The regulations on electrical appliances for landlords and/or letting agents

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, mandatory since 1 January 1997, state that all electrical appliances supplied with rented accommodation must be safe. This applies to both new and second-hand appliances and covers all electrical items supplied for the intended use of the Tenant. The only sure method of ensuring that these appliances are safe is to have them tested by a trained competent person using the appropriate calibrated portable appliance testing equipment.

What is PAT testing and do I have to comply?

PAT testing is the periodic inspection and testing of portable electrical appliances in the workplace, to ensure that users (employees, guests, visitors and consumers) are protected from the dangers of faulty or dangerous appliances. Testing will reveal either a pass or fail result and items are labeled or tagged accordingly. Upon completion of PAT testing, the engineer will advise the client of test results, both verbally and with a report print out.

PAT testing in the workplace is mandatory, with regulations that enforce PAT testing, namely:

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires all employers to ensure that:

• electrical work equipment is suitable for the purpose for which it is provided
• the equipment is used only in the place and under the provisions for which it is provided
• work equipment is efficiently maintained and kept fit and suitable for its intended purpose

It must not be allowed to deteriorate in function or performance to such a level that it puts people at risk. This means that regular, planned inspection and testing regimes must be in place.

Regulation 3 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 also recognises a responsibility that employers and employees have in respect of electrical systems:

• It shall be the duty of every employer and self employed person to comply with the provisions of the Regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control.

It shall be the duty of every employee while at work:

• to co-operate with his/her employer so far as is necessary to enable the duty placed on that employer by the provision of the Regulations to be complied with
• to comply with the provision of these regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his/her control