PAT Testing Event Insurance

16 January 2019

Is it necessary for you to PAT test at events for insurance purposes?

Pat testing your electrical appliances is not a legal requirement. You could, however, find yourself unable to claim on insurance if an accident did occur.  Carrying out both a visual inspection and PAT testing electrical appliances is recommended.  This is especially important when these appliances will be in direct contact with customers and the general public.

Am I covered if the event has its own insurance?

Yes, it is highly likely that everyone at the event would be covered but it is always beneficial to check.  Insurance cover can vary between different insurance providers. Checking the expectations of the cover with regard to accidents and injuries is therefore recommended.  Many insurance providers will want to see evidence or proof that the equipment in use was safe.   Completing a visual inspection and PAT testing is the best way to demonstrate the safety of electrical appliances.  Recording and labelling the appliances based on the results of the testing will ensure the insurance cover is validated. Please ask the event organiser about the insurance cover they have.  If there is an insurance document you could review this as well to confirm any expectations. Reviewing the insurance document enables you to feel confident that you are protected.

After completing your electrical appliance safety checks you will have a report written by yourself or a certificate provided. This can be used to show that the electrical appliances passed their PAT test.  Although this does not mean the appliances are 100% safe! It does show that you have taken suitable action to try to keep users and the public safe.  Protecting you from the insurance company leaving you liable should an accident occur.

What happens when using personal liability insurance?

When using personal liability insurance it’s good practice to inform all exhibitors.  Writing to everyone before the event gives everyone time to prepare. You should state that equipment should be PAT tested and of a safe standard to be used at the event. Most exhibitors will be more than happy to provide evidence of PAT testing. This will help to ensure the whole event will run smoothly and safely.

Alternatively, you could have a PAT testing machine at any event. Testing all electrical appliances as the enter the venue and prior to use at the event.  Remember PAT testing only shows that the appliance was in working order at the time of being tested.  So you should test everything as close to the date as possible.

To purchase a PAT testing machine for events have a look at our PAT testing kits.