How to Prepare Your Site for PAT Testing: The Essential Checklist for UK Workplaces

A useful PAT testing visit starts with access, an agreed equipment list and a plan for anything that cannot simply be unplugged. Use this checklist to brief your site contact before AiO arrives.

1. Agree what is included

Estimate the equipment in each room or area, including stores, staff kitchens and shared spaces. Include mains power supplies, extension leads and detachable mains leads as separate test items. For a laptop, include its mains power supply and removable mains lead, not the battery-powered laptop itself.

Tell us about 110V tools, 16A/32A commando-style plugs, fixed connections or specialist equipment. These may need additional testing time, a scope review and extra charges. In a shared building, confirm which tenant or contractor equipment you are authorised to include.

2. Make the equipment and its connections accessible

• Nominate someone who can meet the engineer and help with room access.
• Arrange keys, escorts and permission for restricted spaces.
• Clear a safe route to equipment, sockets and leads without creating trailing-cable hazards.
• Ask staff to make their mains chargers and detachable leads available, including equipment usually taken home.
• Tell us about parking, loading, inductions, PPE or contractor requirements before the appointment.

3. Plan any shutdowns with the right people

Identify servers, tills, refrigeration, production equipment and other appliances that cannot be interrupted without approval. Agree access and any shutdown with the person responsible for operating them. Tell staff what is planned.

Do not disconnect critical equipment or isolate machinery yourself just to prepare for a visit. IT staff, equipment operators or a suitably competent person may need to be involved. Flag clinical or specialist equipment before booking; do not assume it is covered by standard PAT testing.

4. Report damage and keep suspect equipment out of use

If a plug is cracked, a cable is damaged or an appliance shows signs of overheating, stop using it and report the problem. Keep it out of service for competent assessment. Do not remove protective covers, attempt a temporary repair or wait for the booked visit before acting on an obvious fault.

5. Share existing records and naming conventions

If you have a previous report or asset register, make it available. Confirm the site, floor and room names you use, and flag equipment that has moved or been replaced. You do not need to invent new labels or remove existing asset numbers before the visit.

Tell us in advance about any particular report format or existing asset-number requirements so we can confirm what can be accommodated.

A short briefing for your team

• Testing is scheduled for the agreed date and areas.
• Please make the included equipment, mains chargers and leads accessible.
• Save work and follow your manager’s shutdown instructions; do not turn off critical systems without authorisation.
• Report damaged equipment and keep it out of use.
• Direct access questions or unavailable items to the nominated site contact.

After the visit

Review the itemised results, arrange action on failures and check anything that could not be accessed or tested. Keep a note of repairs, replacements and outstanding work. Testing time depends on equipment, access and the agreed scope; an item count alone cannot guarantee a completion time.

Need help planning the visit?

Send your postcode, approximate appliance total and any access or equipment details with your enquiry. For several locations or a large site, speak to AiO about a tailored quote.