What is a Portable Electrical Appliance?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) refers to it as “Equipment that is intended to be connected to a generator or fixed installation by flexible cable and plug and socket or spurbox, or similar means. This includes equipment that is either hand held, hand operated while connected to the supply, intended to be moved while connected to the supply or likely to be moved while connected to the supply.”

Examples can include kettles, toasters, vacuums, lawnmowers, even free standing freezers and washing machines.

Why PATest?

Electrical items are part of everyday life. Some appliances may have been supplied to a property by the landlord for the use of the tenant, eg. refrigerator, kettle, lamp, iron etc. If an appliance developes a fault there could be a risk of electric shock, electrical or thermal burns, fire or explosion. A Portable Appliance Test will highlight any issues raised and show due diligence by the landlord.

Law

Section 3 (2) of Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) relates to landlords.

“It shall be the duty of every self employed person [landlord] to conduct his undertaking in such a way to ensure, so far as is practicable, that he and other persons (not being his employees) [tenants] who may be affected they are not exposed to risks to their health and safety.” HSE

The law does not specifically outline what tests need to be carried out on any electrical equipment in a rental property, but a PATest is the best way for a landlord to show compliance.

What You Can Do Next

Contact me to book your Portable Appliance Test. I assess residential properties throughout the whole of Pembrokeshire.  Your report will be emailed directly to you upon completion.