There is no strict legal requirement. However, The Government has put in place regulations pertaining to Electrical maintenance. By far the most effective way to adhere to these regulations is to perform PAT testing.
The UK Health and Safety Executive and insurance companies will expect PAT testing to be performed to ensure compliance with regulations; those being:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974;
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999;
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 4(2) and 2(1);
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 4(1);
Non-compliance with these regulations can result in a fine up to £5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. The general duties of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, has seen fines of up to £20,000 introduced in 1992. Moreover, offences heard in the Crown Court can carry up to 2 years imprisonment and unlimited financial penalties.
Tags: "Health and Safety", Fines, Government, Guidelines, Law, Legal, PAT, Penalty, Prison, Regulation, Work
Hi, can you clarify a point please? I understand that PAT testing is not compulsory, but i gather that by having it done i am therefore meeting certain regulations pertaining to maintenance and safety?
That is correct. Although PAT Testing itself is not compulsory, Abiding by the law and H & S regulations is and the best and easiest way to do that is to perfrom PAT Testing.
My insurers have requested to see some PAT documents. I have not had testing done yet, do the documents you provide show all the information that my insurers will need to see?
Thanks
Absolutely ! A pass and fail register and an appliance register list all the items that are tested and show which tests have been performed.
Hi – can you clarify whether it is compulsary for Self Catering properties to have a PAT test – if so how often – or is it ‘best practice’.
Many thanks – David
It is not compulsary, but it may be required by booking agents, insurance companies and if the H.S.E. wished to inspect and audit then they too would require it. In such places as self catering properties that are used frequently by members of the public then, for your own peace of mind at least, you should PAT annually,
Jamie
It is not compulsary but may be required by booking agents, insurance companies and if the H.S.E wished to inspect and audit then they too would require it. In such places as self catering properties you should, for your peace of mind at least, PAT annually,
Jamie
We have had P.A.T. done for the last 4 years by the same company at the voluntary organisation I work for. At this last one they found, and charged, for 15 extra items than they had ever done before. We have not added any new electrical items to our office. Could you please tell me if the requirements have changed to cover previously exempt items, i.e. extention leads etc.
Hi Julia,
Thanks for your question. I will email you,
Jamie
The lack of concrete guidelines is a problem for businesses. Yes, the law states they have a responsibility but what does that mean? I really believe there should be stricter rules regarding PAT testing so businesses know exactly where they stand and how often appliances should be tested.
Hi Andrew,
It looks like the H & S E are revising, simplfying and clarifying PAT regulations and reccomendations this year
Jamie