Why Is PAT Testing Required in Public Places But Not in the Home
Why Is PAT Testing Required in Public Places But Not in the Home
Well, it all comes down to responsibility. In your own home your only responsibility is yourself, whereas if you are in charge of a public area you are responsible for anyone who may use it.
There are no rules regarding electrical safety in your own home. Any problems will affect you and not other member of the public, so specific rules are not deemed necessary. Making sure any electrical items are safe for use at home is, of course, still advisable. Although there is no actual law dictating what must be done you own safety is still important.
Things are different where rental properties are concerned though. If you own a property you are renting out then you are responsible for the home being a safe place for tenants to live. So if there are appliances included they need to have passed a PAT test. Such items include ovens, microwaves, washing machines, fridges and electrical showers. If the tenants have an accident due to negligence on your part you will be held responsible.
Responsibility of others is the reason why PAT testing must have been carried out on rental properties. It is also why this is the case in other areas, such as the workplace and public areas.
In the workplace employers are responsible for their employee's, which includes needing to make sure employees are working in a safe environment at all times. Therefore any equipment used by employees, from computers in an office to tills in a shop, and even a coffee machine, must be certified as fit for purpose.
Areas used by the general public need to be just as safe. This is the case whether equipment can affect those in a town centre or those in particular establishments. Examples of places where PAT testing should be undertaken include schools, hospitals, leisure centres and shops. Wherever there are electrical appliances, they must be safe. This means that school heads, hospital management, leisure centre management and shop managers all need to make sure equipment used on their premises are properly maintained and tested.
So, anyone responsible for an area used by others is responsible for their safety, something that includes the safety of any electrical appliances. They must make sure they are safe for use by anyone who need to, or might, use them. This is the case whoever will use them, whether they are employees, customers or general members of the public.
In the home, though, this is not necessary, assuming you are the one living there. You are responsible for it and it is up to you how you ensure your own safety. If you are making money from others staying there, however, it is another matter. This is the case if you are renting out either the entire home or just a room while living there yourself (including as a bed and breakfast or hotel). All in all it is fairly simple. If you are only responsible for you and your family there are no laws regarding this subject, if this is not the case, there are.
Andrew Marshall (c)
London PAT Testing provide services to companies, educational institutions, landlords, hotels and other organisations.
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