As specialists across a range of services including air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and energy, at Airkool, we are regularly asked by our customers about the different industry requirements and what they mean for their business.
So, we’ve created this blog to answer any questions around a recurring customer question on ‘What is Commercial PAT testing’ and its importance for your business.
What is Commercial PAT testing?
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Commercial PAT testing is essential for businesses and organisations to comply with health and safety regulations and ensure the well-being of employees and visitors.
It is crucial to hire qualified and competent individuals or service providers to carry out PAT testing to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the process. Airkool is the leading electrical contractor in Hull, with an extensive, specialist in-house team of electrical engineers who can carry out commercial electrical requirements such as this testing.
What needs PAT testing?
The requirement for commercial PAT testing can depend on the appliance, where it’s located and its intended use, however, as an overall guide you will need PAT testing on any equipment that uses a flexible cable or plug and socket.
Below are some examples of the types of appliances that require testing:
Office Equipment – There are multiple appliances within an office which will need regular PAT testing, including:
- Computers and monitors
- Printers and photocopiers
- Fax machines
- Scanners
- Telephones and chargers
- Power cables and extension leads
Kitchen Appliances – An area of appliances that doesn’t usually strike business owners to check are kitchen appliances. However, there are multiple appliances that require PAT testing in a commercial kitchen including:
- Electric kettles
- Microwaves
- Toasters
- Coffee machines
- Refrigerators and freezers
Power Tools and Machinery – For industrial and construction environments, any handheld power tools or machinery will need testing, including:
- Power tools such as drills
- Saws
- Welding equipment
- Heavy machinery
What are the PAT testing legal requirements for businesses?
PAT testing in itself is not a legal requirement. However, in the UK, it is a legal requirement that a business’s electrical equipment must be maintained in a safe condition. Therefore, PAT testing is one of the most effective ways to ensure the safety of electrical equipment, and so it has become one of the most common methods to meet the requirement.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. PAT tests will allow you to comply with this UK legal requirement as this shows you are maintaining your electrical equipment in a safe condition. If legal requirements are not complied with, the consequences can be as big as up to 2 years in prison and unlimited fines.
How frequently do you need to PAT test?
The frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. For example, a lamp does not need testing as frequently as a regularly used power tool. The power tool is more likely to be a safety hazard and so needs testing more frequently. As a recommendation, most equipment should be tested at least once a year, some more regularly. It is best to speak to a specialist to find out exact recommendations.
As a Hull-based leading electrical company, we have a large number of electrical contractors across the country to support businesses with any commercial electrical requirements.
Our team of skilled electrical engineers have experience in providing electrical support across a wide range of sectors, from retail and hospitality to warehousing and commercial buildings such as office spaces.
Simply contact our specialist engineers today or request a quote to ensure your business is up to date with testing and regulations.
