The Health and Safety Executive explodes the myth that office equipment must be tested by a qualified electrician every year (PAT tested).

In reality the law requires employers to assess risks and take appropriate action.

HSE’s advice is that for most office electrical equipment, visual checks for obvious signs of damage and perhaps simple tests by a competent member of staff are quite sufficient.

The HSE website includes a useful downloadable leaflet "Maintaining portable electrical equipment in offices and other low risk environments". Village and community halls can be considered low risk environments.

Village hall committees should carry out visual checks as part of their rountine health and safety checks, at least annually. Users should be encouraged to report any faults and or damage to electrical equipment and items reported should be taken out of use.

The Health and Safety Executive explodes the myth that office equipment must be tested by a qualified electrician every year (PAT tested).