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Why Portable Appliance Testing?
Why should I have PAT Testing carried-out?
Failure to comply with the Electrical Regulations may constitute a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 which carries a maximum penalty on summary conviction of a £5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. Landlords and letting agents could also be sued in Civil Law under the duty of care for failure to ensure the tenants safety and, as a result, face punitive damages.
There are a number of reasons why Electrical Installations & appliances should be tested on a regular basis with the most important ones being:
To minimize the risk of fire and injury
Each year about 1,000 accidents at work involving electric shock or burns are reported to the Health and Safety Executive. About 30 of these are fatal.
To satisfy your Insurance Company
Your insurance company may dismiss part or all of your claim if test records cannot be provided.
To comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations
To comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
To comply with all Health & Safety requirements and ISO standards
To comply with Quality Assurances
As part of your Fire Risk Assessment compliance
What are the penalties for not having PAT Testing carried-out?
Fatalities, injuries to personnel or livestock and damage to property.
Successful prosecution under the Act or any health and safety statute carries a maximum penalty of a fine of £5,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment. For breaches under the general duties of the Health Safety at Work Act 1974, penalties of up to £20,000 were introduced in 1992. Offences heard on indictment in the Crown Court attract unlimited financial penalties and up to 2 years imprisonment.
e-mail: propatuk@talktalk.net
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