]Portable Appliance Testing In The Midlands
Midlands Portable Appliance Testing are based at West Hallam, near Derby and convenient for Chesterfield, Mansfield and Nottingham.
What Is Portable Appliance Testing
Portable Appliance Testing (also known as PAT Testing) is a standard process used to ensure that electrical appliances are safe.
Is It A Legal Requirement?
Although Portable Appliance Testing is not a legal requirement in itself, it plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly the Electricity at Work regulations 1989. The regulation requires that electrical equipment which has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition.
What Does PAT Testing Involve?
PAT Testing involves the inspection and testing of electrical appliances and equipment to identify defects. This is a two step process to detect any issues that might pose a safety risk to users.
- A visual inspection for obvious signs of damage such as frayed wires or cracked plugs.
- Electrical testing using specialised Portable Appliance Testing equipment (as pictured).
After testing, appliances that have passed will be labelled with a sticker indicating the test date, the next recommended test date, and the tester’s initials. Items which have failed should be removed from use immediately and either repaired or disposed of safely.
We cover a wide range of locations across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire including Alfreton, Arnold, Beeston, Belper, Bingham, Bolsover, Carlton, Chesterfield, Clay Cross, Clifton, Derby, Eastwood, Eckington, Heanor, Hucknall, Ilkeston, Kimberley, Kirkby in Ashfield, Long Eaton, Mansfield, Market Warsop, Newark, Nottingham, Ollerton, Rainworth, Ripley, Sandiacre, Selston, Shirebrook, South Normanton, Stapleford, Sutton in Ashfield, West Bridgford, West Hallam and Worksop.
For Businesses
Whilst Portable Appliance Testing is not a specific legal requirement in the UK, businesses do have a legal obligation to ensure that their electrical equipment is safe and correctly maintained.
The Health and Safety Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees (and anyone else affected by their work activities.
And The Provision of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require that equipment provided for use at work must be suitable, maintained and inspected to ensure safety.
PAT Testing is an effective method of demonstrating compliance with the above regulations.
For Landlords
Landlords have a legal duty to ensure that all electrical installations and appliances they provide are safe at the start of a tenancy and remain safe throughout.
This is covered by The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, The Housing Act 2004, The Landlord Tenant Act 1985 and The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
PAT Testing can help landlords to
- Meet their duty of care to tenants under health and safety laws
- Demonstrate compliance with regulations in the event of an incident or inspection
- Protect themselves legally and financially if an appliance causes harm or damage