Guidance

Replace non sleeved plugs Whilst it's not the 'law' the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association recommends replacing non-sleeved plugs for sleeved ones. Non-sleeved plugs have not been manufactured in the UK since 1984, and they don't meet the standard for safety - not having sleeves on the earth and insulation pins means a user could come into contact with the electricity supply when plugging in or unplugging a device, so these plugs don't [...]

PAT testing is a process carried out to check electrical equipment fitted with a plug is safe to use; it is part of health and safety in the UK. A thorough PAT is crucial to find issues that may not be detected normally, so should be carried out by an experienced, skilled operator. The price for PAT testing depends on many different factors, not least geographical area, with prices in the UK ranging from 50p [...]

PAT tester Calibration PAT tester calibration - is it really necessary? Do I really have to get it done every year? Members often ask about getting their PAT tester calibrated, and it is a question we often see pop in forums online, "do I really need my PAT tester calibrated every year? It's such an expense!" I bet your customers are asking the same question about their PAT testing! However, most responsible people, know the [...]

Fixed Electrical Appliances - who should be testing them? Fixed Electrical Appliances - who should be testing them? Is a PAT tester supposed to test fixed appliances? No. Is an electrician supposed to test fixed appliances? No. So who is meant to test fixed appliances? Someone competent to do so. A PAT tester is supposed to check portable appliances (PAT) to make sure they are safe. A portable appliance has a plug. [...]

The HSE expects businesses to resume testing of their equipment following Covid restrictions. In early April (2021) the Health and Safety Executive updated their guidance for "thorough examination and testing of equipment", which includes electrical equipment, and we, the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association, agree with them completely. The HSE have stated that during the coronavirus pandemic, businesses may have found it difficult to carry out their [...]

PAT Testing during the January 2021 Lockdown Guidance Note 01/2021 Guidance Note for PATTA Members, Duty Holders and the Public  PATTA is the trade organisation for PAT Testing Companies in the UK and we represent the interests of all of our members and others in the PAT Testing Industry. PATTA members might be wondering whether or not it is possible for them to continue working [...]

A guide to staying safe at home, whilst at work So, most of us are now working from home while we adapt to the impact Covid-19 is having on our lives. We have new routines, or no routine and we're trying to work whilst the kids run riot and the dogs wants to be on our lap - we're all adjusting to new ways of working such as having our meetings on the [...]

If you’re not already doing it, adding product recall to your business could help your USP and help your customers safety. Most people (and we’ve all done it) go out and buy that electrical appliance but take no notice of the “register my appliance” card in the box. Well it is there for a good reason and it’s not just trying to upsell you some extra insurance. Several PAT firms are registering not just the [...]