Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at
Work Act (2007) in Ireland,
it is mandatory to have all portable electrical appliances periodically tested to ensure they are safe for use.
Portable Appliance Testing
PAT Testing FAQs
What is PAT Testing?
PAT testing is a series of tests carried out on portable appliances to assess their operational safety and the safety of those who are operating the equipment.
Is there a legal obligation to PAT test?
Yes, testing portable appliances is a legal requirement under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2007 S.I. 299.
Who should get their equipment PAT tested?
It is highly advised that all businesses perform regular PAT testing on their portable electrical appliances.
Basically, any business that utilises electrical equipment (not many don’t) is strongly advised to put a PAT testing system in place.
What type of equipment should be PAT tested?
The name Portable Appliance Testing suggests that only equipment that can be plugged in and moved is covered.
But this is only part of the story, all the equipment that should be tested is categorised by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Why is PAT testing so important?
Fire risks, burns, and electric shocks are all risks associated with faulty electric appliances. Regular PAT testing negates this risk and ensures that your business is compliant with Health and Safety legislation.
It is a simple, convenient, and cost-effective method of ensuring the safety of your employees, premises, and peace of mind.
What if an item fails the test?
It has to be taken out of service and either repaired or replaced.
How often should my equipment be PAT tested?
At least once a year, however It depends on how frequently the appliances are used in the business. Your tester should give you a time frame based on your appliances.
Who can perform PAT testing?
It is generally recommended that any persons undertaking the task of testing and inspecting of portable appliance, must have completed a PAT Testing training course. PAT Training courses generally cover key areas such as equipment classification, determination of test frequency & familiarity with test equipment.
Pat Testers
Here are a few testers we found online for you to check with.