PAT Testing Legal Legislation

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Electrical equipment is required to be properly maintained so as to prevent danger.  Inspection and testing are necessary.

This Act puts a duty of care upon both employer and employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the Work Premises.  This includes the self-employed.

This regulations state:  

Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of:  

a. The risks to the health & safety of his employees to which they are exposed while they are at work, and 

b. The risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

These regulations state:  “Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is so constructed or adapted as to be suitable for the purpose for which is it used or provided”.

This legislation places legal implications on employers to ensure the safety of electrical devices in the workplace.  

“All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger."

 "As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger."   

The regulations states that all portable equipment must be inspected regularly and tested to ensure that it is safe for use. 'Portable equipment' defines electrical appliances that can be moved whilst plugged into an electrical socket.

Scope of the Legislation  

The Health & Safety of Work Act 1974, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 apply to all electrical equipment used in, or associated with places of work.  

The scope extends from distribution systems right down to the small portable appliance such as a computer monitor to hand-held appliances.

“Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair”.