How often do I need to get PAT testing done?

How often you need to get PAT testing done depends on numerous factors, including:

• Your own risk assessment – a risk assessment will help you determine what needs to be done to maintain safe equipment
• A fire prevention risk assessment – will assess what needs doing to prevent fires occurring
• The use of the electrical equipment and who uses it
• The working environment in which the electrical equipment is used
• The type of equipment
• What your insurance stipulates – insurance small print assumes you are meeting your Health and Safety obligations
• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. Regulations don’t state how often this needs done, or what needs doing; nor do the HSE – because they don’t want to risk being sued!

Most companies assume an annual PAT testing frequency because it is considered to be best practice.