Overview
The Electricity at Work Regulation (1998), is the UK regulation for individuals and organisations who own, operate or have control over electrical appliances. It falls under the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974 and it’s in place to ensure all electrical equipment is suitable and safe for use.
PAT inspection is a recognised method of complying with Electricity at Work Regulation and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations for regular inspection. Our inspectors are fully qualified and trained to deliver Portable Appliance Testing to the highest standard at specified intervals, helping your business document appropriate compliance in line with Electricity at Work and PUWER regulations.
Who has obligations under PAT regulations?
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, it is the employer’s legal responsibility to provide a safe working environment and safe plant and equipment; electrical appliances for use at work fall under this requirement.
If you are an ‘employer or self-employed person providing electrical equipment for use at work’ or if ‘you have control of building’ then the Electricity at Work regulations apply. If you fall under either of these categories, you are classed as a ‘duty holder’. It is, therefore, your responsibility to ensure that all portable electrical appliances meet the requirements of PAT.
The Electricity at Work regulations aim to reduce risk to people’s health and safety from electrical equipment provided for use at work. In addition to the requirements of PAT, electrical equipment is also subject to the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Although there are no legal requirements to carry out PAT, it is the generally accepted method to meet the requirements of maintenance for such equipment.
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When does PAT apply?
PAT applies throughout Great Britain whenever the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974, The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998 is in force. Although PAT testing is not a regulation itself, it should be applied to all electrical equipment to reduce the risk of harm.
What items fall under PAT?
A Portable Appliances Testing inspection should be completed on all electrical that are connected or can be connected to a fixed electrical installation.
What does a PAT test involve?
PAT is an inspection process of electrical appliances through safety electronic tests and visual inspections. The aim of a PAT is to establish safety and suitability of your electrical appliances. PAT should always be carried out by a qualified engineer. After successful inspection of the equipment, an MIS engineer will then certify that the appliance has passed PAT. PAT should be repeated at defined intervals suitable to your electrical appliances and their operation.
Services provided by Merit Inspection Services
Merit Inspection Services provides inspection services for all types of equipment and machinery to meet LOLER, PUWER, Trailer Brake Testing, Portable Application Testing (PAT) and Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) requirements.
Free advice by phone
No-obligation quote for identified inspection requirements
Inspection service contract and schedule
Inspections by competent, professional engineers by appointment
Feedback if any serious defect is identified and review of any queries arising from inspection before end of visit
Online, hardcopy and digital report on completed inspections
Certification of equipment and machinery upon successfully passing the inspection
Ongoing management of all inspection schedules, providing timely and thorough reinspection, and ensuring that you maintain legal compliance at all times