Should PAT Testing Be Performed When Working From Home?
With a growing number of firms embracing a remote-first approach on a permanent basis, working from home is becoming an increasingly attractive option. However, businesses must recognise that they have the same legal obligation to protect the health and safety of workers who work from home. Additional safeguards, particularly for electrical equipment, will very certainly be required to achieve this. PAT testing is one approach they may employ, and it is critical that everyone understands what it is and when it may be utilised. Try to know about PAT Testing Cost uk
- Employers have a legal obligation to keep any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause damage in a safe condition. This may involve ensuring that PAT testing is performed if the risk assessment identifies it as an acceptable method of assuring safety.
- If PAT testing is performed, it must be done by someone who has the relevant expertise and experience, as well as the appropriate equipment. They do not need to be an electrician, but they must understand how to utilise the equipment and interpret the data.
- It is critical that all electrical equipment, including those that do not require PAT testing, undergoes routine user checks and visual inspections. Home employees will most likely be able to securely do user checks on simple, low-risk equipment.
- Remote working might make it more difficult to ensure that home employees’ electrical equipment is safe to use. Employers, on the other hand, must safeguard all of their employees from danger while they are at work. If electrical equipment is not properly examined and maintained, there is an increased danger of electrocution, electric shock, and electrically-caused fires. Check to know about PAT Testing Cost uk
- The danger of these sorts of mishaps occurring is reduced by doing user checks, formal visual inspections, and, if appropriate, combined inspection and testing (PAT) of electrical equipment. Employers must ensure that any equipment used by their workers who work from home is safe and free of hazards, including electrical equipment.
- Most staff will not do PAT testing on their own equipment because they lack the essential expertise and experience. Employers are accountable for putting in place a mechanism to guarantee that any electrical equipment that needs to be PAT tested, including home workers’ equipment, is tested. This may entail sending someone who has been appropriately trained to check the equipment on a regular basis, or having the equipment brought to or sent to the office, or other relevant workplace.