PAT Testing in Schools: Keeping Students Safe

By adminPAT Testing

Schools are busy environments filled with electrical equipment—from IT suites to science labs and staff rooms. With so many students, teachers, and visitors relying on these appliances every day, ensuring electrical safety is a top priority. That’s where Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) comes in.

Why PAT Testing Matters in Schools

  1. Protecting Students and Staff
    Children and young people are more vulnerable to accidents. A faulty kettle in the staff room or a damaged cable in a classroom could pose serious risks. PAT testing helps identify and fix these problems before they cause harm.
  2. High Appliance Usage
    In schools, equipment is used heavily and often by many different people. This increases wear and tear on appliances such as projectors, laptops, and lab equipment—making regular safety checks essential.
  3. Legal Responsibilities
    Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, schools must ensure electrical appliances are safe to use. PAT testing is the most straightforward way to demonstrate compliance and meet duty-of-care obligations.

Common School Appliances That Need PAT Testing

  • Computers, monitors, and chargers
  • Projectors, whiteboards, and audio-visual equipment
  • Kitchen appliances in cafeterias and staff rooms (kettles, microwaves, fridges)
  • Science lab equipment (hot plates, lamps, and power supplies)
  • Sports and gym equipment with electrical components
  • Extension leads and adaptors

How Often Should PAT Testing Be Done in Schools?

There’s no fixed legal interval, but best practice suggests:

  • Annually for most school environments (due to high usage and student safety).
  • At the start of each academic year, many schools choose to carry out a full round of testing for peace of mind.
  • More frequently in high-risk areas, such as workshops or science labs.

What Schools Can Expect During a PAT Visit

  1. A visual inspection of each appliance.
  2. Electrical tests to check insulation, earthing, and functionality.
  3. Labels showing pass/fail status and next due date.
  4. A comprehensive report and certificate for school records, insurers, and Ofsted inspections.

Some providers also carry out minor repairs on-site (like replacing fuses or plugs), reducing costs and downtime.

Benefits Beyond Compliance

  • ✅ Peace of Mind: Staff and parents know the school environment is safe.
  • ✅ Insurance Protection: Demonstrates that the school is actively managing risks.
  • ✅ Preventing Disruption: Spotting problems early avoids sudden equipment failures in lessons.

Final Thoughts

PAT testing in schools isn’t just about ticking a compliance box—it’s about creating a safe environment where students can learn and staff can work without risk. With the right provider, testing can be carried out efficiently, often outside teaching hours, with minimal disruption.

👉 If your school hasn’t had a PAT test recently, now is the time to book one. Keeping students safe starts with making sure every appliance is fit for use.