PAT testing is not, in itself, a legal obligation. However, UK legislation states that businesses must maintain electrical equipment in a safe manner and protect employees and the public from electrical accidents. For example, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 4(2) states ‘as may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger’. Similarly, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty of care upon employers and employees to ensure the safety of all persons using work premises. PAT testing is regarded as the most effective way of meeting these legal obligations and shows you have an effective maintenance regime in place.
Insurance companies often stipulate PAT testing as a requirement under the terms of the policy which, if not upheld, may result in an unsuccessful claim.

The employer is responsible for ensuring the safety of electrical appliances. A duty holder (manager, director, owner etc) is responsible for ensuring a ‘competent person’ is assigned to keep the company compliant. Remember – EVERYONE has a responsibility and role to play in ensuring the safe use and maintenance of electrical equipment!

We use 4th Edition ‘Pass’ stickers which do not show a ‘next test due date’. These new stickers place responsibility on the duty holder to ensure the company remains compliant. However, we provide retest reminders well in advance of your current certificate expiry date.

The penalties for a business not meeting its electrical appliance safety obligations can be as high as 2 years imprisonment and unlimited fines. This will depend on the severity of the situation.

All electrical equipment that connects to the fixed electrical wiring should be subject to a maintenance regime, including fixed appliances.

The term ‘portable’ can be misleading resulting in a common belief that only portable appliances require testing. PAT Testing, also known as Electrical Equipment Testing, involves the maintenance of ALL electrical equipment.

We can test any electrical item with a UK 3-pin plug, commando plug (110v/230v/415v – 16A/32A/63A) and a wide variety of other plugs including 2A/5A/15A circular pin, GST-18, IEC C5/C6/C13/C14/C15/C16/C19/C20, PowerCON, Schuko, Euro etc. We can also test fixed electrical appliances e.g. wall heaters and hand dryers and we always use a voltage indicator and proving unit as well as a lockout kit to safely isolate the power.

New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and not require electrical testing. However, a visual check is recommended at the very least to check the item is not damaged.

Electrical items are manufactured all around the world and a percentage of items will be ‘batch tested’. These items are then shipped using varies modes of transport before they reach the customer.

With this is mind, it is strongly recommended to test all new items as damage could occur during transportation. Insurance companies may also stipulate that new electrical items are tested as well as any new items brought onto the premises.

Appliances are either Class 1, Class 2, Class 2 FE (Functional Earth) or Class 3. Class 1 appliances are the most dangerous, Class 3 are the least dangerous and each class will require its own specific set of tests.

Class 1:
These appliances require a full PAT test including ‘Earth Continuity’ and ‘Insulation Resistance’. Class 1 appliances offer basic insulation and protection via an earth cable between the earth pin and appliance casing. An example of a class 1 appliance is a kettle.

Class 2:
These appliances require an ‘Insulation Resistance’ test. Class 2 appliances offer basic and supplementary insulation and are therefore safer than Class 1 appliances. An example of a class 2 appliance is a bedside lamp.

Class 2 FE:
These appliances offer basic and supplementary insulation, just like class 2 appliances, but have an earth for functional purposes. Class 2 FE appliances require an ‘Insulation Resistance’ test and an example is a laptop power supply.

Class 3:
These appliances do not require a PAT test however, the appliance charger may require one. Class 3 appliances are low voltage and therefore the safest. An example of a class 3 appliance is a torch.

There are no laws that state how often equipment should be assessed for electrical safety, only that it should be carried out if danger could arise from a lack of maintenance.
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The frequency of inspection and testing will vary for different equipment, workplaces and users. It is important to remember there may be requirements specified by insurance companies, many of which stipulate it should be carried out annually. Failure to comply with their terms could result in an unsuccessful claim.
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To comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations a risk assessment should be carried out to evaluate the frequencies between inspection and testing. The dutyholder is responsible for producing this and should include an assessment for each class.

If an appliance fails its PAT test at the visual inspection we will replace the fuse, 3 pin plug or re-wire it if that is the cause of failure. If the appliance is physically damaged beyond repair, or not compliant to British Standards, a red ‘failed’ label with be applied and it will be removed from service immediately, logged and handed over to the duty holder. The appliance may be repaired by an electrician or the manufacturer if the duty holder wishes but it should be PAT tested again after this is completed.

If an appliance passes a visual check but fails an electrical test the same process as outlined above will be followed.

We will provide you with 2 documents after PAT testing your appliances and always do this the same day:
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1. A full inventory of your electrical items including unique information e.g. serial numbers, item locations and visual/electrical test results.
2. PAT testing compliance certificate. We also include the serial number of the PAT testing machine to trace its calibration history should it be required.

