PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is one of those grey areas for commercial landlords, a responsibility that lies with both landlord and tenant. However, Fixed Appliance Testing, which comes under the PAT umbrella, is most definitely something commercial landlords need to give consideration to.
Do you need a PAT test?
If you’re the landlord of a commercial property, or responsible for managing one, it is imperative that you understand all your obligations as set out in the lease, including those relating to PAT testing.
PAT testing is designed to check that certain electrical appliances are safe to use and prevent workplace accidents. There are seven appliance categories for PAT testing; it is likely that your tenant has the legal responsibility for all but one – Fixed Appliances.
Your tenant’s ancient printer or fraying phone charger cable are not your responsibility as a commercial landlord, but you should ensure your lease states this in clear terms or you could find yourself liable. However, as a commercial landlord, you should ensure that any fixed appliances, i.e. anything that is part of the building and doesn’t belong to the tenant, are tested regularly.
It’s important to note that whilst PAT testing itself is not a legal requirement, ensuring the safety of those in your building is and therefore PAT testing, including testing fixed appliances, should be considered best practice. If there is an accident and you cannot prove the appliance was safe to use, responsibility lies solely with you.
Seven categories of PAT testing
- Fixed appliances
- Stationary appliances
- IT appliances
- Moveable appliances
- Portable appliances
- Cables and chargers
- Handheld appliances
We can help you fulfil your obligations
We can help you to keep your building compliant and the people in it happy and safe. We can carry out PAT testing, including fixed appliance testing, and help you to fulfil your responsibilities.
The simplest way to achieve this is to put a Darenth Valley planned and preventative maintenance (PPM) contract in place, which can cover any or all of the Maintenance Essentials.
If you would like to arrange PAT or discuss putting a PPM agreement in place please contact Alex Tait our Business Development Manager.
Further information: https://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/faq-portable-appliance-testing.htm
Do our Happy Building Health Check
We’ve identified 12 areas of essential maintenance for keeping commercial property compliant and created a Happy Building Health Check chart. If compliance is your responsibility download it and check that your building complies.