A useful retail PAT plan protects trading time as well as equipment safety. These ten practical steps help store managers organise access, testing and follow-up without promising that every appliance can stay switched on.
Review how equipment is used, moved and exposed to damage. Stockroom tools, cleaning machines and welfare appliances may need different attention from stationary office equipment.
Include tills, printers, plug-in displays, chargers, cleaning equipment and staff-room items within the agreed scope. Identify fixed or specialist systems separately.
Detachable mains leads and external power supplies can be separate items. Use our counting guide so the estimate reflects the equipment available on the day.
Tell us when tills, network equipment and other critical items can be disconnected. Testing methods must suit the equipment; thermal imaging is not a replacement for a full PAT inspection and appropriate tests.
Plan sales floor, back office, welfare and stockroom access in a clear sequence. Keep testing activity and loose equipment away from customer routes.
Make sure someone can unlock cupboards, explain essential equipment and authorise access. A short briefing can prevent avoidable delays.
Give staff a way to report damaged leads, unusual heat and recurring trips. They should stop using suspect equipment rather than wait for a scheduled visit.
Identify who arranges repairs or replacements and how equipment will be kept out of use. Record the work and any checks needed before return to service.
Use item identifiers that match the report, and make the results available to the people managing the store. View our report and label examples.
For a retail estate, send a branch list, approximate counts and access windows. A consistent scope and report format help head office track outstanding actions across locations.
There is no blanket legal annual PAT requirement. Set a maintenance plan from risk and review it against actual findings. Testing supports that plan; it does not remove the need for ongoing checks.
Further guidance: HSE PAT guidance.
For one shop, use the calculator. For larger premises or multiple branches, request a tailored quote with your locations and timing requirements.
Planning a workplace visit? Get a PAT testing estimate or see our reports and labels before you book.
View our example report and appliance labels before you book.