Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

Many deaths and injuries result from poorly maintained electrical equipment and fires started by faulty electrical appliances. Around 1,000 electrical accidents at work are reported to the Health and safety Executive each year resulting in nearly 30 people dying from their injuries.

All electrical equipment should be maintained and checked regularly to ensure it is safe and in good repair. In particular, managers (and others, such as landlords) responsible for electrical equipment maintenance should ensure:

• Equipment is maintained in a safe condition
• Information is available to equipment users to ensure safety
• Safe procedures for inspection and testing are used
• Records of inspection and testing are maintained