Does your business need (PAT) Portable Appliance Testing?

We’re talking about why your business may need PAT testing or what is more formally known as Portable Appliance Testing. If you’re unsure as to what it is, then we’ll give you a brief explanation and you’ll have all relevant information you need at your disposal.

Only have your PAT testing carried out by qualified professionals

PAT testing is a process used by our electricians in Edinburgh to ensure that all electrical appliances are working as they should. It’s carried out at a place of work, or in a flat or house that’s owned or rented out, by a landlord. If it’s a commercial property, then it’s the responsibility of the person in charge, or office manager, to ensure these tests are carried out. If you’re a landlord then it is up to you to make sure that all appliances are working as they should, because depending on what’s happened - and the severity of the accident caused by the faulty appliance - the penalty could be more than a hefty fine, and could be anything up to two years in prison.

Make sure all your electrical appliances are safe to use

We are focusing on businesses and if you’re in charge or responsible for the day to day running of the office/shop floor, then it is up to you to make sure each appliance is safe to use by your employees. This also applies if your business is renting out part, or all of it’s property to tenants. It isn’t okay to just forget about it and hope the problem goes away. Dodgy appliances can and do lead to serious accidents, and in some cases even death.

What type of appliances are we talking about?

When we say appliances, we’re referring to thing such as computers, printers, scanners, indeed anything that plugs into the wall and uses electricity. If you have an office kitchen then kettles, microwave ovens and anything else you’re likely to use in a kitchen will need to be tested as well. The need for the safety and security of all employees and tenants (depending on the type of business you run) is imperative.

Have the right approach and keep your staff or tenants safe

You’ll need a documented Health & Safety risk-based approach, as well as using a hefty dose of common-sense. It’s obvious that any appliance your team or tenants use, that is owned by you, and uses electricity to work, will need to be regularly tested in order to check that it’s safe.

Be safe and responsible and keep up with regulations

It’s vitally important that all appliances are regularly updated and replaced when required, this is especially important if they’ve failed a PAT test. As a responsible business owner, it’s up to you to make sure you keep up to date with all legal requirements and regulatory updates, so you’re always abreast of what is required by law. If you’re a landlord running a suite of rented properties, then you are required by law to annually PAT test all of your appliances.

VC Electrical for all your PAT Testing needs

If you need to have your appliances tested, then get in touch with us here at VC Electrical and we can attend to all of your PAT testing needs with the minimum amount of disruption. We’ve a team of reliable, qualified, trained and experienced electricians who are accustomed to PAT testing and all that it entails including writing up a report after and informing you of anything that’s failed. Give us a call today, and we can answer any further questions and arrange a visit to your business premises.