Portable Appliance Test (PAT) Report Form

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is conducted for the careful examination of electrical appliances and equipment to make sure that they are safe and secure. Normally, most of the electrical safety faults and malfunction can be detected by visual examination but some more critical types of faults can only be gained by testing techniques (PAT). However, it is important to know that visual examination of appliances, tools and equipment is an integral part of the process because some types of electrical safety malfunction/faults can’t be found mere testing alone.

What does Law say About PAT?

Generally, as per the law of every country/state where we are running our business, demands from the employers to ensure the working site has enough Safe System of Work (SSOW), and all electrical equipment, tools or machinery is maintained to prevent danger to employee’s life.

The frequency of inspection and testing for portable appliance & tools depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is utilized in. E.g., a power tool used on a construction worksite should be tested & examined more frequently than vacuum cleaner at home.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) by Law

Being as an employer or accountable person, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) regulations will help you in making it sure that the Portable Appliances (PA) in your business scope are safe, secure and support you to escape violations. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) testing legislation was put into effect first time to ensure that all organizations & industries verify to the Health and Safety (HS) at Work Act of 1974, Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (WER) of 1998 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations of 1999.

The Regularity of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

For PAT, we should consider a few different following factors:

Tools or Equipment that is used in abundance should be tested more frequently. This equipment is likely to suffer less damage than those used regularly.
In case of any fault, damage to tool or equipment, the employees must immediately report to the site supervisor or accountable person to avoid and serious electrical injuries or costly appliance or machinery damage.

What possibly be observed during visual Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)?

Exposure to live, conductive parts due to damage to the external body of the equipment, tool or machinery.
Damaged insulation of power cord.
Faulty, loose or missing earth connections.
Failure to identify and correct problems to the equipment or tools.