# 11.3 PAT Testing
**Version:** V2
**Date:** October 2025
**Section:** 11 – Electrical
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## Purpose
To ensure all portable electrical equipment at Little Coffee Bean Co locations is safe and compliant with UK electrical safety regulations through regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
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## Scope
This SOP applies to all portable electrical equipment at fixed shop locations and mobile Tuk Tuk units. This includes but is not limited to:
– Coffee machines (portable units)
– Kettles and hot water dispensers
– Toasters
– Microwaves
– Blenders
– POS terminals
– Chargers and adapters
– Extension leads and power strips
– Any other portable electrical equipment
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## PAT Testing Overview
### What is PAT Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the process of checking electrical equipment to ensure it is safe to use. Testing includes visual inspection and electrical testing in accordance with UK regulations (BS 7671 and HSE guidance).
### Testing Standards
– Equipment is tested in line with manufacturers’ specifications and latest HSE guidance
– Testing frequency varies based on location risk assessment and lease requirements
– Equipment purchased new is exempt from PAT testing for the first 12 months
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## Testing Schedule
### Initial Assessment
1. Franchisee or manager conducts risk assessment for their location
2. Assessment considers:
– Type of equipment
– Frequency of use
– Environment (wet/dry, high-risk areas)
– Manufacturer recommendations
– Lease requirements
### Testing Frequency
Testing frequency is determined by:
– **High-risk environments** (wet areas, kitchens): Annual testing
– **Standard environments** (offices, retail): 24-month testing
– **Low-risk environments**: 36-48 month testing
– **New equipment:** Exempt for first 12 months
**Note:** Specific testing schedules vary per location and are subject to individual assessment by the Health and Safety Team and requirements of the lease.
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## PAT Testing Process
### Step 1: Schedule Testing (ongoing)
1. Franchisee or manager schedules PAT testing with approved electrical contractor
2. Provide contractor with:
– List of all portable equipment to be tested
– Location address and access details
– Any specific requirements or concerns
### Step 2: Pre-Testing Preparation (before testing date)
1. Ensure all equipment is accessible to the tester
2. Compile list of all portable electrical equipment
3. Gather any manufacturer documentation or previous test records
4. Inform staff that testing will take place
### Step 3: Visual Inspection (conducted by tester)
The tester will visually inspect each item for:
– Damage to cables or plugs
– Loose connections
– Signs of burning or discoloration
– Appropriate grounding/earthing
– Correct fuse ratings
– Condition of equipment casing
**Action if visual inspection fails:** Equipment is marked as failed and must not be used.
### Step 4: Electrical Testing (conducted by tester)
The tester will perform electrical tests including:
– Earth continuity testing
– Insulation resistance testing
– Leakage current testing
– RCD (Residual Current Device) testing where applicable
### Step 5: Labeling (conducted by tester)
1. Equipment that passes testing receives a PAT test label showing:
– Test date
– Next test due date
– Tester identification
– Test result (PASS)
2. Equipment that fails testing receives a FAILED label and must not be used
### Step 6: Documentation and Records
1. Tester provides test report documenting:
– All equipment tested
– Test results (pass/fail)
– Any failed equipment
– Recommendations
2. Manager/franchisee must:
– File test report securely
– Update equipment inventory
– Remove failed equipment from service
– Schedule replacement or repair of failed items
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## Failed Equipment
### Action for Failed Equipment
1. **Immediately remove from service** – Do not use failed equipment
2. **Label clearly** – Ensure FAILED label is visible
3. **Isolate** – Store in designated area away from staff access
4. **Report** – Inform manager and document in maintenance log
5. **Replace or repair** – Arrange replacement or repair by qualified electrician
6. **Re-test** – If repaired, equipment must be re-tested before use
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## Record Keeping
Maintain records of:
– All PAT testing dates and results
– Equipment serial numbers and descriptions
– Tester details and company
– Next test due dates
– Any failed equipment and actions taken
– Replacement or repair records
**Storage:** Records must be kept securely and be accessible for inspection by Health and Safety Team or regulatory authorities.
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## Responsibilities
### Franchisees
– Conduct initial risk assessment for their location
– Schedule PAT testing according to assessment
– Maintain testing records
– Ensure failed equipment is removed from service
– Budget for testing costs
### Managers
– Assist with equipment inventory
– Coordinate testing schedules
– Ensure staff are aware of testing
– Monitor equipment condition between tests
– Report any electrical concerns
### All Staff
– Report any damaged or faulty equipment immediately
– Do not use equipment with failed PAT labels
– Treat electrical equipment with care
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## Escalation
If equipment fails PAT testing or shows signs of electrical hazard:
1. Remove from service immediately
2. Report to manager
3. Follow company Troubleshooting Escalation Protocol (Section 1.3)
4. Do not attempt to repair
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## Safety Notes
– **Never** use equipment with a failed PAT label
– **Never** ignore warning signs (burning smells, sparks, unusual sounds)
– **Never** attempt to repair electrical equipment yourself
– **Always** report damaged equipment immediately
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## References
– Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Electrical Safety Guidance
– BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations
– Maintaining Portable Electric Equipment in Low-Risk Environments (HSE guidance)
– Company Troubleshooting Escalation Protocol (Section 1.3)
– Local Electrical Operating Procedures (location-specific)