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You will notice that the recommended test period varies according to the type of appliance, the work environment and the type of person using the equipment. These are not hard and fast rules that need to be adhered to like the car m.o.t., these are merely recommendations.
There is a good reason for this, recognizing the fact that most businesses operate appliances that fall into a number of different categories, it would be very difficult (and costly) to test every appliance on their individual “test due” dates, (the testers would never be away from your premises). Therefore, most companies approach this problem by fixing an average defensive period (usually annually) and testing everything on each occasion.
The individual within the company responsible for making such health and safety decisions is known in the safety regulations as “the responsible person” (a position that carries responsibility in law).
The important thing to consider when making a decision on suitable PAT Testing periods is the need to demonstrate your company’s commitment to Health and Safety policy.
It should be noted that the formal visual inspections could be carried out by a suitably trained member of your staff, (and in the Code of Practice is described as the “duty holder” another position that carries responsibility in law).
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