• Pat Testing Record Form
• Pat Testing Record Sheet
• Pat Test Record Sheet Pdf Download
• Printable Pat Testing Record Sheet Pdf

• PAT Testing Paperwork Whilst PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing) isn’t a legal requirement, you do have a legal responsibility to ensure your premises are safe for your staff, visitors and customers. If you choose to carry out PAT Testing, or have it completed by an external company (PAT company, electrician etc), it is good practice to record the results – whether good or bad – to.
• PAT Testing Frequency There are no set statutory periods for formal visual inspection and test. The maintenance regime should be appropriate to the environment and duty for which the equipment is used. Electrical testing in a low-risk area e.g. In an office would be less frequent than in, say, a.

Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defect can only be found by testing. However, it is essential to understand that visual examination is an essential part of the process because some types of electrical safety defect can't be detected by testing. 2 Pocket guide to PAT testing Forward Following the publication of the Lofstedt report, back in November 2011, it was deemed necessary to look at the burden placed upon businesses due to a legislative over-compliance placed upon them – with a key issue being confusion over Portable Appliance Testing.

There are many common myths about portable appliance testing (PAT) - find out the key facts about the inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment here.

What is portable appliance testing?

Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defect can only be found by testing. However, it is essential to understand that visual examination is an essential part of the process because some types of electrical safety defect can't be detected by testing alone.

A relatively brief user check (based upon simple training and perhaps assisted by the use of a brief checklist) can be a very useful part of any electrical maintenance regime. However, more formal visual inspection and testing by a competent person may also be required at appropriate intervals, depending upon the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used

I've been told that, by law, I must have my portable electrical appliances tested every year. Is this correct?

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. However, the Regulations do not specify what needs to be done, by whom or how frequently (ie they don't make inspection or testing of electrical appliances a legal requirement, nor do they make it a legal requirement to undertake this annually).

How frequently do I need to test my electrical appliances?

The frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. For example, a power tool used on a construction site should be examined more frequently than a lamp in a hotel bedroom. For guidance on suggested frequencies of inspection and testing, see: Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment.

Do I need to keep records of testing and should I label any appliances tested?

There is no legal requirement to label equipment that has been inspected or tested, nor is there a requirement to keep records of these activities. However, a record and / or labelling can be a useful management tool for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the maintenance scheme – and to demonstrate that a scheme exists.

Do I need to test new equipment?

New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and not require a formal portable appliance inspection or test. However, a simple visual check is recommended to verify the item is not damaged.

I have been told that I have to get an electrician to do portable appliance testing work. Is that correct?

The person doing testing work needs to competent to do it. In many low-risk environments, a sensible (competent) member of staff can undertake visual inspections if they have enough knowledge and training. However, when undertaking combined inspection and testing, a greater level of knowledge and experience is needed, and the person will need:

• the right equipment to do the tests
• the ability to use this test equipment properly
• the ability to properly understand the test results

Where can I get more information about maintaining portable appliances used in different environments?

Information is also available in: Work using electrically powered equipment.

I run a tool hire business? What do I need to do and are there additional responsibilities for the person hiring my tools?

It is strongly recommended that equipment suppliers formally inspect and test the equipment before each hire, in order to ensure it is safe to use. The person hiring the equipment should also take appropriate steps to ensure it remains safe to use throughout the hire period. The question 'What is portable appliance testing?' above gives guidance on what this will entail.

Are there are any case studies about portable appliance testing?

A high street travel agent's approach to PAT

A high street travel agency thought about what it needed to do to maintain its portable electrical equipment. As their work generally included office work and dealing with customers the manager considered that health and safety risks would be generally low. The portable electrical equipment was used in a clean and dry shop by a small number of employees. In deciding what action was needed:

• the manager thought about the type of portable equipment that was used in their shop and the level of risk that it might create;
• she looked for electrical equipment in the shop and found that there were a number of computers, a fax, two printers and a vacuum cleaner;
• she then thought about the likelihood that the items could become damaged:
  • Computers, printers and faxes were not moved around much and were positioned so that the cables could not become trapped, so the probability that items might be damaged was extremely low. The manager decided that they would be maintained by a visual inspection every 5 years.
  • The vacuum cleaner was heavily used. The manager remembered that the cable was repaired 6 months ago by an electrician as it had been pulled out of the cable grip, so she knew that in future it would need to be looked at more often. It was decided that the vacuum should have a visual inspection every 6 months and that employees would be encouraged to look for signs of damage to the plug and cable before plugging it in.
• The manager kept a note of the checks in her diary to remind herself to re-inspect the equipment.
• Only the vacuum cleaner was thought to present a high risk, so the manager decided to get this tested after twelve months and review this after 24 months.
• None of the remaining equipment in use was thought to present a high risk, so the manager decided that full portable appliance testing was not needed for these items.

Key Points:

• Portable electrical equipment must be maintained to prevent danger.
• For most portable electrical equipment in a low-risk workplace, a portable appliance test is not needed.
• Working out what you have to do is not time consuming or complicated.
• Simply looking for signs of damage is a good way of Maintaining portable electric equipment.

HSE's approach to maintaining portable appliances in its own offices

In 2011, the HSE reviewed its approach to portable appliance maintenance in its own offices. Thinking about the type of equipment in use, and how it was used, the HSE looked back at the results from its annual testing of portable appliances across its estate over the last five years. Using the results of the previous tests, the HSE decided that further portable appliance tests are not needed within the foreseeable future or at all for certain types of portable equipment. Also, they decided to continue to monitor any faults reported as a result of user checks and visual inspections and review its maintenance system if evidence suggests that it needs revising. Electrical equipment will continue to be maintained by a series of user checks and visual inspections by staff that have had some training.

