What is the Legal Requirement for PAT Testing?
Posted on 29th July 2019 by H2 Property Services
PAT testing is an important consideration for landlords, business owners and property managers alike. But what are your legal obligations around PAT testing? In this article, the team at H2 Property Services will take a look at the PAT testing requirements and how they work.
If you need a qualified Electrician to carry out PAT Testing for your Office, Building or Residential Property, give us a call on 020 7751 3344.
We cover many Electrical services across London, see our Electrician services for more information.
Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?
Firstly, it’s important to note that there is no legal requirement for PAT testing, but there are now regulations in place that concern the maintenance of electrical appliances.
The maintenance of these appliances, which can include everything from fridges to computers, falls under the remit of landlords and building managers, and the most efficient way to conduct said maintenance is PAT testing.
What is the point of PAT Testing?
While it is not a legal requirement, it is recommended that you’re vigilant and organised with your PAT testing for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it helps ensure the safety of your appliances and those around them, and it also looks good in the eyes of insurers and the UK Health and Safety Executive.
If your property falls victim to a fire from a faulty appliance, for example, your insurer will check to see if you have carried out PAT testing on said appliance before the incident occurred.
What regulations do I need to comply with?
You are expected to comply with the following regulations:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999
Is there a fine if I don’t comply with regulations?
Should you fail to comply with the relevant regulations, you can be subject to fines of up to £5,000 and a prison sentence of up to six months. There have been cases where breaches of these regulations have been met with fines of £20,000 and prison sentences of more than 2 years.
In lieu of a legal requirement to carry out PAT testing, employers are required to ensure that all electrical equipment provided in their business premises is safe and properly maintained. There is no required frequency of inspection, but it is recommended that you have your appliances checked once a year to ensure their safety.
PAT Testing from Qualified Electricians
When it comes to the inspections and testing, it is recommended that they are carried out by a qualified professional from H2 Property Services. For visual checks, it is acceptable for a competent member of staff to carry them out, if they are knowledgeable enough and have the appropriate training – but if you are unsure you or your staff can do this, give us a call on 020 7751 3344.
Electricians London
H2 Property Services are proud providers of electricians, plumbers and Gas Safe registered engineers for properties anywhere in London. From PAT testing, plumbing services, emergency gas leak repairs to boiler servicing, we provide a huge range of services, all guaranteed for 12 months after work has been completed.
For more information about the work we do, please get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to help.
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