What it is
Tools and equipment used in workshops, warehouses and on site take more punishment, so they need inspecting more often. We test portable and movable equipment suitable for in-service testing, recommend shorter intervals where use is heavy, and flag anything that needs taking out of service.
What's included
- Inspection and testing
- Labels and register
- Risk-based intervals
Not included
- Fixed machinery (covered by installation inspection)
- Repairs
Who needs it
- Workshops and warehouses
- Contractors with tool stores
What you'll receive
PAT report and asset register.
How often
Typically more frequent than office equipment; set per item.
What the rules say
Each point is labelled so you can tell what's law, what's a British Standard, and what's good practice or comes from your lease, licence or insurer.
- Legal requirementGreat Britain
The legal duty is to maintain equipment, not to 'PAT test annually'
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical equipment at work to be maintained to prevent danger. HSE says the law doesn't make inspection or testing of appliances a specific requirement, and that annual testing of everything is a myth.
Sources: Electricity at Work Regulations (opens external site): Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, regulation 4; HSE PAT FAQ (opens external site): Portable appliance testing: frequently asked questions
- Recommended practiceGreat Britain
Frequency should follow the risk
HSE's guidance for low-risk workplaces is to base checks on the type of equipment and how it's used: user checks and visual inspection catch most faults, with testing where it adds value. Construction sites and harsh environments need more frequent checks than offices.
Sources: HSE INDG236 (opens external site): Maintaining portable electrical equipment in low-risk environments (INDG236); HSE PAT FAQ (opens external site): Portable appliance testing: frequently asked questions
- Lease, licence or insurerVaries
Insurers, landlords and licences
Your insurer, lease or licence may ask for test records at a set interval. Those are contractual requirements.
Before your appointment
- Make tools and equipment available, including 110 V site tools, extension leads and transformers.
- Tell us which equipment is used on site or in harsh conditions, as it needs more frequent checks.
If something's found
- Failed items are labelled and listed with the reason. Many are simple fixes like a new plug or fuse, which we can do on the day if you agree.
- Items that are unsafe and can't be repaired should be taken out of use.
- You receive a register of every item, its result and when we suggest it's next checked.
What affects the price
- Number of items
- Type of equipment (110 V site tools, IT, kitchen appliances)
- Where items are spread across the site
- Out-of-hours visits
Read more
- Is PAT testing a legal requirement? And how often is it needed?
What the law actually says, why 'annual PAT' is a myth, and how to set sensible intervals.