Who can PAT test your equipment – understanding the requirements and regulations

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) plays a crucial role in maintaining electrical safety in the workplace – and one that is a necessity from a compliance standpoint. But when it comes to actually carrying out the test, many businesses find themselves asking: Who can PAT test? Do you need to be an electrician? Are qualifications required? And who can legally do PAT testing?

If you’ve ever wondered who can undertake PAT testing and what the regulations say, this guide will help you understand the requirements – so you can ensure your workplace remains safe, compliant, and fully powered up.

What Is PAT testing?

PAT testing, or Portable Appliance Testing, is the process of checking electrical appliances for safety through a combination of visual inspections and electronic tests. It’s designed to make sure that plug-in devices – from kettles and computers to extension leads and power tools – are safe to use and not at risk of causing an electric shock or fire.

Although there’s no legal obligation to carry out PAT testing at specific intervals, UK health and safety regulations (including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989) require employers to maintain equipment in a safe condition – and PAT testing is a recognised way to meet this responsibility.

Who can PAT test?

So, who can PAT test equipment? The short answer: anyone who is deemed “competent.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that a competent person must have:

• sufficient training

• knowledge of electrical work

• practical experience

• the ability to recognise faulty appliances

In other words, while you don’t need to be a fully qualified electrician to carry out PAT testing, you must have the appropriate training and understanding of what you’re doing.

For more complex or high-risk appliances e.g. 3-phase equipment such as air conditioning units, electric car chargers or industrial machinery, it’s recommended that testing is carried out by someone with higher-level electrical qualifications or a professional PAT testing service.

Who can legally do PAT testing?

Legally, there’s no strict requirement for PAT testers to be registered or hold specific certifications – but the responsibility still lies with the employer to make sure testing is done properly and safely. For safety, it is best that one of the following people be employed, who can undertake PAT testing:

• a trained in-house employee with the right knowledge and tools

• an external contractor or qualified engineer

• a professional compliance company like phs Compliance

While DIY PAT testing may seem cost-effective, it’s often safer and more reliable to use a certified service that can offer proper record-keeping, calibrated equipment, and experienced engineers.

What training or certification is required?

For basic items such as small office appliances, a low-risk environment may only require a trained staff member using a PAT tester and following manufacturer guidelines.

However, many businesses choose to send their staff on a short PAT testing course to gain the necessary training. These courses typically cover:

• electrical safety basics

• visual inspections

• correct use of PAT testing equipment

• understanding test results

• logging and labelling appliances

Courses result in a certificate of competence, although this isn’t a formal legal requirement – it simply demonstrates due diligence and best practice and gives the trained person validation of their attainment.

What procedures must be followed?

Whether conducted in-house or via a third party, PAT testing should follow a consistent procedure. This includes:

1. Inventory and risk assessment – List all appliances and assess the level of risk based on use and environment.

2. Visual inspection – Check plugs, cables, casings, and for any signs of damage.

3. Electrical tests – Use a PAT tester to assess insulation resistance, earth continuity, and more.

4. Labelling and logging – Label appliances with a pass/fail sticker and record the results for compliance records.

5. Re-testing schedule – Set regular review dates based on the risk level of each appliance.

These steps are essential to prove compliance in the event of a health and safety inspection or insurance claim.

What certification is provided after testing?

After a PAT test is completed, the person conducting the test should provide:

• A label for each appliance showing a pass/fail and date of the test

• A detailed report of all items tested, including results and any faults found

• A PAT test certificate summarising the inspection for the employer’s records.

While the certificate itself is not a legal document, it serves as evidence that proper checks have been carried out – a key requirement for demonstrating compliance with UK workplace safety laws.

Be shock-proof – let phs Compliance handle it

At phs Compliance, we take the guesswork out of PAT testing. Our experienced engineers are fully trained, insured, and equipped with advanced testing equipment to ensure your appliances are safe and compliant.

We offer:

• Nationwide PAT testing services

• Flexible scheduling to minimise disruption

• Full documentation and asset logging

• Expert advice on retesting schedules and risk management

No matter your business size or sector, we help you meet your legal duties and keep your staff and customers safe.

Still wondering who can legally do PAT testing or who can PAT test equipment at your site? Don’t leave it to chance. Let phs Compliance take the lead with professional, efficient, and fully certified PAT testing services tailored to your business.

Get a free no-obligation quote for your PAT test service today, or speak to our team for tailored advice. We’re here to keep your workplace safe, powered, and fully compliant – one plug at a time.