(pat) Portable Appliance Testing.

The Electricity at Work regulations (1989) requires "All electrical systems shall

be maintained so as to inhibit, as far as is reasonably practicable, any hazard". This is interpreted as covering the fixed electrical installation including portable and transportable apparatus connected to it. The regulations also say "It is the duty of every employer and self employed person to comply with the provision of these regulations."

Unsafe electrical appliances can bring about fires and individual injury. In fact in 2007 19%of house fires were caused by electrical faultsand a further25% were caused by people not using electrical equipment and appliances properly.

A PAT test or Portable Appliance Test is a test to ensure that any electrical portable appliances are harmless. In truth this means electrical devices with a plug on the end. So not only laptops, computers and kettles but microwave ovens and even washing machines are included.

As you can see from the items that require to be tested, it is a good idea for both employers and landlords to have this equipment tested. The most universal PAT testing interval is once every 12 months. Suggested intervals do differ, and will depend on design, position and use of each piece of equipment.

It is a little known fact that it is not stated everywhere in the health and safety regulations that someone has to have any qualifications to PAT Test. It does say however, that it must be done by a competent person who has been given instruction. So, if you have a lot of appliances to test or you work for a business or have multiple rented homes, it might be a cost effective proposal to get on a PAT testing education course.

You will also need to purchase some PAT testing apparatus. This has come down in price greatly over the last few years and is now comparatively inexpensive.

Once the device has been tested you will really need to display evidence of testing. Make this visible by putting stickers to the appliance with the date and a message stating ''Tested For Electrical Safety' and PASSED on them. Clearly remove or mend any items that fail the PAT test.

If you come to a decision to hire a trained electrician or electrical business to carry out your PAT testing, the costs will rely on the period taken to test all appliances meticulously.

The time taken will also depend on how simple it is to get to the appliances for testing, any furniture that needs to be moved for example and of course the quantity of appliances.

There are around 30 deaths and 4,000 accidents yearly in the UK involving electrics. It is imperative to ensure that any electrical appliances and fittings inside the property you rent out are safe.

However, unlike Gas Safe rules, there is no legislation that demands you have to have an electrical safety certificate. Then again, should any electrical fittings or appliances within your rental property cause actual injury to the tenant, you could be held responsible.

by: Johan Monarrez

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