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Why is Portable Appliance Testing so Important?

The Electricity At Work Regulations, 1989 cover every kettle, fax, copier, computer, extension lead, etc., including 110V equipment, in a business or public place. In fact, if it is electrical and has a plug on it, whether it is in regular use or not, then it must be maintained safely. Portable Appliance Testing, or PAT Testing, is a common service to maintain electrical appliances.

Electricity can kill. Each year about 1000 accidents at work involving electric shock or burns are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Around 30 of these are fatal. Most of these fatalities arise from contact with overhead or underground power cables. Even non-fatal shocks can cause severe and permanent injury. Shocks from faulty equipment may lead to falls from ladders, scaffolds or other work platforms.

Those using electricity may not be the only ones at risk: poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances can lead to fires which may also cause death or injury to others. Most of these accidents can be avoided by careful planning and straightforward precautions. (Source: HSE)

If you have not implemented a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) regime for all your electrical equipment, then:

  1. You could be breaking the law.

  2. If an accident occurs, HSE can prosecute with heavy fines.

  3. Under the rules of Corporate responsibility, Directors can now be held personally responsible, if found to be negligent.

  4. Your Building, Employers and Public Liability insurance may be invalid.

  5. You are putting yourself, your employees and possibly your customers at risk.

But how do I know if a piece of equipment is safe or needs maintenance?

There is only one way and that is to have it tested by a City and Guilds/IEE inspector trained to the standards of the IEE Code of Practice, with equipment to do the job.

Our inspectors meet these high standards and have considerable experience in PAT testing.

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