Technically, all organizations that use electrical appliances in their place of work are required to undergo PAT testing, from private companies to health clubs and universities. Businesses are labelled as high, medium, or low risk based on three factors, the risk level of the environment, the type of equipment used, and who uses them. Is the item regularly maintained? Planned maintenance could reduce the need for frequent ‘PAT Testing’ she looked for electrical equipment in the shop and found that there were a number of computers, a fax, two printers and a vacuum cleaner; There is no formal legislation specifying the need for PAT testing. However, it is a legal requirement to ensure that electrical equipment is safe and fit for purpose. The expected regularity of PAT testing will depend on the results of workplace risk assessment procedures. When determining the need for PAT testing, the level of risk should also be considered.

There are no rules around how often your equipment needs a PAT test. It is entirely down to the ‘duty holder’ (the person tasked with responsibility for electrical equipment) to assess the risk level and decide on the frequency of inspections. This is usually determined by the type of equipment, how often it is being used and whether the working environment is considered high risk or low risk. Computers, printers and faxes were not moved around much and were positioned so that the cables could not become trapped, so the probability that items might be damaged was extremely low. The manager decided that they would be maintained by a visual inspection every 5 years. Whether you are an electrician who wants to supplement your formal training, a building manager who aims to learn new skills or a landlord who oversees the safety of your tenants, you can be a certified PAT tester. All you need to do is complete a course online or one that’s facilitated by a qualified instructor, then pass a certification exam. Failed appliances must not be used and should be removed immediately, either to be repaired or replaced. If the item is repaired, it must pass another PAT test before it is safe to use again. Advanced PAT testing kits are suitable for users with a high level of technical knowledge and expertise. These advanced systems are particularly well suited to facilities management, as they allow for the recording of the location and test status of equipment and appliances. Some of these systems can also transfer the test results to computers for digital interpretation. Test records can be maintained with PAT software.

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Teams who leverage the benefits of digital electrical certificates software produce crisp and professional PAT testing certificates, every single time. Prior to the manual PAT test, a formal visual inspection of the equipment should be carried out. According to the HSE, this process usually flags up around 90% of problems and it can be carried out by a competent member of staff with the relevant training, or a professional. The legislation did not mention who should conduct the PAT test or what qualifications the person has, only that he or she be competent. The Institution of Electrical Engineers defines a competent person as having adequate knowledge of electricity and sufficient electrical work experience. Additionally, he or she should know how to perform a visual inspection, understand the precautions to take, and recognize whether it is safe for the test to continue.

First we’ll define what a PAT test certificate is, why digital is better than manual, and how going digital PAT testing certificates software can transform your workflows!Lastly, many insurance firms require businesses to complete regular PAT inspections. Conducting PAT to maintain high levels of safety in the workplace will make the insurance company view the business favourably.

Items such as electric drills, monitors, PCs, and kettles are all suitable for PAT testing. You should be aware that electrical appliances fall under categories I, II or III. Those in category 1 are rated as being the most dangerous, with those in category 3 being the least. The rating of the item will have a direct bearing on the need for PAT testing. You must ensure that all items in category 1 are PAT tested. Items in category 2 will only require an insulation test. However, testing won’t be necessary for items in category 3.

Electrical equipment can become damaged, develop faults, or the parts may deteriorate. This can happen for a number of reasons and, if not identified, can have serious consequences. Using electrical appliances or equipment that is not completely safe can result in serious injuries or even death. Paper-based workflows are clunky, meaning customers and engineers have to sign form after form. Collecting digital signatures can streamline this.

PAT testing is recommended by experts and professionals as the best way to meet these health and safety obligations and to protect your employees. Once a PAT test has been completed, the PAT testing professional will be able to make a recommendation regarding the best course of action. This may include repairing the appliance or replacing all or part of the appliance. There is no legal requirement to keep a record of your electrical testing, but it is strongly recommended that you do to prove your compliance to regulators, insurers and customers. This helps to protect your business. Can you PAT test with a multimeter? PAT testing is essential for businesses in the UK. Ensuring that electrical equipment is properly maintained can help prevent accidents in the workplace. Dorset Fire Protection stated that a quarter of all fires in the workplace are caused by faulty or incorrect use of electrics. This amounts to nearly 6,000 fires every year! This could be as a result of electrical faults or because of electrical equipment being misused. For this reason, many businesses have their electrical appliances and equipment undergo PAT. You’ve probably heard the term several times but are not sure 100% what it means. Here, we are going to discuss PAT in detail.Is the item designed for ‘limited use’? Domestic appliances are cheap for a reason and can’t perform miracles Producing one document for a new domestic installation is time-consuming enough, but having to fill out potentially dozens for a single job can be an administrative nightmare. It’s not simply a matter of photocopying the document either, as each appliance will have different specifications and features. PAT testing is not currently a legal requirement. However, legislation in the UK states that all businesses and workplaces must maintain all electrical equipment in a safe condition. Furthermore, businesses also have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their employees, tenants, and the general public. The formal visual inspection should be carried out by someone competent with an appropriate level of knowledge. In low-risk environments, a member of staff could be tasked with this if they were given the right training. Suitable for use on Windows-based computers, the software comes preloaded with all of the forms required for certifying the compliance of electrical installations with the current 17 th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS7671), and for providing clients with documented proof of PAT test results.