Portable Appliance Testing (Electrical safety)

PAT Testing — Staying Safe & Compliant

PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) helps ensure that electrical appliances in your business are safe and compliant with UK legislation, including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• PUWER 1998
• Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Who’s responsible?
Employers, landlords, and self-employed individuals must ensure all portable electrical appliances are safe, suitable for use, and well-maintained.

Why it matters:
Regular inspections and testing reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, and legal breaches. PAT testing identifies damage and faults before they become serious hazards.

How it’s done:
A competent person uses a PAT tester and visual inspection to check appliances. Proper records should be kept to demonstrate compliance.