What does the law say about PAT testing?
The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) and the Health and Safety at Work Act set out what is required by employers, to ensure a safe system of work and an inspection, testing and maintenance regime for all portable appliances. Dispel the myth! However, the Health and Safety Executive does not require that testing is carried out by a qualified electrician. This is an important factor when budgeting for Health and Safety compliance. An average small business with, for example, 300 electrical items could incur costs of over £1000 if this were to be contracted out. However, by purchasing a PAT tester for around £250 and having a firm understanding of the requirements, a comprehensive in-house safety strategy can be put in place. This will produce immediate and significant cost savings for your business. How easy is it to test in-house? By incorporating a few simple procedures businesses can very quickly ensure the safety and maintenance of electrical appliances. It is estimated that 95
