Periodic Inspection and Testing

• An initial inspection is carried out of the installation with any limitations agreed with the customer. The initial thorough inspection is followed by a full test of the electrical circuits.
• A detailed report is made and easy to understand recommendation codes are given to determine if any dangers are present or if there are any safety issues that need to be addressed by the customer.

P.A.T Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)

• Portable appliance testing is a test that is carried out to portable appliance in the work place or household. This is necessary especially in the work place and houses of multiple occupancy (Rented accommodation) to maintain the health and safety of persons coming into contact or using the equipment.
• P.A.T testing also helps to ensure that the person or organisation responsible complies with The legislation of specific relevance to electrical maintenance is the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health & 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.
• Portable appliance testing involves a series of electrical test carried out on equipment along with visual checks for damage. A pass or fail outcome determines if the equipment can still be used or if it should be taken out of service due to health and safety.
• A detailed report is kept of every item of equipment throughout its life and it is recommended that each item should be tested on a yearly basis along with regular user checks. If the equipment is used in a harsh environment the testing would be made at shorter intervals.

Rented domestic and residential accommodation

In England and Wales, The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985,  Section 11 Repairing obligations in short leases sub-section (1)(b) requires landlords ‘to keep in repair and proper working order the installations in the dwelling-house for the supply of water, gas and electricity.
Although the act does not make specific mention of the need to carry out a periodic inspection and testing of the electrical installation, they do place an obligation on the landlord to maintain the installation in a condition suitable for intended use.

Necessity for periodic inspection and testing

Periodic inspection and testing is necessary because all electrical installations deteriorate due to a number of factors such as damage, wear, tear, corrosion, excessive electrical loading, ageing and environmental influences.
Legislation requires that electrical installations are in a safe condition and therefore must be periodically inspected and tested.
Licensing authorities, public bodies, insurance companies, mortgage lenders and others may require periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations.
Additionally, periodic inspection and testing should be considered:

• To asses compliance with BS 7671 (Wiring regulations
• On change of occupancy
• On change of use of premises
• After alterations or additions to the original installation
• Because of significant change in the electrical loading
• Where there is reason to believe that damage may have been caused due to flood or fire.

Necessity of P.A.T Testing (Portable appliance testing)

Pat testing or portable appliance testing is an important part of any health & safety policy. This site is intended as a guide to both the legal implications and to the technical requirements.
The Health & Safety Executive states that 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances. 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 in effect requires the implementation of a systematic and regular program of maintenance, inspection and testing. The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) places such an obligation in the following circumstances:

• Where appliances are used by employees.
• Where the public may use appliances in establishments such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shops etc.
• Where appliances are supplied or hired.
• Where appliances are repaired or serviced.

The level of inspection and testing required is dependant upon the risk of the appliance becoming faulty, which is in turn dependant upon the type of appliance, the nature of its use and the environment in which it is used
P.A.T Testing (Portable Appliance Testing) or In-service inspection and testing
Other than the fixed installation (which should be periodically inspected and tested), all electrical equipment in an installation, whether permanently connected or connected by plug and socket-outlet, should be inspected and tested.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The act puts duty of care upon both employer and employee to ensure the safety of all persons using work premises. This also includes the self-employed.