What is PAT?
Portable appliance testing is abbreviated as PAT. The correct term for the whole process is “In-service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment” (as defined by IET/IEE and City and Guilds).
Health & safety regulations require that electrical appliances are safe and maintained to prevent harm to workers. Many equipment manufacturers recommend testing at regular intervals to ensure continual safety; the interval between tests depending on both the type of appliance and the environment in which it is to be used, annual testing is recommended especially in rented accommodation. The European Low Voltage Directive governs the manufacture or importation of electrical appliances. Compliance to this has to be declared and indicated by the display of the CE mark on the product. The responsibility for this lies with the manufacturer or the importer and is policed by Trading Standards.
We at First Gas Services offer Portable Appliance Testing to landlords, letting agents and businesses who need to comply with the Health and Safety act 1974 or for anyone just wanting to check that their appliances are safe.
We have our own fully qualified PAT Testers who are able to complete Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to the highest standard, leaving you with a test sheet recording your results and printed labels on your appliances.
All Landlords who let their property as a business activity are required by law to ensure the equipment they supply with the tenancy is safe.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 requires that all mains electrical equipment including white goods, cookers, toasters, etc. provided in rental accommodation regardless whether they are new or second hand must be safe.
We strongly advise that the Portable Appliance Test is conducted BEFORE the start of any new let or lease. This is the only way you can be certain that all appliances are safe. Landlords, Letting Agents and Businesses who need to comply with The Health & Safety Act (1974) all will have to have a record of all this information.
We have our own fully qualified PAT Testers and competent engineers who are able to complete Portable Appliance Testing to the highest standard.
A Portable Appliance Test is an essential part of any businesses Health & Safety Policy. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (POWER) requires, ALL employers in the UK to ensure that work equipment is both safe and fit for purpose. For this to be achieved a Portable Appliance Test must be carried out. Without having your property or business PAT tested your insurance may become invalid.