PAT testing is not a legal requirement, however as an employer or landlord it is important to check the safety of your electrical appliances. When looking at how often PAT testing should be done, there is no set amount of times that the PAT test should be done. There are many factors that can influence how often a PAT test must be carried out and then is up to the individual to choose when the PAT test must be done.
The factors that you should consider when thinking how often you should have a PAT test done are:
– Equipment that you use more often should be considered for PAT testing more often because of the frequency that they are being used.
– The type of equipment that you have is a huge factor, as Class 1 electrical appliances are the appliances that should be considered for PAT testing, with some of these appliances including microwaves, kettles, irons, laptop cables desktop computers. Hand held appliances are also usually appliances that also should be considered for PAT testing as they are used more often, therefore more likely to be damaged.
– If people using electrical appliances identify visible damages earlier on, this can avoid any major accidents in the future. However, if equipment that is used often and is never reported then it should be considered for PAT testing.
A rough guide that can be used when considering the PAT testing frequency are:
– Public Use Equipment – IT equipment like desktop computers are recommended to be checked every 12 months. Electrical appliances that are moveable or handheld should also be tested every 12 months too. However moveable or handheld equipment that are in Class 1 electrical appliances should be tested more frequently at every 6 months.
– Offices, Shops and Hotels – Any electrical appliances that fall under the Class 1 category and that are stationery should be PAT tested every 4 years, these include desktop computers, floor standing printers, photocopiers, washing machines and tumble dryers. Moveable equipment such as extension leads and other appliances such as toasters, kettles, irons, mobile phone chargers should be PAT tested every 2 years. Lastly, handheld equipment should be tested every year.
– Schools – Any Class 1 category electrical appliances should be PAT tested every year and all Class 2 electrical appliances should be tested every 4 years.
– Construction – All equipment used in any construction site should be PAT tested every 3 months as equipment is regularly used.
– Industrial – All handheld and portable equipment should be PAT tested every 6 months and stationary, IT and moveable electrical appliances should be PAT tested every year.
There are many factors to be considered when seeing how often PAT testing should be done depending on the working environment you are working in. So, if you are interested in having a PAT test done please get in contact.
If you would like to talk to us about having a PAT test done, please call us on 0207 1188 445 Or email cs@pattestingassociation.co.uk.