A little preparation before a PAT testing visit can reduce downtime and help ensure equipment is not missed. The aim is to make appliances accessible while keeping the testing programme organised around your operation.
1. Identify the areas being tested
Confirm which rooms, floors, departments or sites are included. Tell your testing provider about restricted areas, security procedures and any equipment that cannot be switched off during normal operations.
2. Make portable equipment accessible
Where practical, ensure plugs and leads can be reached safely. Avoid hiding equipment in locked cupboards or inaccessible storage areas if it is intended to be included.
3. Tell staff what is happening
Let employees know when testing will take place and that some equipment may need to be disconnected briefly. Good communication helps reduce disruption.
4. Flag critical equipment
Identify servers, medical or specialist equipment, security systems and other items where isolation requires specific arrangements. These should never simply be unplugged without appropriate coordination.
5. Review previous records
Previous asset registers and fault histories can help identify missing items, recurring defects and areas that may require closer attention.
6. Deal with obvious damage
If staff notice damaged plugs, cables, casings or signs of overheating, the equipment should be taken out of service as appropriate rather than waiting for the next scheduled test.
Create an appliance list before testing
An up-to-date appliance list can make a PAT testing visit considerably more efficient. It does not need to be complicated: recording the main equipment groups, departments and approximate quantities gives the engineer a useful starting point and helps the business check that important items have been included.
Plan around operational downtime
Some appliances can be disconnected immediately, while others may need to remain in service until a particular time. Offices may need computers during working hours, hospitality businesses may have busy service periods and manufacturing sites may have equipment linked to production. Agreeing these restrictions in advance allows the testing programme to be sequenced sensibly.
After the PAT testing visit
Review the report rather than simply filing it away. Check failed items, confirm that repairs or replacements have been dealt with and retain the information for future maintenance planning. Previous results can also help determine sensible inspection and testing intervals because equipment history and the environment in which it is used are relevant to risk.
More useful PAT testing information
Read our Portable Appliance Testing service, appliance guide, failed PAT test guide, common failures and HSE guidance.
Arrange your visit
National PAT Compliance provides nationwide testing for businesses, landlords and organisations. Contact us to plan a visit around your operational requirements.