PAT Testing
PAT Testing requirements for Landlords/Letting Agents
As a Landlord or a Letting Agent you are responsible for ensuring that all portable electrical appliances included in the lease of the property have been certified as safe. This is done by implementing a Portable appliance testing programme for the property.
Landlords and Letting Agents are held personally responsible and legally liable for any personal injury/fire damage resulting from unsafe appliances, including: Freezers; Fridges; Televisions; and Hoovers etc. It is therefore essential that you speak to a reputable local electrician to carry out such work - such as NJM Electricans of Huddersfield.
Failure to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations may constitute a criminal offence under the consumer protection act 1987. This carries a maximum penalty of a £5000 fine and/or 6-month imprisonment. In addition, the Landlord/Letting Agent be sued in Civil Law under the duty of care for failure to ensure the tenants safety and face punitive damages.
The regulations: Electrical Equipment Regulations 1994.
These regulations have been mandatory since January 1st 1997 and state that all electrical appliances supplied with let accommodation must be safe. This applies to both new and second hand appliances and covers all electrical items supplied for the intended use by the tenant.
We realise that many properties will only have a small number of tests to be carried out, with some companies charging Landlords a high minimum charge rate. At NJM Electrical of Huddersfield, we have a different approach. We overcome this problem, enabling you to have a Portable Appliance Testing programme in place at a realistic price.
PAT Testing requirements for Businesses/Organisations.
To comply with the 1989 Electricity at work regulations, it is necessary to implement a programme of Inspection and testing of all necessary portable appliances. The Electricity at work regulations state:
"Regulation 4: as may be necessary to prevent danger all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent so far as reasonably practicable such danger."
Employers also have a legal duty under the Health and safety act 1974, to provide safe plant and equipment, and ensure that equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in a good state of repair and in good working order. Failure to comply with this legislation can result in insurance companies reducing, delaying or refusing the amount to be paid out in the event of an accident or fire. It can also lead to successful prosecution in the event of an employee/customer been involved in an electrical accident.
Here at NJM Electrical of Huddersfield, we realise that in some cases Portable Appliance Testing may be an unwanted disruption to your business. Because of this, we are happy to operate outside of normal working hours to suit your needs. Unlike other electricians in Huddersfield, evening and weekend appointments carry no extra charges.
Appliance Testing
All of our Portable appliance testing engineers conform to the code of practice as set out by the Institute of Electrical Engineers. They undergo continuous in house assessment and training to make sure that they are fully compliant with the testing regulations and procedures.
Portable Appliance Testing includes a series of inspections and electrical tests on each item. These tests vary depending on the class of the item.
A visual inspection is carried out to check for faults /damage to the:
- Plug Casing (cracked or scorch marked)
- Damage to the flex of the appliance (Cracked or cut)
- The wiring of the plug is checked to ensure correct and secure termination
- The fuse rating of the plug is checked
Once these Visual tests have been carried out. A number of Electrical tests are performed depending on the class of the equipment.
- Insulation test
- Earth bond test
- Earth continuity test
- Touch leakage test
- Leakage test
- Polarity test
Appliance testing results are then recorded and the electrical item is marked accordingly with a pass or fail label.
What to do if your appliance fails a test.
In most circumstances an appliance that has failed a test, is easily repaired on site by one of our engineers. Most faults occur during the visual inspection, and can usually be rectified by replacing the Plug or flex. All repairs of this nature are free of charge, including replacement plugs and fuses. If a replacement lead is required there will be a minimal charge.
If the item is beyond repair, we will remove the plug from the appliance immediately. This ensures that the item is not accidentally plugged into the mains electricity board. We will then notify you of any items that cannot be repaired.
The testing Engineer will then compile a report, supplying you with a copy to store in your Health and Safety file. We hold copies of all test results on our database for a minimum period of 5 years, so that duplicates can be provided if necessary. At the end of your Portable Appliance Testing, you will now be compliant with the electricity at work Regulations.
Prices and Charges. As a company with low overheads we pass on our savings to you and remain one of the most reasonably priced PAT Testing companies in the U.K. All customers receive copies and certification of the Testing results. All results are also stored onto our database and held for a minimum period of 5 years. Duplicate Copies of all testing information are provided free of charge. Testing price Includes: • Visual Inspection. • All necessary Electrical tests. • Any Minor Repairs. • All replacement Plugs and fuses • All reports that relate to your Testing. • Out of hours Assignments. • Travelling and admin charges.