DIY or Contractor PAT Testing

19 August 2019

Before we start talking about DIY vs. Contractor PAT Testing, it’s worth covering the age old questions of whether or not you actually need to PAT Test….

You will hear people say “There is no law that says you must PAT Test.”

However; by law you must routinely inspect and maintain your electrical portable appliances. This should be done in a standard way, and records should be kept so that you can show that you have met with this requirement.  So, as PAT Testing is the recognised way of meeting this legal requirement, you probably should be PAT Testing!

People also say “There is no formal qualification required in order to carry out PAT Testing.” This is true!  The HSE say any competent person can do PAT testing.  Our free online PAT Testing course which introduces you to the fundamentals of PAT Testing can help you decide if you are competent. The course shows what is involved so that you can decide whether or not you need to seek further training.

Do the free online pat testing course now

So you need to PAT Test – DIY PAT Testing? Or get in a contractor?

Here are few general points to keep in mind.

• You (the MD/Owner) are responsible for PAT Testing (inspecting & maintaining portable electrical appliances) So whether you outsource or do it in house you are responsible and cannot delegate responsibility.
• Your risk assessment should dictate the frequency of PAT Testing. Generally it isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ so this may mean having to get contractors in more frequently adding to cost and disruption.
• There will be disruption!  Appliances cannot be in use while they are being inspected and tested.
• If you work with vulnerable or elderly people you will need to ensure that whoever carries out the test has suitable disclosure, or that they are escorted.
• PAT Testing takes time. So be prepared for this. It is not difficult to do, but when you start it can take a while to locate earth points and so on. Once you have done it a few times it will speed up considerably.

PAT Testing Contractor considerations

Changes vary greatly throughout the country. So do your research. Beware of the Sticker Brigade. These are PAT Testers who say they can PAT Test 20 or more items in an hour. If they can they are unlikely to be doing it properly! Make sure you know exactly what’s involved in PAT Testing so that you can choose a reputable contractor.

PAT Testing D.I.Y. Costs

D.I.Y. PAT Testing can be very cost effective. A machine and everything you need costs £245.00 + vat. (if you do our free online course) Thereafter it is £47.50 a year to calibrate. So in the first year it is costing less than £5 per week!

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What the benefits are of do it yourself PAT Testing?

• You have complete control using your own staff at your convenience.
• Staff can be trained for free with our free online PAT Testing course.
• Process helps with asset management, helping you keep an eye on the general wear and tear and performance of your appliances.
• Your team are well trained and alert to possible dangers, reducing your overall risk of electrical accidents and injuries.
• PAT Testing can be scheduled for down times and quiet times, or spread throughout the year.
• Sessions can be split into smaller sessions giving less overall disruption.
• Borrowed, hired or personal appliances can be tested quickly and easily.
• PAT Testers can be shared with neighbours to help spread the cost.

Overall for many companies, especially those where members of the public are accessing the premises, it makes sense to do your own PAT Testing.

Please read the very helpful information on the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) website which gives some really helpful advice. https://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/faq-portable-appliance-testing.htm   They also provide a free downloadable guide:

Need help PAT Testing?

If you have any questions about PAT Testing Class II appliances, or anything related to PAT Testing please call us on 01392 364933 or email sales@parker-bell.co.uk