PAT (EET) Testing is an measure to safeguard your people and property against potential accidents. Neglecting to PAT / EET Test your Electrical Equipment holds the potential to a complete rejection of your claim by insurers, and even worse, it may expose you to legal liability or criminal charges. The responsibility for ensuring health and safety in the workplace rests on everyone’s shoulders, including employees, contractors, managers, maintenance supervisors and landlords. As per the Electricity at Work Regulations, each of these entities is considered a “duty holder” and or “Nominated Person(s)” must implement a routine safety testing program for all equipment under their control, based on competent risk assessment.
PAT Testing / EET Testing Portable Appliance Testing or PATs/EET forms an important contributor to any Health & Safety Policy.
Under The Electricity at Work Regulations “As mat be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained, so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger.”
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 no danger results from the use of such equipment. This in effect requires the implementation of a systematic and regular program of maintenance, inspection and testing.
The institution of Electrical Engineers published the “Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment” This guide forms the basis for Portable Appliances Testing in the UK.