PAT Testing Laws for Businesses: A Complete Compliance Guide

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a critical aspect of electrical safety management in UK workplaces. Though the term “PAT testing” is not explicitly mandated in legislation, the relevant safety regulations require all electrical equipment to be maintained in a safe condition. This guide covers legal obligations, recommended practices, and compliance strategies for businesses.

Legal Framework: What the Law Actually Requires

While no legislation mandates PAT testing by name, several key regulations underline the responsibility to maintain electrical safety:

• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 obliges employers to ensure electrical systems and appliances do not pose a danger.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a general duty on employers to secure the health, safety, and welfare of employees.
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires equipment provided for work to be suitable and maintained in a safe condition.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 obliges employers to perform risk assessments and implement preventive measures.

PAT testing is an established method for demonstrating compliance with these duties through systematic electrical inspection and testing.

Common Misconceptions

• There is no legal requirement to label appliances post-testing or to retain test records.
• PAT testing is not always mandatory; low-risk environments may rely on visual inspections.
• Any competent person may carry out PAT testing, not necessarily a qualified electrician.

Recommended PAT Testing Frequency

Frequency is determined by risk, not legislation:

• High-risk environments (construction sites, public areas): inspections every 3–6 months.
• Office and low-risk commercial settings: PAT inspections typically conducted annually or bi-annually.
• Frequency must be decided through risk assessment and may vary based on appliance type, use, and environment.

Equipment, Testing Process, and Records

A standard PAT regime includes:

1. User checks and visual inspections for obvious damage using the HSE guidance.
2. Formal visual inspection identifying less visible faults.
3. Electrical safety tests using certified PAT testers, covering insulation, earth continuity, polarity.

Common appliances tested include office equipment, power tools, kitchen appliances, extension leads, and mobile devices.

Although record-keeping and labelling are not legally required across the entire UK, they are considered best practice and may be compulsory in Scotland under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014.

Who Should Conduct PAT Testing?

Anyone deemed “competent” by virtue of training and experience may perform PAT testing. Common qualifications include City & Guilds 2377-22 or similar nationally recognized certificates. Employers may also train staff members to conduct visual checks and simple tests.

Compliance and Insurance Implications

Though not legally mandated, regular PAT ensures:

• Compliance with regulatory electrical safety obligations.
• Protection against fire and electric-shock incidents.
• Reduction in liability, strengthening insurance validity as most insurers expect reasonable preventive measures.

PAT in Practice: Recommended Frequencies by Environment

• Information Technology & Office Appliances: annual or biennial testing, based on use.
• High-use environments (e.g., construction, kitchens): minimum every 6–12 months.
• Landlord properties: strongly advised and legally mandated in Scotland; recommended in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland .
• Education, healthcare, hospitality: frequent testing (6–12 months) due to high public use.

Recommendations for Businesses

• Conduct a written electrical risk assessment to define testing frequency.
• Employ or train a competent PAT tester; ideally one with recognised certification.
• Use PAT testing as part of a documented maintenance programme.
• Create and maintain a PAT register with appliance details, test dates, outcomes, and next test dates.
• Retain records for at least two years, or in Scotland, up to six years.
• Use labelled appliances to communicate test status and retest timelines.

Summary Table: Key PAT Testing Facts

Conclusion

PAT testing is not a direct legal requirement but is the recognised method of meeting legally binding obligations for electrical safety under UK legislation. Organisations should apply risk-based testing schedules, appoint qualified testers, and maintain accessible records to demonstrate compliance, support insurance, and ensure workplace safety.

Choose Property Checks for Reliable PAT Testing

Property Checks provides professional PAT (EET) services, including risk assessments, appliance testing, labelling and digital record management. We deploy trained and certified testers across office, retail, industrial, and landlord sectors.

Contact us today to arrange a PAT regime tailored to your risk profile and operational needs.