Safety Solutions Group offers Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

When were your workplace's electrical appliances last inspected? From damaged plugs and leads to faults that are not visible from the outside, electrical equipment needs attention throughout its working life.

Safety Solutions Group carries out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to help clients keep equipment safe, identify defects and maintain clear inspection and test records. Our Risk Management Department can help you establish what needs testing and plan the work around your business.

What does the service include?

Our PAT testing service includes:

• Visual inspection of appliances, plugs and leads.
• Appropriate electrical testing for the equipment being assessed.
• Asset labelling and inspection and test records.
• Clear reporting of failed equipment so you can take action.

Common items include kettles, extension leads, office equipment, cleaning equipment, mains-powered tools and chargers. The inspection and testing approach should reflect the equipment's construction, condition and use.

Your legal responsibilities

Irish employers must maintain portable electrical equipment in a condition that is safe for use. Under Regulation 81 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, portable equipment supplied above 125 volts AC and exposed to deterioration that could cause danger requires user checks, periodic inspection by a competent person and, where appropriate, testing and certification.

If equipment is found unsafe, it must not be used until it has been made safe and certified accordingly. Equipment below 125 volts, including many construction tools, still needs safe maintenance and an appropriate inspection regime.

There is no blanket legal requirement to electrically test every appliance once a year. Inspection and testing intervals should reflect the equipment, its working environment and the likelihood of damage. A PAT visit also does not replace day-to-day checks and prompt reporting of defects.

Read the HSA's guidance on electrical safety and portable equipment.

Supporting ISO 45001:2018

For organisations working towards or maintaining ISO 45001:2018, electrical safety forms part of identifying hazards, controlling workplace risks and meeting applicable legal requirements.

Where inspection and testing are appropriate, a PAT programme and clear records help demonstrate how those risks are being managed. ISO 45001 does not itself impose a blanket annual PAT testing requirement; the arrangements should suit the organisation's risks and obligations.

See ISO's explanation of ISO 45001.

Preparing for a Safe-T-Cert audit

Safe-T-Cert specifically includes a company procedure for portable appliance tests, including relevant earthing-test records, in its list of typical audit documents.

Having the appropriate procedures and records available helps demonstrate that your electrical equipment is being managed. Acting on failed equipment is just as important as keeping the test report.

See Appendix 1, item 14 of the Safe-T-Cert Scheme Guide.

Book your PAT testing

If you are unsure what needs testing, when it is due or what records you should hold, speak to our Risk Management Department.

Call the Risk Management Department for a quotation:

• Phone: 01 835 4084
• Email: riskmanagement@safetysolutions.ie
• Website: safetysolutions.ie

To help us prepare your quotation, let us know your site location, the approximate number and types of appliances, and your preferred testing arrangements.