the equipment
  • Frequency of use
  • Foreseeable misuse of the equipment
  • Effects of any modifications or repairs
  • History of the item

The risk level of the Environment and PAT Test

The HSE classifies the environment’s risk level into Low, Medium, and High.

  • Low-risk environments would be a domestic setting such as a home. In this situation, a PAT test should be done every 12 months or sooner if the appliance is damaged.
  • Moderate-risk environments include an office where electrical appliances are used frequently but not continuously throughout the day. In this case, a PAT test should be done every six months.
  • High-risk environments include construction sites or factories where electrical appliances are used continuously throughout the day. In high-risk environments, a PAT test should be done every three months.

PAT Testing can be conducted by in-house staff or by an external provider, depending on the size of the business and the frequency of testing required.

When should Portable Appliance testing frequency be done?

PAT testing can be conducted at any time.It is advisable, however, to test all instruments and appliances in one go to minimize disruption to the work flow.

Portable Appliance Testing should be done according to the three main factors mentioned above. Let us determine first the Environment risk, the Class of Appliance, and the Category of the Appliance or equipment. After that, we can now assess the frequency of the PAT Testing.

Here is the guide for PAT Testing frequency:

This guide is just a general overview. Please consult a PAT tester or testing expert for a more comprehensive and accurate direction

PAT TESTING: Electrical risk level by Business environment

The level of risk in a business environment will determine how often PAT Testing should be carried out.

Here is a quick guide to help you determine the level of risk in your workplace:

  • Low Risk– Environments where electrical appliances are used infrequently or for short periods. e.g., Offices, shops, schools, libraries, and museums.
  • Medium Risk– Environments where electrical appliances are used frequently or for long periods. e.g., Factories, warehouses, and Hospitals.
  • High Risk– Environments with an increased likelihood of electrical appliance failure or misuse. e.g., construction sites, kitchens, gyms, arcades, and outdoor events.

By assessing the level of risk in your workplace, you can determine how often PAT Testing should be done. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to electrical safety. If in doubt, always consult a professional.

The do’s and don’ts in PAT Testing

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when PAT Testing:

Do’s:

  • Always test all appliances, even if they are new or have never been used.
  • Make sure to test appliances that are frequently used or are essential for safety.
  • Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when testing an appliance.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t forget to label all tested and passed appliances.
  • Don’t forget to retest appliances that have been repaired or modified.
  • Don’t use an appliance that has failed the PAT test.

By following the proper procedures, you can ensure that your workplace is safe for everyone.

Why choose RB Services?

We are a professional PAT Testing company that has been in business for over 15 years. We offer a wide range of services, including:

  • On-site testing
  • Off-site testing
  • Annual contracts
  • One-time tests

We are the leading Midlands specialist in PAT testing. We pride ourselves on our topnotch quality service and competitive prices. We provide a range of high-quality services, professionally tailored  to meet your  needs. We are available whenever you need us,so there is no inconvenience to the day-to-day running of your business.

Our team of certified and experienced technicians will work with you to create a customized testing schedule that meets the unique needs of your business. Contact us today. Dial 0121 268 3144 to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation.

Tips for a safety Environment

Besides PAT Testing, we can also do our part to create a safe environment. Being responsible and taking the time to create a safe space can go a long way.

Here are some tips for creating a safe environment:

  • Keep your work area clean and organized.
  • Be aware of potential hazards in your work area.
  • Report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor immediately.
  • Wear the proper safety equipment when working with electrical appliances.
  • Never attempt to repair an appliance yourself.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using an electrical device.

By following these tips, you can create a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.

Common causes of Electrical problems and Accidents

There are many potential causes of electrical issues and accidents. Some of the most common include:

  • Overloaded outlets
  • Damaged cords
  • Worn insulation
  • Faulty switches
  • Improperly used extension cords

By being aware of these potential hazards, you can take steps to prevent them from happening in your workplace.

FAQs

Q: Are Portable appliances and portable equipments the same?

A: They are not the same. Portable equipment is intended to be moved while in use.  For example, a floor polisher. A portable appliance on the other hand is any electrical device that can be plugged into the main supply.

Q: What is stationary equipment?

A: Stationary equipment is any electrical device that is not intended to be moved while in use, for example, a photocopier.

Q: Should only a competent person or certified technician  do  Portable Appliance Testing?

A: Yes. Only a competent person should carry out the testing. A certified technician is not required but may be used if preferred.

Final Thoughts

PAT testing should typically occur every six months, though this can change according on the type of business and level of risk. There are several factors to take into account when creating your PAT Testing schedule, like the type of business, the number of employees, how frequently new equipment is installed, etc. The best method to make a personalized timetable is to work with a qualified PAT tester. They will be able to evaluate your particular requirements and provide a testing schedule that satisfies both your budgetary restrictions and safety requirements.

Call RB Services UK Ltd right now so that you can make an informed choice. PAT Testing is only one of the many services we provide to guarantee the security of your workplace.