Why "PAT" test?
There are three main reasons to have your equipment inspected and tested.
a lot of companies look at these three reasons in reverse, so that's how I will look at them
Insurance policy "Get out" Clauses
Insurance companies have a responsibility to their owners to manage the risks they underwrite. To help reduce these risks they expect you to manage the risks you expose them to. They ask that you manage the risks you expect them to underwrite. If you don't, they would be within their rights to refuse to accept a claim.
Examples
More than
The Insured at his own expense shall (A) take all reasonable precautions to prevent or diminish loss destruction or damage or any occurrence or cease any activity which may give rise to liability under this Policy and to maintain all buildings furnishings ways works machinery plant caravans and vehicles in sound condition
Royal Sun Alliance
2. The Insured at his own expense shall (A) take reasonable precautions to prevent any circumstances or to cease any activity which may give rise to liability under this Policy and to maintain all buildings furnishings ways works machinery plant and vehicles in a sound condition (B) as soon as possible after discovery cause any defect or damage to be made good or remedied and in the meantime shall cause such additional precautions to be taken as the circumstances may require
Axa
Reasonable Precautions The Insured shall a) take all reasonable precautions to prevent occurrences which may give rise to loss destruction or damage b) take all reasonable steps to comply with statutory requirements obligations and regulations imposed by any authority c) take immediate steps to make good or remedy any defect or danger which becomes apparent or take such additional precautions
Hiscox
You have an obligation to take reasonable steps to mitigate any loss.
Norwich Union
You will (a) maintain The Premises, machinery, plant and equipment in a satisfactory state of repair (b) take all reasonable precautions to prevent (i) loss, destruction or damage to Property Insured (ii) accident or injury to any person or loss, destruction or damage to their property (c) comply with all legal requirements and safety regulations and conduct The Business in a lawful manner
As you can see you are expected to keep your equipment in good condition. The bast way to make sure that you do is by being able to prove that you take a Proactive approach to safety. i.e. by keeping your "PAT" test records current.
Legal Requirements
The main laws relevant to electrical safety are; the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974
puts the duty of care upon both the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons at work. This includes the self employed.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
states: "Every employer shall make suitable and sufficient assessment of: (a) the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst at work, and (b) the risks to ensure the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him or his undertaking."
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
states "Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair." The PUWER 1998 covers most risks that can result from using work equipment. With respect to risks from electricity, compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 is likely to achieve compliance with the PUWER 1998. PUWER 1998 applies to work equipment used by workers at work. This includes all work equipment (fixed, transportable or portable) connected to a source of electrical energy. PUWER does not apply to fixed installations in a building. The electrical safety of these installations is dealt with only by the Electricity at Work Regulations.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
states: "All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger." "As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger." "'System' means an electrical system in which all the electrical equipment is, or may be, electrically connected to a common source of electrical energy and includes such source and such equipment" "'Electrical Equipment' includes anything used, intended to be used or installed for use, to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, measure or use electrical energy."
The Moral side
This should be the main reason for inspecting and testing. For a lot of companies it is. Sadly for others it isn't and the risk to their insurance cover or legal liability seems more important than the risk to their staff.
Electrical equipment, like everything else, wears out over time and can become damaged. It's important to ensure this equipment is removed from service before it can cause harm to anyone or anything.
