Care homes have a particularly varied mix of electrical equipment. Offices, kitchens, laundry rooms, communal areas and resident rooms can all contain appliances with very different levels of use and risk.
Need professional PAT testing? Explore our nationwide Portable Appliance Testing service, sector-specific PAT testing and UK coverage areas.
Is annual PAT testing legally required in care homes?
No. HSE guidance for care homes states that it is not a legal requirement to test all portable electrical appliances every year. The level and frequency of maintenance should be based on the risk of the item becoming faulty.
What factors should care providers consider?
HSE highlights several useful factors when deciding how frequently equipment should be maintained:
- Whether the equipment is earthed or double insulated
- Whether it is hand-held
- Its age
- How often it is used
- Where it is used
What about resident-owned equipment?
HSE care-home guidance specifically notes that portable equipment capable of causing danger includes equipment owned by residents. Providers therefore need a sensible policy for equipment brought into the home, particularly where condition or suitability is uncertain.
When is visual inspection enough?
For many items a competent visual inspection can identify important faults such as loose cables, exposed conductors, damaged plugs or evidence of overheating. Some Class I equipment, including certain floor-cleaning, kitchen or laundry equipment, may justify formal electrical testing.
How can testing be organised without disrupting residents?
Testing can be phased by floor, wing or operational area. Resident rooms can be managed around care routines and access requirements, while staff areas, kitchens and offices can be scheduled separately.
Our dedicated PAT testing for care homes service page explains how we can organise this.
Do care homes need an EICR as well?
PAT testing concerns portable or movable electrical equipment. The fixed wiring installation is a separate maintenance issue and should be inspected and tested by a competent person at suitable intervals. HSE notes that BS 7671 guidance commonly recommends five-year inspection intervals for residential premises such as care homes, although the interval can be varied by competent advice and risk assessment.
Official HSE guidance
See the HSE guidance on electrical safety in care homes.
Need a care-home testing programme?
National PAT Compliance can coordinate testing around residents and staff routines, including multi-site care groups. Request a quotation.