PAT Testing
Portable appliance testing
Legal requirements
The legislation of specific relevant to electrical maintenance is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This includes the self employed.
The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and self-employed persons to comply with the provisions of the regulations and take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of such equipment. This, therefore, requires the implementation of a systematic and regular programme of maintenance, inspection and testing. Portable Appliance Testing (or PAT) is an important part of the Health and Safety Policy and Codes of the University.
For more information refer to Safety Code SCP5 Electrical Safety or consult the following HSE guidance documents:
- Maintaining Portable and Transportable Electrical Equipment (HS(G)107
- Maintaining Portable Electrical Equipment in Offices and Other Low-risk Environments IND(G)160L
Currently, with the exception of specialised equipment, the majority of PAT testing is undertaken by contractors engaged by individual departments. To engage a contractor contact Estate Management Help Desk on ext. 5533
If you require staff training to undertake Portable Appliance Testing contact Health and Safety Unit HSU@ljmu.ac.uk who will provide details.
