ELE/General/TBT-ELE-009

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

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Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-ELE-009  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Portable appliance testing checks that electrical equipment is safe to use and not damaged or defective.
  • PAT involves a visual inspection and, where appropriate, an electrical test using a dedicated PAT tester.
  • The user visual check before each use is the most important part of the PAT regime.
  • Users should check the plug, cable, casing, and any visible damage before switching on any tool.
  • The frequency of formal PAT testing depends on the environment; construction sites require more frequent testing.
  • HSE guidance suggests 110V equipment on construction sites should be formally PAT tested every 3 months.
  • A PAT label with the test date and next due date should be attached to each tested appliance.
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require all electrical equipment to be maintained in a safe condition.
  • Faulty equipment must be taken out of service immediately, labelled as defective, and not used.
  • PAT testing does not replace the need for users to visually inspect equipment before every use.

Why?

Prevent electrocutionDefective portable equipment with damaged cables or faulty insulation causes electric shock and electrocution on site.
Fire preventionFaulty electrical equipment is a leading cause of fire on construction sites due to overheating and short circuits.
Legal complianceThe Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to maintain electrical equipment safe and fit for use.
Do Don't
  • Visually inspect every portable appliance before each use for obvious defects.
  • Check the plug, cable, casing, and on/off switch are all in good condition.
  • Ensure all site equipment has a current PAT test label before using it.
  • Remove defective equipment from service immediately and label it as faulty.
  • Report damaged cables, cracked casings, or loose connections to the supervisor.
  • Arrange formal PAT testing at least every 3 months for 110V site equipment.
  • Keep a register of all portable appliances and their PAT test dates on site.
  • Use 110V supply from a centre-tapped transformer for all portable site tools.
  • Return hired equipment that arrives on site without a valid PAT test label.
  • Train users to carry out basic visual inspections before each use.
  • DON'T use any portable equipment that does not have a current PAT label.
  • DON'T continue using a tool with a damaged cable, cracked plug, or loose wires.
  • DON'T attempt to repair damaged cables or plugs unless you are a competent person.
  • DON'T remove the PAT test label from equipment or alter the test dates.
  • DON'T bypass the 110V transformer to connect tools directly to 230V mains supply.
  • DON'T assume equipment is safe because it was working fine yesterday.
  • DON'T ignore scorch marks, burning smells, or excessive heat from equipment.
  • DON'T put defective equipment back into the tool store without labelling it faulty.
  • DON'T rely solely on PAT testing; user visual checks are equally important.
  • DON'T use extension leads that are coiled up; unwind them fully to prevent overheating.

See also: Electrical Safety Awareness | RCD Protection and 110 Volt Use
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