Behind every exhibition, gallery event, or art project, there’s an art administrator ensuring everything runs smoothly — from logistics and budgeting to compliance and safety.
While your main focus may be supporting artists and audiences, one often-overlooked aspect of arts management is electrical safety. That’s where PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) becomes essential.
Regular PAT testing protects your staff, visitors, and valuable equipment — and it helps your organisation stay compliant with UK safety regulations.
What Is PAT Testing?
PAT testing is the inspection and testing of electrical appliances to make sure they’re safe to use. This includes visual checks and electronic testing carried out by a qualified technician.
After testing, each appliance is labelled with a pass/fail sticker and logged in a safety record — an important document for insurance and health & safety audits.
For art administrators, it’s an easy, proactive way to ensure all electrical items in your care are safe and compliant.
Why PAT Testing Is Essential in Art Administration
1. Art Spaces Are Full of Electrical Equipment
Whether you manage a gallery, museum, studio, or arts office, you’ll find a variety of electrical items in daily use — from computers and lighting rigs to heaters, audio-visual setups, and installation tools.
Over time, plugs loosen, cables fray, and equipment ages. Regular PAT testing identifies faults early, preventing accidents and costly downtime.
2. Ensuring Visitor and Staff Safety
Public art spaces welcome staff, artists, and visitors every day. A single faulty appliance could cause an electrical shock or even a fire. PAT testing helps maintain a safe environment, protecting everyone who interacts with your venue or office.
3. Compliance With UK Safety Regulations
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989), all organisations — including arts and cultural institutions — must ensure electrical systems are maintained to prevent danger.
By scheduling regular PAT testing, you stay compliant with these legal requirements, demonstrating due diligence to local authorities, funders, and insurers.
4. Insurance and Funding Requirements
Many insurers and public funding bodies (like Arts Council England) expect proof of regular electrical safety testing. Without valid PAT certificates, you could risk invalidating your insurance or facing delays in funding or event approval.
5. Protecting Valuable Equipment and Artwork
Electrical faults can damage not just your appliances but also the artwork or installations nearby. PAT testing reduces this risk, ensuring a safe and stable environment for art, staff, and audiences alike.
How Often Should Art Administrators Arrange PAT Testing?
For most arts organisations, annual PAT testing is the standard recommendation.
However, if your space hosts temporary exhibitions, touring events, or installations using portable lighting or sound, more frequent testing (every six months) is wise to keep everything safe and compliant.
Why Choose PAT Checked for PAT Testing in the Arts?
At PAT Checked, we work with galleries, museums, and creative organisations across the UK, offering reliable, professional, and affordable PAT testing services.
We understand the unique needs of the arts sector — from protecting delicate spaces to scheduling around exhibitions and events.
Our service includes:
- Flexible testing times to suit your event calendar
- Fully qualified and insured engineers
- Detailed compliance reports for your safety and insurance records
- Competitive rates for arts organisations and charities
Let us handle your electrical safety, so you can focus on curating, managing, and supporting the arts.
👉 Book your PAT test today or contact us for a free quote.