Is PAT Testing compulsory?
PAT Testing itself is not compulsory, however, ensuring that your electrical appliances are safe is compulsory and the recognised way of doing this is through In-service Inspection and Testing (more commonly known as PAT Testing). PAT Testing is a statutoryrequirement and many insurance companies require the insured to comply with all current regulations. This includes the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which state that “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger” (Regulation 4(2)). “Electrical equipment includes anything used, intended to be used or installed for use, to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, measure or use electrical energy.” (Regulation 2(1)). The responsibility on the employer to ensure work equipment is safe is also covered by The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. This states that “Every empl
