Maritime Electrical Services
01622 962306Call usWorkplace electrical safety
Employers and duty holders must keep electrical systems and equipment safe. Portable appliance testing is a practical, evidence-led way to support that duty as part of a proportionate maintenance programme.
The legal position
UK legislation does not prescribe a single PAT testing timetable or make a PAT certificate mandatory for every item. Instead, it requires duty holders to maintain electrical systems so they are safe, assess risk and take suitable steps to prevent danger. The right approach depends on the equipment, its condition, how it is used and the environment it is used in.
Key duties
These regulations require electrical systems to be constructed and maintained so far as is reasonably practicable to prevent danger. This includes portable equipment used by employees or others at work.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989Employers have a general duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by their work, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974Duty holders must assess workplace risks and put suitable controls in place. Electrical equipment checks should reflect that assessment rather than follow a generic schedule.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999PUWER requires that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. Portable electrical appliances fall within scope, and records of maintenance activity should be kept.
HSE: PUWER 1998Regulated sectors
In addition to the general duties above, certain regulated sectors face additional inspection and compliance frameworks that make documented PAT testing records particularly important.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards require registered providers to ensure premises and equipment are safe, clean and properly maintained. CQC inspectors routinely check that portable electrical equipment is tested and that records are available. Failure to demonstrate compliance can result in enforcement action or conditions on registration.
CQC: Safe care and treatmentOfsted inspections assess health and safety management as part of leadership and governance judgements. Schools are also subject to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Insurance assessors increasingly require evidence of regular portable appliance testing as a condition of cover, particularly for multi-site academy trusts.
HSE: Health and safety in schoolsAll employers operating within airport estates — including concessionaires, airlines, ground handlers and airport authorities — are subject to the Electricity at Work Regulations and HSE enforcement. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) expects airport operators to maintain robust safety management systems, which include documented electrical equipment maintenance programmes.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989Landlords and tenants both carry duties under the Electricity at Work Regulations for equipment within their control. Lease agreements and building insurance policies frequently require evidence of regular PAT testing, particularly in multi-tenanted buildings and managed office estates.
HSE: Electrical safety at workA practical control
PAT testing is often one of the clearest and most practical ways to demonstrate that portable electrical equipment is being maintained safely. It should support, not replace, day-to-day user checks, visual inspections, risk assessment and wider electrical maintenance. A well-planned programme gives you a repeatable process, traceable records and clear follow-up actions.
Visual inspections and electrical tests create clear records of what was checked, when it was checked and the result for each item.
A planned programme can prioritise higher-risk equipment and environments while avoiding unnecessary disruption or blanket testing.
Failed or damaged items can be identified and removed from service promptly, helping teams act before equipment is used again.
Itemised results and certificate-ready reports help facilities teams maintain an organised record for their own safety management.
Common questions
Compliance support
Tell us about your premises, equipment volumes and operational requirements, and we'll help you plan a practical electrical equipment testing visit.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Your responsibilities may vary according to your premises, activities, equipment and risk assessment.
