A PAT testing certificate is issued at the completion of PAT testing, depending on the results. The importance of possessing a PAT testing certificate is that it maximises safety and protection, as well as complying with health and safety regulations because in the case of a claim a PAT testing certificate is proof that the responsible person took necessary procedures to ensure safety. It is advised that properties/businesses obtain a PAT testing certificate because a PAT testing certificate is proof that PAT testing has successfully been completed in the property. A PAT testing certificate is typically thorough and includes a detailed report stating which appliances, if any, have failed and/or passed (results).
A PAT testing certificate is only to be approved of and presented by an approved NICEIC/ECA registered contractor and the engineer is “competent”. This means as well as obtaining a City and Guilds 2377 qualification the engineer should regularly carry out this type of work, thus being able to produce accurate results in the portable appliance testing certificate which results in maximum safety of the property.
A PAT testing certificate consists of details of the inspection which include:
• The name and address of where PAT testing was completed.
• The name and address of the PAT testing engineer, or, his/hers companies name and address.
• The PAT testing expiry date which is usually six or twelve months.
• An authorised signature
A PAT testing certificate does not include details of individual appliances tested, this may only be included in the PAT test detailed report, which is not always issued, and this may be obtained if requested.
A PAT testing certificate is an official paper of proof that shows whether the property being tested is safe. Labels are also attached to each appliance to show whether the appliance has failed or passed PAT testing, although these are not as important as obtaining a certificate. The risk of not completing PAT testing or presenting a recent PAT testing certificate is that the property’s insurance could be void and any accidents or injuries could result in suing of the property owner.
