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I am aware that small business have issues with contractor access and parking as they try to get their electrical equipment tested to ensure good safety for themselves and staff.

So AEW realises that a mobile PAT testing service using public transport negates the problem of contractors who cannot get parked in the area.

First of all what is PAT Testing and why do it. ?

Check this PAT Explained short video Here

Types of issues for small business

• The need to get electrical equipment tested to ensure good electrical safety for staff and visitors.
• Small business requirements is that these tests be completed to comply with the Health & Safety requirements .
• Proper documentation for a good audit trail. Click here for an example.

How to complete a pat asset register of electrical equipment

How to create an Asset Register

You may ask why do this and what does it achieve . This is basically an audit trail document. This itemises the equipment you are responsible for and proves to any authority that you are managing the testing of your electrical appliances. Click here for a example from AEW

Creating an asset register can do the following

• It helps as an audit trail.
• It demonstrates that you are a responsible owner.
• It documents the equipment for any possible insurance claim.
• It costs nothing to put together.

Repair register

A repair register proves you are getting your equipment checked and more importantly demonstrates that any future issue are dealt with.

Fault register

Audit wise a fault register demonstrates that you recognise that this needs to be recorded.

PAT Testing Intervals

PAT testing intervals in the Code of Practise of the 5th edition states “There is no specified timescales in law, or in the CoP of inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Formally PAT testing.

The Housing Act (Scotland) 2006, 2014

With regards to private rentals in the Act a Landlord in a tenancy must ensure that the rented property meets the “repairing standard ” at

• The start of the tenancy
• All times during the tenancy , where the the landlord is made aware of possible defects

Types of rentals

Listed below is the types of rentals and the requirement of PAT testing intervals.

Short Term Lets

The City of Edinburgh Council requires an annual Portable Appliance Test (PAT) certificate. For more information click here for CEC website requirements.

Houses of Multiple Occupation

The City of Edinburgh Council requires an annual Portable Appliance Test (PAT) certificate. For more information click here for CEC website requirements.

General Rental Properties

In this case the landlord can risk assess the PAT Testing interval. So, with long term tenants where the property is in good condition the landlord could schedule the testing for every 18 to 24 months. However if there is a steady turnover of tenants then it may be prudent to test annually

Good Practise

It is good practise to register any electrical equipment with the manufacturer in case of any safety recalls. So, it helps if the landlord stores in a folder the equipment make, model & serial number in case of any recalls. You can also check the electrical safety first website for any equipment that has been recalled.

Fixed Appliance Testing

Getting inquiries about clarification on Fixed Appliance Testing and why does it matter. Landlords and letting agents are asking why this has to be done and how does affect PAT testing.

First of all is the terminology of Portable Appliance Testing. Although it is commonly known as PAT testing it is actually under the 5^th edition of the Code of Practise of In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

Frequently Asked Questions