All businesses use electrical equipment of one form or another, whether it’s a computer or the kettle you use to make your morning tea. If any electrical equipment is used in your office, you’re required by law (the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989) to ensure that it’s maintained in a safe condition.

The Health and Safety Executive estimates that there are around 1,000 electrical-related injuries each year. In addition, there are many cases of fires caused by faulty electrical equipment, so you can see that it’s important to ensure that your appliances are in good condition and working properly.

The Health and Safety Executive estimates that there are around 1,000 electrical-related injuries each year. In addition, there are many cases of fires caused by faulty electrical equipment, so you can see that it’s important to ensure that your appliances are in good condition and working properly.

How to Test

Carrying out PAT testing is all about checking for safety. For many appliances a simple visual inspection will be enough to uncover any defects, but there are some that will only be found by testing.

You don’t necessarily need to get an electrician to conduct your tests. In a low-risk environment like an office, any competent person can do the visual inspection part – they just need a little training on what to look for.

For more in-depth tests, though, some specialist equipment will be needed. It’s therefore important that the person doing the testing is properly trained in how to use this and is able to interpret the results. It’s a good idea to get an experienced electrical professional to do this for you. They will also produce a record of the testing that you can use to prove that you’ve had your equipment checked.