There is no legislation that specifies mandatory PAT testing frequencies. The legal requirement under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 is that electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition. PAT testing is one way of demonstrating this but frequency must be risk-assessed, not assumed.
Why this matters
Many care homes over-test low-risk equipment and under-test high-risk items. A printer in an office and a high-use electric hoist have very different risk profiles. Blanket annual PAT testing without a risk-based approach wastes money and does not necessarily improve safety.
What to do
- 1Carry out a formal risk assessment of all portable electrical equipment on site categorise by frequency of use and risk of misuse.
- 2Set PAT test frequencies based on the risk assessment: high-use care equipment annually, low-use office equipment every 2-4 years.
- 3Document your risk assessment and testing schedule so the rationale is clear during any inspection.
Primary source
HSE Portable Appliance Testing: Maintaining a Safe Working Environment
Get the full picture every morning.
Briefing is updated daily. Join early access to unlock every article.