PAT testing legal requirements

pat testing legal requirementsPAT testing legal requirements for all employers and self employed people are intended to make sure that your equipment is safe for everyone to use.

The best way to do this is to inspect and test it on a regular basis. This is why there is an expectation that testing will be carried out.

For more information about how PAT testing legal requirements should drive your Health & Safety and maintenance programme, please contact us and one of our experts will be happy to help you avoid any legal liability.

The legislation relevant to electrical maintenance is as follows:

  • The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
  • The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989,
  • The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
  • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

We can provide further information on any compliance aspect of these regulations on request.

Required testing requirements

In particular the PAT testing legal requirements relating to the Electricity at Work regulations require people of responsibiltity to conduct the following as a minimum:

  1. Ensure that in-service inspections are carried out. These should include: user checks, formal visual inspections, combined inspections and tests.
  2. Perform relevant maintenance or replace equipment if defective and not repairable.
  3. Keep up to date records as a means of showing compliance and keeping a usable database. (although these are not a legal requirement, they are generally recommended as a management tool)

If you require any further information on any aspect of PAT testing legal requirements to comply with relevant safety legislation, please do not hesitiate to contact us. We have a wealth of experience in helping busineeses to ensure the safety of their staff and customers and we will be happy to give you any help you may require.

We look forward to being of assistance.