PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)
The inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment to ensure it is safe to use, required as part of workplace health and safety.
PAT testing — Portable Appliance Testing — is the process of checking electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to use. While there is no single law that mandates PAT testing by name, UK health and safety legislation requires employers to ensure that electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition. In hospitality environments, where equipment is used intensively and exposed to heat, moisture, and heavy use, regular PAT testing is essential. Insurance companies often require evidence of PAT testing, and EHOs may ask about electrical safety as part of broader health and safety checks.
Key Points
- No single law mandates PAT testing, but health and safety legislation requires safe electrical equipment
- Commercial kitchen equipment should be PAT tested at least annually
- Staff should do basic visual checks on equipment before each use
- Failed items must be removed from service immediately
- Keep detailed records including asset numbers, test dates, and results
What Needs PAT Testing
Any portable electrical appliance used in your business should be included in your PAT testing programme. In a hospitality setting, this includes kettles, toasters, microwaves, blenders, mixers, coffee machines, portable heaters, extension leads, phone chargers, and any other plug-in equipment. Fixed appliances (like built-in ovens and hardwired dishwashers) are not classed as portable and are covered by fixed electrical installation testing instead. New equipment does not need immediate PAT testing but should be visually inspected before first use.
Testing Frequency
There is no fixed legal frequency for PAT testing, but the IET Code of Practice provides guidance based on the environment and equipment type. For commercial kitchens (a harsh environment with heat and moisture), the recommended frequency is: formal visual inspection every 6 months, and combined inspection and testing annually. Office equipment in lower-risk areas can be tested less frequently — every 2-4 years. Staff should also be trained to do basic visual checks before each use, looking for damaged cables, cracked plugs, burn marks, or loose connections.
Record Keeping
You must keep records of all PAT testing. Each tested item should have a unique identifier (asset number or label), and your records should show: the item description, its location, the date of testing, the test results (pass/fail), and who performed the test. Failed items should be taken out of service immediately, repaired or replaced, and retested before being returned to use. PAT testing labels on equipment provide a quick visual reference showing the last test date and next due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PAT testing a legal requirement in the UK?
PAT testing itself is not specifically required by law, but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that all electrical equipment is maintained to prevent danger. PAT testing is the accepted way to demonstrate compliance. Insurance policies often require evidence of regular PAT testing as a condition of cover.
How often should kitchen equipment be PAT tested?
For commercial kitchens, which are classified as a harsh environment due to heat and moisture, the IET Code of Practice recommends formal visual inspection every 6 months and combined inspection and electrical testing annually. High-use items or those in particularly demanding conditions may need more frequent testing.
Who can carry out PAT testing?
There is no legal requirement for PAT testers to hold specific qualifications. However, they must be competent to carry out the testing safely. Most businesses use external PAT testing companies or train a staff member using an accredited course. The tester must understand how to use the testing equipment and interpret results.
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