PAT Testing is an important part of any health and safety policy. The Breakdown of electrical appliances is dangerous, and could even be fatal. Without a certificate of electrical testing, you run the risk of prosecution and invalidating your commercial insurance policy. That is why we at Alpha, are dedicated to providing the highest quality Portable Appliance Testing Service.

What is a Portable Appliance?

A Portable appliance is simply an item of electrical equipment, which is connected to the power supply by means of a plug.

Why do I have Portable Appliances tested?

There are a number of reasons why Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) should be carried out on a regular basis, but the most important ones are:

• To comply with the electricity at work regulations 1989.
• To comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• To minimize the risk of fire and injury caused by electrical appliances.
• To satisfy your insurance company
• To comply with all Health and Safety requirements. ISO 9000 and BS 5750

Identification and the Law

In the event of a prosecution being brought against the duty holder under Regulation 4 (2) of the Electricity of Work Regulations, the duty holder will be required under Regulation 29.

"To prove that he took all reasonable steps and exercised all due dilligence to avoid the commission of that offence."

In other words, no matter how much care the duty holder may have taken to avoid danger, he is liable top prosecution unless he can prove that he took such steps. A general claim by the defendant that all equipment had been regularly inspected and tested would not be accepted by the court, indeed there would be an obligation on the part of the duty holder to show that the specific piece of equipment had been tested and inspected satisfactorily.