PAT Testing Guidance for Paying Guest Accommodation

19 September 2023

PAT Testing Guidance

Calling B&B’s and people running paid guest accommodation

The Governments in the UK have issued very clear clear guidance on what you need to do to keep your guests safe from fire and electric shocks. PAT Testing is included as a requirement for ensuring you comply.

What is the guidance?

In England: A guide to making your small paying-guest accommodation safe from fire

In Wales: A guide to making your guest accommodation safe from fire

In Scotland: Practical fire safety guidance for premises with sleeping accommodation

In Northern Ireland: A practical fire safety guide to small self catering premises

What does it say about PAT Testing?

The guidance does not refer to PAT Testing specifically as there is no law saying you must PAT Test. The guidance says you need to do a risk assessment, and have a routine for the inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment. The IET (Institute of Electrical Engineers) mandate best practice for this, and best practice is PAT Testing.

Do I need an electrician to do my PAT Testing?

No! Any competent person can do PAT Testing, In fact, as the responsible person you are responsible regardless of who actually does the PAT Testing, so it makes sense that you know what to do and how to do it.

What is PAT Testing?

PAT Testing  is the routine inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment. It consists of the following:

1. Risk Assessment
2. Visual Inspection
3. PAT Test using a PAT Tester machine
4. Functional Test
5. Recording outcomes and labelling

You can see exactly what is involved on our free online pat testing course Click Here

If you complete the course successfully you will be offered the option to buy a certificate. There is no formal training qualification to do PAT Testing but the certification will show that you understand know what needs to be done.

The Parker Bell technical team is happy to give you technical advice & support. Call us on 01392 364933 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.