PAT Testing in Care Homes

22 August 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in Care Homes needing to take extra steps to keep their residents safe. One of the most effective ways of doing this is to allow only essential workers on the premises. But how can you go about PAT Testing in Care Homes?

Firstly it is important to understand that ‘any competent person can PAT Test’ as per the HSE (Health & Safety Executive)

You can do a free online course that shows you exactly what’s involved and how to do it. You just need an email address t sign up. Go to www.onlinepattestingcourse.co.uk.

When should you PAT Test?

You need to do a risk assessment to determine a frequency of testing.   It also makes sense to test any equipment a resident brings from home, before they plug it in and start using it. As with any PAT Testing be sure to carry out a thorough visual inspection prior to the PAT Test using the machine.

Is it expensive to do your own PAT Testing?

PAT Testing can be cost effective as you can fit testing around other jobs needed to be done around the home. Anyone can do it, providing they are competent. You do need to use a Pass/Fail PAT Tester like the one we sell / show in the free online course. This costs around£250-£350 depending on which option you go for.  The machine will need to be calibrated annually. This costs £77.40 including vat, collection & redelivery.  The machine should last for years!

If you are small home, it is a good idea to look at sharing a machine with another similar business. This way you can split costs as machines are rarely used all the time.

What if I need help or advice?

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