It’s a crucial part of workplace safety, helping businesses comply with regulations and avoid costly accidents or disruptions. PAT testing is recommended at least once a year to keep your commercial site compliant.
That applies to everything from power tools and machinery to kettles, microwaves, PCs and printers. But what about items that you’ve just purchased? Read on as we discuss whether new electrical appliances need PAT testing.
PAT testing is carried out to make sure electrical appliances are safe to use. With that in mind, items that are brand-new will not usually require a PAT test, as long as they have been supplied in a safe condition.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, a thorough visual check should always be undertaken to make sure the item has not been damaged in transit or simply supplied in a faulty condition.
It’s worth noting that this doesn’t apply to items which are simply ‘new to you’ after being bought second hand. While it’s the responsibility of sellers to make sure items they sell are safe to use, it’s well worth getting them PAT tested before using them for complete peace of mind.
There’s a common misconception that brand-new electrical appliances are guaranteed to be safe. However, even new appliances can sometimes have manufacturing defects or damage that occurred during storage, shipping or installation.
Visual inspections might not always reveal hidden faults that could lead to malfunctions or hazards like electrical shocks or fires. Therefore, it’s essential to assess each appliance individually rather than assume that ‘new’ automatically means ‘safe’.
Another myth is that all new appliances come with the same level of reliability. In reality, different manufacturers might have different standards. Some might require more thorough checks if they come from sources with less stringent quality control.
While PAT testing is not typically required for brand-new appliances, performing a risk assessment and considering the brand’s reputation is a wise move for maintaining overall safety. Where possible, always read reviews to check if other users have reported problems after purchase.
With new items good to go, the next question is when they’ll need their first PAT test. The frequency for tests depends on the type of equipment, how often it’s used and the environment it’s situated within. An electric drill on a construction site will need more frequent tests than a desktop monitor, for example.
As a general rule of thumb, PAT testing is recommended every 6-12 months for your safety and reassurance. Based on that, it’s usually best to arrange PAT testing for new appliances within the first year. However, it’s also important to contact a professional electrical contractor, as they will be able to recommend the right timeframe for the specific appliance in question.
While new appliances might not require immediate PAT testing, you should carry out a risk assessment to determine how soon a test is needed.
Different industries often have varying PAT testing needs. For example, healthcare settings may have sensitive medical equipment that requires both more frequent testing and higher levels of scrutiny, given the risks associated with device failure. Risk factors to consider include:
A thorough risk assessment will help you decide if testing should take place sooner than the standard annual testing timeframe. This also demonstrates compliance with safety regulations and shows you have taken a proactive approach toward maintaining a safe working environment.
One key aspect of PAT testing that is often overlooked is the importance of maintaining clear documentation. Even if new appliances do not require immediate testing, keeping a record of their purchase, visual inspections, and any maintenance issues can provide invaluable evidence in the event of an incident or insurance claim.
This documentation can demonstrate that you have taken all reasonable steps to confirm the safety of the equipment. Put simply, documentation can play a big part in safeguarding your business from potential liability.
While PAT testing in particular is not mandatory by law, the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) require companies to safely maintain any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury. Given that they’re all plugged into electrical mains with live current passing through, it’s fair to say that applies to all electrical equipment.
PAT testing is a sure-fire way to keep your organisation compliant with these regulations. It provides concrete proof (in the form of a certificate) that you have taken reasonable steps to keep electrical equipment in a safe condition.
If you share your workplace with other businesses or rent appliances, the responsibility for maintaining electrical equipment can sometimes be unclear. Landlords or facility managers may assume the responsibility for PAT testing common appliances in shared spaces, such as kitchen equipment or photocopiers.
However, tenants and business owners are still responsible for ensuring that any personal or company-owned equipment is tested as frequently as necessary.
In these cases, even newly purchased or leased equipment should be carefully assessed. While the supplier may have delivered a new or lightly used product, you still must check that it remains in safe working order.
Rather than waiting for issues to arise, proactive PAT testing can help your business identify potential faults before they become serious hazards. Regular inspections and testing also ensure that minor issues, such as wear and tear on cables or plugs, are detected early and rectified quickly.
For more information on the PAT testing requirements for your electrical appliances, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Volta Compliance. Our fully qualified electrical contractors can advise on a suitable testing frequency for your appliances, as well as conducting PAT tests as and when required to keep you safe and compliant.
Call us on 0113 436 0402 to arrange a site visit, or email [email protected] and we’ll get back to you soon.