PAT testing for Home Workers

With businesses operating work from home and hybrid policies over the last few years and with the Labour Government’s Employment Rights Bill set to offer flexible working as a day one right, employees are potentially going to have the option of working remotely. Which means they are likely to require the use of portable electronics as part of their job.

As an employer you have the same legal responsibility to protect the health and safety of your employees if they carry out their duties at home, rather than the office. Electronic devices such as laptops can pose a health and safety risk not just in terms of DSE, but they can also be a potential fire hazard.

To ensure you effectuate your duty of care as an employer, you will likely have to put additional measures in place. PAT testing is one way to help reduce the risk to employees caused by electronics.

To understand more about your legal requirements as an employer when it comes to the Health and Safety of remote employees, contact Croner today on 0808 501 6651.  

What is PAT testing? 

Portable appliance testing (PAT for short) consists of a group of simple inspections and tests to ensure there are no electrical faults and that the equipment is safe for use.

Portable appliances consist of a number of different types of portable electric equipment that can be carried or moved around manually, either connected to or disconnected from a mains electrical outlet. This can include things like laptops, tablets, and computing peripherals like printers, which people working from home will more than likely be using as part of their role. 

A PAT test must be carried out by a competent professional with the necessary knowledge and the correct equipment.

What is included in a PAT test?

There are multiple facets that are included in a PAT test and some of them are specific to certain types of electrical equipment, however some of the typical procedures carried out in a PAT test are: 

Visual inspection

A basic test where the equipment is examined for any visible signs of damage or deterioration. This can be issues like frayed electrical cords, corrosion etc. 

Insulation resistance test

This test is carried out to ensure the appliance is safe from electrical shock, it measures the appliances insulation resistance and makes sure that it is at the correct level. 

Earth continuity test

In electrical terms the earth wire is critical as it grounds the appliance in the event of an electrical overload. This test measures the resistance of the earth wire to ensure that it is working effectively. 

Polarity test 

Helps prevent fires and electrical shocks due to incorrect wiring by making sure that all the electrical connections are in order and working correctly. 

Load testing 

This test is designed to see if the appliance can handle the electrical load that it is intended to without causing a safety risk due to overheating or malfunctioning. 

Functional testing

This test is to ensure safety by checking electrical appliances to see if they are functioning as they should. 

Are employers responsible for PAT testing?

Employers have certain legal obligations for the safe upkeep of both electrical and work equipment. These responsibilities are outlined in the following pieces of legislation:

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires that any electrical equipment with the potential to cause injury, must be maintained to a safe condition. 

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

The PUWER states that employers should “ensure that all work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.” 

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

Whilst PAT testing is not a legal requirement for employer’s, they are responsible for ensuring their equipment is working effectively and not posing a risk to health. PAT testing is a way to ensure electrical safety by having equipment tested and inspected by a trained professional.

Because there is no legal requirement for PAT tests it might get a bit confusing as to how regularly you should conduct a PAT test on an appliance. Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to conducting a PAT test. 

One solution to help determine the frequency of testing an appliance is to look at the HSE guidance on PAT tests. They advise that tests are conducted on equipment every 3 -12 months depending on the following factors: 

• The usage/type of the appliance
• The environment the appliance is in

This means that if the appliance is susceptible to damage through things like frequent use in a humid or damp environment, then it may require testing on the more frequent end of the HSE recommendation.

Electrical safety tips for home workers

As well as conducting a PAT test on the homeworkers electrical equipment, employers would do well to implement safety tips to help avoid incidents whilst working either in a hybrid model or purely from home.

Some examples of these are:

• Employees should avoid overloading plug sockets and extensions with multiple appliances. 
• Chaining extension leads together is dangerous and should be avoided.
• Avoid charging equipment on a soft surface such as duvets, mattresses and cushions. This can block vents that allow airflow and cause equipment like laptops to overheat causing a potential fire risk. 
• Check all appliance cables for fraying, exposed wires and damaged insulation casing.
• Always place or use the appliance in a place where the cable is not pulled taught 
• Ensure the cable of the appliance is not a trip hazard.
• Check sockets and outlets for damage, discolouration and warping
• Ensure that plug pins are not loose and that the plug itself is not damaged. 

As with work premises you should conduct a full risk assessment for each employee working from home to identify potential hazards and implement controls. 

Ensure the Health & Safety of your remote employees contact Croner today

With over 80 years’ experience in HR, Employment Law and Health and Safety, our award-winning team of experts can advise you on best practice, whatever your business's situation. 

Call our professional advisory team today on 0808 501 6651.