The future of PAT
This is a very interesting time for the PAT Testing industry, with the UK government taking electrical safety very seriously at the moment. Brexit is likely to bring changes to the legislation, with much to be decided over the next few months. The government were already in the process of setting up a new ‘Office for Product Safety‘ – mainly due to the issue of counterfeit and non-UK standard electrical items, but of course the tragic fire at Grenfell in June 2017 has brought that much more into sharper focus.
Without a trade association to represent the PAT Testing industry, its been left to commercial companies to push forward on issues such as PAT Testing in rented properties, and whilst this is welcome, it can create suspicion of commercial interest and cynicism.
Patta is already represented within these government circles, and we have been represented in meetings along with other trade associations, politicians, ministers, and government officials.
Patta is also talking to the IET about the next Code of Practice, and City and Guilds with the aim of creating a new qualification for portable appliance testing, to replace 2377.
Patta is also looking to create a PAT version of the ‘On-site guide’.
There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes, by the steering group that represent the members, and established the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association.
If you would like to be involved in changing the PAT testing industry for the better, you can start by applying for membership. patta is an association of members and will have annual events to showcase what we have been doing, and has a few benefits to offer members in support. The money you pay for your membership goes towards covering the costs incurred in trying to achieve our objectives.