A Quick And Handy Overview On PAT Testing In West Lothian
Welcome to your hand guide to PAT Testing, your go-to source for all your portable appliance testing needs in West Lothian including Bathgate, Livingston, Broxburn, Linlithgow, Armadale, Whiteburn, and Blackburn.
PAT testing, or Portable Appliance Testing, examines portable electrical equipment and appliances to ensure they are safe to use in the working environment. This process includes three steps: regular, informal checks by the equipment’s user/s, a formal visual inspection of the equipment, and a manual examination of the equipment with a portable appliance tester device.
As a business owner, landlord, hotel or restaurant operator, healthcare provider, or manufacturer, you may be wondering if PAT testing is something you need to do. The simple answer is yes. PAT testing is recommended for all businesses that use portable electrical equipment to ensure the safety of your employees and to comply with health and safety regulations. Self-employed individuals should also consider PAT testing for their business equipment, even in the home.
It’s important to note that while PAT testing is not a legal requirement, the law does state that any electrical equipment in the workplace must be maintained to ensure it is safe and does not pose any danger. PAT testing is considered the best way to meet these health and safety obligations and to protect your employees.
During the PAT testing process, the equipment is turned off and unplugged, and a formal visual inspection is carried out, which usually flags up around 90% of problems. This can be carried out by a competent member of staff with the relevant training, or by a professional. The checklist of the visual inspection includes: the plug, the cable, the appliance, the mains socket, and RCD (Residual Current Device) checks.