Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the inspection and testing of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. PAT testing together with user checks can form an important part of your company’s health and safety policy. The Health and Safety Executive in their INDG236 (rev3) guidelines recommend that all Class I earthed equipment have a (PAT) portable appliance test to ensure the earth connection is sound. By following these guidelines together with those published in HSG107 (third edition) ‘Maintaining portable electrical equipment’ and the recommendations in the IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment we could help your company achieve compliance with The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.