PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)
Overview
Alliance Fire Safety Ltd carry out PAT Testing Kent and other locations depending on the distance and size of your business to give you best value for money.
We offer a professional and reliable service at great prices to all types of businesses.
Our clients include: Companies, Charities, Universities, Schools, Colleges and Nursing Homes.
Why not call us to get a free no obligation quote
Experience / Certificates
We make sure our jobs are completed to the highest standard as well as provide a high level of customer service to you by ensuring all our PAT Testing team are fully trained.
Why get Portable Appliance Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing is an essential part of your company’s health and safety policy to protect your staff against harm from any portable electrical equipment. PAT testing may be required to keep your business insurance valid. If the Health And Safety At Work Act 1974 is part of your insurance policy wording and you haven’t carried out any Portable appliance testing you could be fined for negligence.
Electricity at work regulations put a legal responsibility on employers and self employed people to take practical measures to ensure no accidents result from dangerous electrical appliances.
Of the 26,610 dwelling fires with accidental causes in 2018/19, 34 per cent were caused by “misuse of equipment or appliances”, no change from 2017/18. The second largest cause category was “faulty appliances and leads” which caused 15 per cent of all accidental dwelling fires.
What happens during a Portable Appliance Test?
All items with a plug are tested using the best PAT testing equipment.
Each appliance is checked as a person would use it to confirm it works correctly. Each appliance is visually checked for any damage to the appliance itself or the cables attached for any damage that may cause injury or a potential fire. All appliances are labelled to inform you whether or not the appliance is safe to use, the date of test and its asset number.
A full test report, appliance register and compliance certification will be emailed in PDF format to you upon receipt of full payment.
FAQs
What is portable appliance testing?
The examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. This includes visual inspection and electrical test using PAT Testing equipment. Both visual and electrical tests are of equal importance.
How often do I need to have my PAT testing carried out on my equipment?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. There is no specification on how often you must have this done. We recommend you get equipment checked every 5 years in a low risk area like an office and / or every 3 years in a high-risk area like a building site.
Do I need to keep records of PAT testing?
You do not legally have to keep a record of PAT testing but doing so will make the process of testing your equipment easier as well as prove there is a process in place should you need to do so.
Do I need to label PAT tested equipment?
You do not legally have to label PAT tested equipment however this will help you maintain an acceptable testing frequency so you can test every 3 or 5 years.
Do I need to test new equipment?
A simple visual check is recommended to verify the item is not damaged.
I have been told that I have to get an electrician to do portable appliance testing work Is that correct?
There are no qualifications required to do PAT testing however the person carrying out the tests will need:
- the right equipment
- the knowledge and skills to use the equipment
- the ability and knowledge to understand and record the results
It is this reason that we recommend paying someone to carry out the tests for you to make sure nothing is missed.
Is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) compulsory?
The simple answer is No. The point of testing is to protect you, your staff and your customers against injury and / or your business against fire. In our minds and our customers this is definitely worth the investment.
