PAT testing- do it now!

5th January 2021

Hello 2021! Thanks for starting with another lock-down.

As frustrating as these times are, with most businesses forced to close, lock-downs have been a great time for business owners to review their safety measures, policies and procedures and ensure their fully compliant with the latest regulations. 

As many of our customer know, a few years ago, Safeguard expanded into fire safety, and the past few months have given us extra time with our clients in the hospitality sector to work on their fire maintenance contracts. Now we’re in another national lock-down, with most business working at reduced capacity or totally vacant, now is the perfect time to do PAT testing.

So, what is a PAT test and do you need one?

‘PAT’ testing, or Portable Appliance Testing is a routine inspection of ‘portable’ electrical appliances to check their safety in the workplace.  Some items that are classed as ‘portable’ include: Printers, photocopiers, fridge, freezers, dishwashers, microwaves, extension leads, toasters, kettles, computers, drills, food mixers, televisions, laptops, cameras etc.

The Health and Safety Regulations advise PAT testing to be done ‘appropriately’ to the level of risk the appliance has, which considers the class, category, work environment and how often the electrical items is used… and much more!

As the employer is responsible for the electrical safety of appliances, and the penalties are severe for not meeting legal obligations, we recommend outsourcing to a qualified, trained electrical contractor… like us, at Safeguard.

If you’d like to add annual PAT testing to your fire maintenance contract, please contact one of our team who will be glad to assist!

02921 111095 / Frazer@safeguardelectrical.co