Fixed appliance testing regulations are based on the inspection of permanent electrical systems/circuits and testing of cables, sockets and lighting from a fixed appliance. Fixed appliance testing regulations are presented in The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 which examine the duty of care to both the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of the fixed appliance and everyone using the work premises. Fixed appliance testing regulations are also presented in The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 which state it is imperative that “Every employer shall make suitable and sufficient assessment of:
• The risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst at work
• 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.”
The 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.”
The Electricity at Work Regulations assert legal responsibility on employers and employees to adhere with the PAT testing legal requirements and take procedures to ensure that there are no hazards from appliances. In order to avoid any danger on the property there should be regular maintenance, and this is where PAT testing is required.
Current fixed appliance testing regulations state it is necessary for employers to complete fixed appliance testing on each appliance to ensure they are safe and comply with legal requirements. Some of the relevant fixed appliance testing regulations are:
Electricity At Work Act 1989
• “To meet the requirements of the Electricity At Work regulations it is necessary to implement a programme of planned inspection and testing of portable appliances.”
Fixed appliance testing regulations are portrayed in The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the regulations confirm all health and safety risks are depleted. In relation to fixed appliance testing the regulations state:
“Every employer shall make suitable and sufficient assessment of:
(a) the risks to employees which exposed to 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”
