Commercial PAT Testing Regulations
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, mandatory since 1 January 1997. State that all electrical appliances supplied within a working environment must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974. This applies to both new and second-hand appliances and covers all electrical items supplied for the intended use of the Tenant/user. The only sure method of ensuring that these appliances are safe, is to have them tested by a trained competent person using the appropriate calibrated portable appliance testing equipment (PAT).
The regulations also cover fixed appliances such as cookers, showers and immersion heaters, which must also be safe. Tests and inspections should be made at reasonable and regular intervals – bearing in mind the rate of use of both portable and fixed appliances.
The law does require however that employers, including self-employed, ensure that all electrical equipment that they provide in their business is safe and properly maintained. This means that PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing testing) is a critical part of your company’s health and safety and should be considered part of a solution to your safety concerns.
Failure to comply with the Electrical Regulations may constitute a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 which carries a maximum penalty on summary conviction of a £5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. Landlords and/or letting agents could also, in addition, be sued in Civil Law under THE DUTY OF CARE for failure to ensure the tenants safety and face punitive damages.
To arrange for your electrical appliances/portable appliance testing (PAT) to be tested please call JCE Contracting Ltd on 01373 455 690. If you’re unsure how many items you have, we can always come out to provide you with an estimate if the volume is high.
