Portable Appliance Testing (P.A.T.)




CHB Computing Services provides in addition to it's Hardware, Software, & Services the PortableAppliance Test. This test is done by us specifically for sensitive computer equipment that many electricians often overlook, thus causing damage to the equipment. We inspect & test every computer that we repair or build. Of course we will provide this service separately if required.

Increasingly, Insurance Companies are insisting that this function is carried out before they will insure.

Why is appliance safety inspection & testing required?

A quarter of all serious electrical accidents involve portable electrical appliances. There is a requirement for an employer, and those renting, re-selling or repairing portable appliances to take adequate steps to protect the users of those appliances from both electrical shock and fire hazards. The HSE claim nearly 2000 fires in 1991 were caused by faulty leads to appliances.

To meet the requirements of the 1989 'Electricity at Work Regulations' it is widely regarded to be necessary to implement a programme of planned inspection and testing of portable appliances.

Who is responsible for portable appliance safety?

The responsibility for safety applies equally to small firms (including self-employed) as to the larger organisations. In addition to being responsible for the safety of their own portable applications they are also responsible for those brought onto site by employees or contractors.

The 'Electricity at Work Regulations' place a duty upon employers, the self-employed and employees, to ensure that the risks associated with the use of electrical equipment are controlled. The HSE 'Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations' implies that the above 'duty holders' have a responsibility to 'maintain' electrical equipment to ensure that it remains safe.

For further information you can download the HSE's leaflet 'Maintaining portable electrical equipment in offices and other low-risk environments' here