Key Points:

• Annual portable appliance testing is not always necessary in low risk environments
• You do not need to be an electrician to carry out visual inspections
• Low cost user checks and visual inspections are a good method of Maintaining portable electric equipment

Is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) compulsory?

No. The law simply requires an employer to ensure that their electrical equipment is maintained in order to prevent danger. It does not say how this should be done or how often. Employers should take a risk-based approach, considering the type of equipment and what it is being used for. If it is used regularly and moved a lot eg a floor cleaner or a kettle, testing (along with visual checks) can be an important part of an effective maintenance regime giving employers confidence that they are doing what is necessary to help them meet their legal duties. HSE provides guidance on how to maintain equipment including the use of PAT.

Resources

See also

Related content

• ESQCR incidents

A responsible person needs to be identified as the person that will carry out PAT Testing. The first thing to do is to carry out a risk assessment. You need to do the following:

1. Identify what Hazards there are?
2. Establish who could be harmed?
3. Determine what you need to do?
4. Make recommendations?
5. Keep records.

Who can PAT Test?

Any competent person can do the PAT Testing. To find out exactly what is involved and how to do it, do our free online pat testing course www.onlinepattestingcourse.co.uk It makes sense for all your staff to do the course as they need to be looking for signs of damage before using equipment. The PAT Test is just a moment in time, with equipment being used day in day out, damage can occur at any time.

What equipment do you need?

You need to have a straightforward Pass / Fail PAT Tester which is calibrated. All PAT Testers need annual calibration. Always ensure you have a valid calibration certificate prior to starting any PAT Testing. You can the range of PAT Testing we sell here kits here: Browse Kits

What appliances do you need to test?

You will need to consider what types of appliances you have:

• Portable appliances
• Movable or transportable appliances
• Hand held appliance
• Stationary appliances
• Extension leads

Please note: we don’t recommend testing fixed appliances. These are appliances are wired directly into the wall and are not really suitable for testing with a PB500 without specialised training and equipment. It is best to contact an electrician for this.

What records do you need to keep?

You need to keep records to show your insurer and potentially the HSE (and any other interested parties) that you have a program for inspecting and maintaining portable electrical appliances. You can do this manually on paper, in a folder such as the one supplied by Parker Bell. Or you can keep it on a spread sheet. Just choose a method that suits you. Note: Remember to ensure the records are fire proof! If the worst happens and you have a fire, make sure your files are backed up (if electronic) or stored in a safe (if paper).

Equipment Register: On these records keep all of the relevant information about the appliance such as:

• The appliance ID; this is the unique ID reference you assign to each appliance.
• Description; what the appliance is e.g. kettle
• What Class of appliance it is.
• Location; where the appliance is usually located.
• Serial Number; this can help where you have several of the same appliances.

Portable Appliance Test Report: On these records keep all the relevant information relating to the PAT Test itself

• Appliance ID (as above)
• Description (as above)
• Class; class of the appliance
• Location; where the appliance is used / kept.
• Date tested
• Visual inspection checklist; Plug, watts, fuse, socket, cord/lead, body.
• PAT Test outcome
• PAT Tester readings if you have a newer PB500 or the Primetest 100.
• Safe to use Yes or No

The procedure for Pass and Fail should be documented so that it is consistently adhered to and understood by all staff. For example for failed appliances are they labelled FAIL or are they immediately disposed of in such a way that they cannot be mistakenly used.

What is the Class?

When carrying out your risk assessment it will help to understand the Class of the appliance. All portable electrical appliances will be Class I, Class II or a lead/cord. The PAT Tester will need to know this when they start testing. It is usually identified as part of the visual inspection. For the Risk assessment you will need to makes decisions such as does this lead need to be tested separately or as part of the appliance. So if you know that one lead is used for different appliances, it needs to be tested as an appliance in its own right. If you have a kettle with a separate lead, that is never separated – you may choose just to identify that as a single appliance.

How often should PAT Testing being carried out?

Pat Testing Record Form

You need to determine the frequency for PAT Testing so factor in everything that contributes to risk:

• Type of appliance; is it used with water? Does it have a long trailing lead? Or is it stationary in the corner of a quiet office?
• Condition of the appliance; is it new or on its last legs?
• Who the user is; is it a member of the public who is untrained or a trained skilled member of staff
• Where it is used; a busy dirty workshop or a clean tidy office
• How often it’s used
• Any external factors; is it used outside in all weathers? What kind of business are you? If you are a carpenter working on a construction site, you must PAT test your appliances every 3 months. Are you a small office? Then you may decide to PAT Test annually or even bi-annually if you feel you are sufficiently low risk.

Your PAT Testing Risk Assessment might look like this:

When developing your risk assessment, make sure that you tailor it to your business. So if you have a Warehouse for example, areas that aren’t applicable to office appliances or workers; may apply to warehouse appliances or staff. Make sure you add any information that shows you have considered the impact on your business.

It is essential that you develop your Risk Assessment in line with the guidelines issued by your company. You must also factor in an specific considerations applicable to your industry or trade. It makes sense to spend some time looking at the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) website before starting; Risk Assessments & the HSE

Pat Testing Record Sheet

Additional Reading & Guidance

Pat Test Record Sheet Pdf Download

Depending on your business, it may make sense to purchase the IEE ET 4TH Edition Code of Practice for PAT Testing (In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment) This has very detailed and specific advice for people responsible for PAT Testing.

If you working in a low risk environment, such as Care Homes, Hotels, Holiday Parks, Universities, Vets, Doctors, Dentists, Vets, Shops, Construction workers, Charities and many more; you can use the free guide provided by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg236.pdf

Printable Pat Testing Record Sheet Pdf

Both of these publications provide excellent information, but ultimately you need to develop a PAT Testing Risk Assessment for your business.