THE USEFUL
ANSWERS.

There is no blanket legal requirement saying every portable electrical appliance must receive a PAT test. Employers must maintain electrical equipment so it does not present danger. Inspection and testing can form part of an appropriate maintenance regime.

No. HSE guidance specifically warns against assuming annual PAT testing is necessary for every item, particularly in low-risk environments. Frequency should reflect the type of equipment, how it is used, the environment and previous results.

A proper process includes visual examination and, where appropriate, electrical testing using suitable test equipment. Some faults can be found visually that electrical testing alone would not identify.

There is no general legal requirement to label every tested item, but labels can be a useful management tool for identifying equipment and tracking a maintenance scheme.

There is no general legal requirement to keep PAT test records, but records are useful for managing the maintenance programme, reviewing faults and demonstrating that a system exists.

New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and does not automatically require a formal PAT before use. A visual check for damage is still recommended.

There is no single interval that fits every workplace. Equipment that is heavily used, moved frequently or exposed to harsher conditions may require more frequent checks than equipment that remains relatively protected.

Where access and site arrangements allow, visits can be planned to reduce disruption. Include your preferred times when requesting a quote.