Who Can Do PAT Testing?

5 April 2019

If you are trying to find out about who can PAT Test, or you’re wondering what’s involved in PAT Testing read on. In most cases, you can do your own PAT Testing. So regardless of if you are working in a Care Home, a Charity Shop, an Office, a Surgery or any kind of business, you could be doing your own PAT Testing in no time.

So who can PAT Test?

Any competent person can PAT Test. You simply need to find out what’s involved and decide if it is something you feel competent enough to do. You can do our free online course here which shows you everything that’s involved in PAT Testing. If you feel unsure at the end, you should investigate getting further training to support what you already know. Or you can read more in the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) free download (see paragraph 50) here 

Do you need special equipment?

Yes, you need a pass/fail PAT Tester that gives a Pass or Fail outcome so you don’t need to interpret complicated results. These are readily available and competitively priced. The PB500 is easy to use, and very cost effective. It also comes with everything else you need to do your own PAT Testing.

What else do you need to do your own PAT Testing?

You will just need a screwdriver, some labels and a method of logging your results and then you should be ready to go. Remember you must keep a record of the tests carried out so that you can show you have been inspecting and maintaining your appliances. You will also need a valid calibration certificate for your machine. Check out our PAT Testing Kits, as these include everything you will need.

Is there anything else you need to do before you start PAT Testing?

You’ll need to do a risk assessment to determine the frequency of PAT Testing. The frequency is determined by the risk of the appliance as well as the risk to the user and the environment. The high-risk appliances will need PAT Testing every 6 months (3 months for construction sites) very low-risk items will only need testing every couple of years. More information can be found in this Free HSE download.

Free help and advice

If you have any questions regarding PAT Testing give us a ring on 01392 364933. Or email Dale at dale@parker-bell.co.uk. You can also complete our contact form on our contact us page.