Wherever we turn, and whatever business we’re involved in, we all rely on electricity to enable us to function. Whether it’s machinery, IT, lighting or powering the coffee machine, electricity is fundamental to the continued smoothing running of our operations. And yet electrical safety can sometimes be overlooked, especially when it comes to portable appliances. We use them all the time, day in day out, but we don’t always consider whether they’re safe to switch on. That’s why PAT testing – the routine testing of any appliance within your premises or used offsite as part of your work – is so important.
In summary, PAT testing – which is also sometimes referred to as the In-Service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment – is a systematic examination of portable electrical appliances and equipment to confirm their safety for use. The testing covers a number of aspects, including detecting any potential faults, damage or defects that may have occurred over time and that could potentially pose a risk to individuals or be the root cause of an electrical hazard.
Safety first
Clearly, regular PAT testing is a fundamental way of protecting the health and well-being of anyone who uses your premises, including staff, visitors and suppliers. Your Health & Safety policy and your insurances afford protection around the risk of injury, and PAT testing complements that by safeguarding against appliance malfunction. Frayed or broken wires and faulty components are two classic causes of electrical accidents, and PAT testing can reveal such issues, as well as any problems with the appliance’s plug and/or fuse.
Compliance
It’s the responsibility of every business owner to comply with regulations across the business as a whole, and PAT testing is no different. Non-compliance carries the risk of fines and penalties, as well as electrical injury, so regular testing by a qualified electrician – or ideally a specialist electrical safety testing company such as ourselves – is the best way to mitigate against this. In addition, maintaining compliance can help to preserve your reputation as a considerate employer and brand by promoting the safety of your appliances.
Prolonging your appliances’ lives
As well as ensuring you have a safe working environment, regular PAT testing can actually lengthen the lifespan of your appliances by detecting faults that can potentially be rectified. Even the smallest appliances can be expensive to replace, so identifying issues at an early stage increases the chances of repairing rather than replacing the appliance or tool in question. PAT testing can also uncover an issue with an appliance that may be affecting its performance and that, when rectified, could improve your efficiency.
Brand confidence
If you’re a public-facing business, having visible PAT testing stickers on your plugs can improve confidence in your brand as being a responsible employer, and one that takes its customers’ safety seriously. This is also especially relevant in rental properties, as landlords who have clearly complied with their electrical safety testing obligations will inspire greater confidence in their current and future tenants. They’ll also be protecting their asset while at the same time keeping their tenants safe during their rental period.
MS Electrical offers PAT testing in Cambridge. Please call us on 01223 850301 or complete our enquiry form to request a no-obligation quotation.