How often should I perform electrical safety tests?

The Health & Safety Executive launched a revised guidance on portable appliance testing (PAT) to put to rest a myth that every portable electrical appliance in the workplace must be tested once a year, every year.  This is a costly myth which is estimated to cost office-based businesses more than £30 million a year. Misleading advice and advertising, frequently by companies offering the testing, contributes to low-risk businesses, such as offices, shops and hotels, paying for over the top maintenance regimes which are simply not appropriate to their business.

The law is quite simple; an employer must ensure that electrical equipment is maintened in order to prevent danger. It does not state that every electrical item must be tested, nor how often it needs to be carried out.

Testing appliances to ensure they are safe to use can form part of a maintenance regime, but in a low risk environment, most dangerous defects can be found by doing a visual inspection of appliances for obvious signs of damage, such as frayed cables or loose covers.

The HSE chair Judith Hackitt commented on the launch of the revised guidance:

“We know that low-risk companies are being mis-led over what the law requires when it comes to maintaining portable electrical appliances, and many are paying for testing that is not needed.

“Businesses are responsible for protecting their employees, but they shouldn’t be wasting their money on unnecessary checks that have no real benefit.

“HSE has always advocated a proportionate, risk-based approach to maintenance. This new guidance is simple and clear to follow.”

Nick Starling, Director of General Insurance at the Association of British Insurers, said:

“Insurers have never required policyholders to undertake unnecessary portable electrical appliance tests which are not proportionate to the risk.

“We welcome HSE’s guidance, which will help businesses focus on what they do best, free from worries about health and safety myths.”

Mike Ellerby has written a useful electrical safety guide, which you can read here.