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Portable Appliance Testing

16 August 2024

Engineers will be at our County Hall complex to undertake annual Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) on electrical equipment that is used for flexible working. 


This includes items such as laptops and mobile phone chargers or any other item with a plug on it that is supplied by us to you for work.

You can call commissionaires on 01629 536673 to book a 10-minute slot in room 85 during any of the following sessions:

  • Tuesday 20 August between 9am and midday
  • Wednesday 21 August between 1pm and 3.50pm
  • Thursday 22 August between 9am and midday - cancelled
  • Wednesday 27 August between 1pm and 3.50pm
  • Wednesday 28 August between 9am and midday
  • Thursday 29 August between 1pm and 3.50pm
  • Friday 30 August between 9am and midday

It is important that portable electrical equipment that is regularly moved around and unplugged/plugged in, for example laptops, have regular tests by a competent person. This is because they are more susceptible to damage or faults. These items should be tested annually.

Larger items such as monitors which do not move from their position of use and are therefore less likely to suffer damage or faults, do not need to be tested every year. These should be subject to a formal recorded visual inspection every 6 months and if no faults are found, only need testing every 5 years.

If you spot any faults, report them to your line manager and do not use the equipment until it has been checked.

If you are bringing in larger items, you need to follow our manual handling guidance to ensure risks from this are reduced to a minimum. We suggest you park on Smedley Street to reduce the distance you need to carry items (please be aware of parking restrictions). If you need assistance, then please contact the commissionaires when you arrive.

Double insulated equipment, identified with the relevant symbol on the plug does not require testing but if this symbol is not immediately visible then a PAT test will be required.

More information about electrical safety can be found in our electrical safety policy and guidance and you can read more about Portable Appliance Testing in Low-Risk Environments in the HSE guidance note.