PAT Testing: What's Required and How Often?
Portable Appliance Testing requirements vary by sector and risk level. We break down the guidance for commercial and industrial occupiers and the records you need.
// The Requirement
PAT testing is widely misunderstood. It is not a specific legal requirement in the UK in the sense of a prescribed programme, but employers and landlords do have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to ensure electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition.
Recommended Frequencies
The IET Code of Practice provides guidance on testing frequencies based on equipment type and environment. Office equipment in a low-risk environment might be tested every four years; hand-held equipment in a construction environment should be tested every three months. A risk-based approach is recommended throughout.
“The records are as important as the testing itself. An untestable piece of equipment with no history is a liability — documented, dated inspection records are what protect the employer.”
— Con-Tec Test Engineer
What Records Do You Need?
Records should include the equipment description, serial number, location, date of test, test result and the identity of the person who carried out the test. Con-Tec provides a full digital test register for every PAT programme we carry out.
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