PAT testing is one of the easiest ways to get rid of the risk of accidents caused by electrical equipment in your workplace. Every business has to keep up with the rules and make sure all electrical equipment is in good working condition. The EOR 1989 doesn’t tell you exactly what you need to do to achieve this, but PAT testing is a surefire way to give yourself peace of mind.
What is PAT testing?
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) is the name given to the process of testing your electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to use in your home or office. In most cases, product faults can be seen and identified visually, but in some cases, additional physical testing is necessary to detect breakages caused by defective electrical goods.
Visual and physical testing are both essential for the examination process. Some types of defects can’t be identified by just one type of test and require testing by an electrical expert who has the necessary experience and expertise to identify what could potentially be dangerous electrical appliances faults.
Benefits of PAT testing
By performing regular PAT testing, you can significantly reduce your risk of electrocution and fire caused by electrical appliances. While there is no guarantee that an accident will occur in the workplace, a PAT test will significantly reduce your chances of an accident and protect your employees from potential life-threatening injuries. How many people in your workplace use a kettle on a daily basis? If that kettle breaks down and the fault is not recorded, the risk of an accident is high.
A regular PAT testing will also help you meet a range of UK work safety requirements. While your employees’ safety should always be your top priority, you’ll also want to ensure that your business adheres to a long list of rules and regulations that could lead to legal action if you don’t.
If you keep your electrical equipment in top shape and make sure your workplace is safe, your insurance company will be more likely to give you the green light. Some insurance companies will require you to meet really strict health and safety standards, which usually includes regular PAT testing.
Another perk is that you can easily spot any problems with your electrical appliances. If something goes wrong with any of your equipment you use every day, you can get it fixed right away, rather than having to go through the hassle of finding the problem yourself and having the faulty equipment stop you in your tracks.
That apart it also helps with insurance. Insurance companies want you to follow Health and Safety rules. If you don’t keep your electrical appliances in good condition and can’t prove they’re safe, your insurer might think your policy isn’t valid. That’s why PAT testing is so important. If you have an electrical accident involving your portable appliances and don’t have the right PAT testing certificate, your insurance company might deny your claim. Most insurance companies want you to get your electrical appliances checked every year. If you are looking for a good PAT testing company, then Metro-PAT is one. It is one of the renowned companies for PAT testing in London. Do check their website for reliable results.
