What is Portable Appliance Testing?
Employers have a duty of care to maintain, inspect, and test their electrical equipment as covered by various government regulations. These are:
- Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- Management of health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
The consequences of not performing inspections can result in injury or even death to persons, fines, and/or custodial sentences to employers who are found guilty of flouting the regulations. Insurance companies may also refuse to pay out on claims to.