Something as simple as a faulty charger or a faulty kettle can spark a fire in your office. It’s a frightening thought, but disasters can strike quietly, especially when regular PAT testing in the workplace is overlooked.
Businesses are dependent on electrical appliances for their day-to-day operations. But, if these devices aren’t checked regularly, they can silently turn into a workplace electrical hazard, endangering your employees, customers and premises. According to data by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around 1,000 electricity-related injuries are reported each year, with approximately 30 fatalities.
By law, the onus of keeping your workplace safe lies on you, which is why you need to pay special attention towards regular PAT testing.
This guide will help you understand the importance of PAT testing, the risks of ignoring this test, and how you can make your workplace safer with Oaktree Electrical’s services.
PAT, which stands for Portable Appliance Testing, is a procedure used to check if your electrical appliances are safe to use. While it’s commonly known by this name, the official term has been updated to Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, or ITEE or EET. Conducted by portable appliance test engineers or electricians, it’s an important safety step to catch faults and missteps before they lead to accidents and hazards like fires or electric shocks.
Whether you run a small office or manage a rental premises, PAT testing is a must for all devices that plug in and can be moved around. Common devices that need to be PAT tested are:
A visual inspection to spot any visible signs of wear and tear or damage, like loose wires and frayed cables.
An electrical inspection using a PAT testing unit, specialised testing equipment, to check things that are not apparent, like insulation resistance, lead polarity, and earth continuity.
PAT testing is about safeguarding your premises and people, which is a moral duty and legal responsibility for every business owner.
With regular PAT tests:
These points underscore the importance of PAT testing in commercial premises, where safety takes precedence over everything else. When you leave it to our professionals, electrical safety at the workplace is never left to guesswork. Count on Oaktree Electrical for PAT testing services and prevent any foreseeable risks.
Most businesses put off PAT testing in the workplace, thinking it’s an unnecessary expense or that hazards don’t happen often. But all it takes is one faulty appliance to put your life and business at risk.
The risks of undermining PAT tests include:
Using a broken plug, frayed cord, or faulty socket can lead to serious electric shocks, endangering your employees and equipment.
Damaged or overloaded devices and appliances in your office can overheat and cause fires. And, fires spread quickly, leaving you with little to no time to react.
You may need to halt operations if an electrical issue is affecting your workplace and employees’ safety. This unplanned downtime leads to time and income loss, and frustrated employees.
Not meeting safety standards at work can lead to investigations by the HSE, hefty fines and penalties, and even criminal charges in severe cases.
Regular PAT tests show that you’re implementing all preventable electrical safety checks and measures, which is a key requirement for many insurance policies. By ignoring PAT tests, there’s a good chance your claim can get rejected.
Regular PAT testing in the workplace is necessary to spot faults early before they cost you time, money, and your businesses reputation. If your business uses electrical devices or equipment, even if it’s just a few, it needs to be checked with PAT testing.
Oaktree Electrical is your go-to commercial electrical partner for a reliable and comprehensive PAT testing service. With over 25 years of experience, we are dedicated to workplace safety and ensuring compliance with work regulations. Our nationwide services are trusted by leading schools, businesses, and agents, offering competitive pricing without compromising quality.
Start making your workplace safer today by reducing electrical hazards through regular PAT testing. Your employees, customers, and businesses will appreciate that you’re putting their safety first.
Contact us on 01322 552888 to schedule a PAT test and assessment.
