"Portable Appliance Safety isn't just an accident"
Introduction & Safety Legislation
Why PAT Test?
Whilst PAT testing is not strictly compulsory, it is generally regarded as being the best way of meeting the electrical regulations that exist to protect employees, customers and tenants. Without it you could be in a very difficult situation if an electrical accident were to occur.
All portable electrical equipment is subject to getting damaged during use, and this damage could render the equipment dangerous to all equipment users. Without a regular programme of testing and inspection, you have not taken reasonable steps to ensure the safety of users. Tests and inspections should be made at reasonable and regular intervals, bearing in mind the rate of use of both portable and fixed appliances. Failure to comply with the Electrical Regulations may constitute a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 which carries a maximum penalty on summary conviction of a £5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. Landlords and letting agents could also be sued in Civil Law under the duty of care for failure to ensure the tenants safety and, as a result, face punitive damages.
Why Should I PAT Test as a landlord?
As a landlord, you have a duty to prevent harm to your tenants from electrical appliances that you supply. Portable appliance testing is widely regarded as being the best way of complying with this obligation. Without a programme of planned appliance testing and maintenance, you could be legally liable for damages resulting from your untested appliances. This covers all portable appliances that you supply, including fridges and freezers, microwave ovens, televisions and vacuum cleaners.
The regulations on electrical appliances for landlords and/or letting agents The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, mandatory since 1 January 1997, 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 of the Tenant. The only sure method of ensuring that these appliances are safe is to have them tested by a trained competent person using the appropriate calibrated portable appliance testing equipment.
Specific legislation relevant to electrical maintenance is a follows:
- Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1992
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992
- The Fire Safety Order 2005*
Health and Safety Legislation
Recent figures suggest that around a quarter of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances. The HSE report that in the five years between 1996/7 and 2000/01, 71 workers were killed and 2804 injured in accidents involving electricity! It is therefore imperative:-
That you comply with regulatory health and safety legislation whose purpose is to prevent death or injury to anyone from any electrical cause as a result of, or in connection with, work activities. See below for further health and safety links.
That you comply with requirements from your insurance company because if it is proven you have not carried out sufficient maintenance and risk assessments your insurance may become void in the case of an accident!
So in order to comply you need your appliances PAT tested which forms an important part of your overall health and safety policy and procedures.
Price Guide
With our very competitive rates, SmartPATplus ensures all your electrical appliances are safe and anyone using the equipment is too!
View our rates for PAT Testing.
Unsure as to whether you need to comply with legislation? Call us now on 02380 811349 for free advice or for more information, alternatively you can request a quote for your portable appliance testing needs and/or sales of equipment.
Website Published on February 09, 2012 05:17:22
