PAT testing for recruitment agencies and office businesses: guidance for computers, kitchen appliances, chargers and extension leads.
What equipment should be considered?
Portable and movable electrical equipment should be managed according to its type, condition, use and environment. Common examples include computers, kitchen appliances, chargers, extension leads, cleaning equipment and other plug-in devices.
How often should PAT testing be carried out?
There is no single universal annual interval for every appliance. Inspection and testing should be proportionate to risk, considering equipment construction, movement, environment, frequency of use and previous results.
Visual inspections and records
Obvious damage such as split cables, damaged plugs, loose parts or signs of overheating should be acted on promptly. Clear asset and test records can help organisations manage faults and future maintenance.
IT Equipment and Workstation Appliances
Recruitment businesses often operate equipment-dense offices with computers, monitors, docking stations, chargers, printers and extension leads. The maintenance approach should reflect how equipment is installed, how often it is moved and its history rather than assuming every item requires the same interval.
Hybrid Working and Portable Equipment
Laptops, chargers and other equipment may move between offices and home-working locations. Employers should have a practical process for reporting damage and deciding how company-owned equipment is included within their inspection and maintenance arrangements.
Minimising Office Disruption
Testing can be organised by team, floor or workstation group. Identifying essential systems and informing staff before the visit can reduce downtime and make equipment easier to access.
Office equipment that is easily overlooked
Recruitment and office-based businesses often focus on computers, but chargers, monitors, docking stations, extension leads, kitchen appliances, portable heaters and cleaning equipment should also be considered within the electrical maintenance programme.
Hybrid working and shared equipment
Equipment that moves between desks, meeting rooms or home-working arrangements may experience more handling than fixed desktop equipment. Businesses should have a clear process for reporting damaged leads, plugs or power supplies and deciding when inspection or testing is appropriate.
Related PAT testing guidance
Read our Portable Appliance Testing service, appliance guide, testing frequency guide and areas we cover. Official electrical maintenance guidance is available from the Health and Safety Executive.
Nationwide PAT testing
National PAT Compliance provides organised portable appliance inspection and testing for businesses and organisations throughout the UK. Contact us to discuss your sites and requirements.