NOTE: Serial numbers, where available, and electrical test results are an important part of your documentation. Serial numbers help locate the precise appliance, especially if there is more than one of the same product and they are moved around. Electrical test results provide a history of each appliance, helps to identify gradual deterioration, allows you to make a more informed procurement and maintenance scheme and is crucial in the event of any legal issues! A simple ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ is NOT sufficient. A good PAT testing company will provide all of this!

Class A – fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles
Class B – fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or paint
Class C – fires involving gases
Class D – fires involving metals such as potassium or magnesium
Class E – fires involving live electrical apparatus*
Class F – fires involving cooking oils such as in deep-fat fryers

* Class E has been discontinued, but covered fires involving electrical appliances. This is no longer used on the basis that, when the power supply is turned off, an electrical fire can fall into any of the remaining five categories.

Annual servicing of fire extinguishers ensures they are safe to use and will operate as expected in an emergency. During the service we carry out the following on every extinguisher:

• A thorough visual inspection of the equipment to ensure all writing and pictograms are legible and there are no signs of corrosion, physical damage, missing components or misuse.
• Check the positioning of the equipment to ensure it is in the correct location, is the correct type for the risk(s) and the correct signage is being displayed.
• Check the service label for the type of service due (if an extended service or overhaul is due the extinguishers will be replaced with new units and commissioned).
• Weigh the extinguisher to ensure any loss of contents is within the allowable limit.
• Remove the hose or horn checking for any blockages or damage to the hose, ferrules, nozzle and threads. The valve is also checked for any damage around the thread, agent discharge or blockages.
• Test the pressure gauge to ensure it is operating correctly and the extinguisher is not under or over pressurised. A protective ‘gauge dot’ is placed over the hole on the pressure gauge indicating it has been tested and to prevent any ingress of water or dirt.
• Remove the pin, check the carry handle and lever for any obstructions, clean around the area then refit the pin.
• Fit an anti-tamper tag through the pin and around the handle.
• Fill out the service label and wipe down the extinguisher.
• Ensure the mounting bracket or stand is secure and free from damage before placing the extinguisher back in its place.

Fire blankets are also a crucial piece of firefighting equipment and these should also be inspected, as follows:

• The location of the blanket and signage is checked to ensure these are correct.
• The blanket is removed from its casing, fully opened to check it is the correct size as stated on the casing and that it is free from damage or misuse.
• The blanket is folded back up and placed back into the casing.
• The service labelled is filled out accordingly.

If an issue is found with a fire extinguisher during servicing then one of two labels will be applied to it, depending on the issue.

If required parts are not available at the time of service then a ‘Corrective Action Required’ sticker is applied to the extinguisher. If a major defect is found, such as corrosion, pitting or UV damage etc, a ‘Condemned’ sticker will be applied to the extinguisher. In both cases, the extinguisher should be made safe and removed from service until rectified.

We carry a wide range of parts and replacement extinguishers so any remedial actions and replacements are usually possible at the time of servicing. If not, then we will prioritise rectifying the issue and return to site as soon as possible.

The British Standard for fire extinguishers, BS5306-3, states the maintenance intervals for each type of fire extinguisher and that a basic service should be carried out once yearly (-/+ 1 month).

Water-based extinguishers such as Water, Foam and Wet Chemical, plus Powder extinguishers, should undergo an extended service every 5 years. High pressure extinguishers, such as primary sealed Powder and CO2, should undergo an extended service/overhaul every 10 years.

The British Standard for fire extinguishers states “It is the duty of the responsible person to ensure that extinguishers are maintained regularly by a competent person. Portable fire extinguishers are regarded as “life safety equipment” and a planned system of maintenance is intended to ensure that the equipment is:

• in an efficient working state (safe);
• in working order (reliable);
• in good repair (efficient);
• suitable for the hazard (fit for purpose).”

BS 5306-3 also states that “visual inspections should be carried out [by the Responsible Person] at least once a month. When circumstances require, inspections should be carried out more frequently.” We can provide you with a checklist to help with this and all inspections should be recorded in your Fire Log Book.

When your service has been completed you will be issued with a ‘Site Service Report’ detailing all works and remedial actions carried out as well as all parts used. Your Fire Log Book should then be signed by us to show the service has been completed.

Further documentation will then be sent to you including a ‘Fire Extinguisher Servicing Certificate’ and an asset list showing the types, locations and status of your extinguishers.