Portable Appliance Testing

A useful starting point is the equipment you provide or control. Landlords, property managers and businesses need clarity on which items are included and who acts on defects. A change of occupier or a new inventory can be a practical point to review records and responsibilities, rather than treating a sticker as the whole maintenance arrangement.

The agreed scope identifies items, locations, inspection and test requirements, recording and labelling. It covers the relevant visual checks and electrical tests for the equipment concerned. Any specialist items or equipment requiring a different approach need to be identified before the visit.

The result should show what was checked and what needs attention. Repairs, replacement plugs or leads and replacement equipment need clear inclusion or a separate instruction. Items unavailable during attendance should remain visible rather than being assumed to have passed with the rest of the property.

Use an item list, but also consider the environment and handling. Equipment moved frequently or used in demanding conditions has different exposure from a protected item rarely moved. Existing damage and previous findings help inform a suitable ongoing arrangement.

A successful check describes the item's assessed condition at that time. It does not prevent later damage or make misuse acceptable. Users still need a straightforward way to report problems, and the owner needs a process for taking defective equipment out of use and arranging the next action.

Provide the property address, approximate quantities and equipment types. Include existing test records or an inventory if available. Identify stored, borrowed or hired items and establish which belong within the appointment. Consistent references help the report remain understandable after equipment moves.

Arrange access and make the equipment available. Items in use can need shutdown, while some equipment requires specialist handling or preparation. For occupied premises, confirm the booking contact and who can authorise decisions if a defect is found.

We agree the equipment scope and records, then arrange the visit. The appropriate inspection and testing are performed, with results linked to item references. Findings are explained so the responsible customer can distinguish checked equipment, defects and items requiring further assessment.

The handover identifies unavailable items and follow-on actions. Keep the report with the inventory and record later repairs or replacements. If an item is replaced, update the record rather than carrying forward the former item's result as though it applies to the new equipment.

Quantity is one cost factor, but equipment type, accessibility and the quality of the inventory also matter. A group of items presented together requires different time from locating equipment across several rooms or properties. Additional recording, repairs and revisit requirements belong in the agreed scope.

Coordinate interruption with users, particularly where equipment supports trading or other essential activity. Do not assume every check can take place while an item continues operating. A clear equipment list and access plan help make the visit productive and the quotation easier to compare.

Managing agents need ownership and property references kept clear. Hospitality premises need equipment availability coordinated around use. Retail premises need customer areas and trading requirements considered when arranging checks. These are examples within the full sector range.

We cover Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Tees Valley, including Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Redcar and Cleveland. Provide all addresses when arranging checks across several properties. View all locations.

No. Provide the equipment types and approximate quantity. We can establish what information and recording are needed, including whether creating or updating an inventory forms part of the scope.

No. The result relates to the assessment performed. Later damage or a change in condition needs attention, regardless of the label or planned next visit.

They belong to the fixed-installation inspection scope. Equipment inspection and testing is a separate activity, so explain whether you also need an installation condition assessment.

The record should identify it as not checked. Agree how the remaining items will be presented or assessed rather than treating the whole inventory as complete.

Read Is PAT Testing Legally Required? for the distinction between maintaining equipment and selecting tests. What Is an EICR? explains the separate installation assessment. Browse the knowledge centre.

Explore Electrical Services, Electrical Testing and EICRs, Asset Maintenance and Planned Replacement. See Minor Works, all services, maintenance, projects, sectors and locations.

Contact Black & White Property Services with the address, item types, estimated quantity and existing records. Explain access and availability so the equipment checks can be planned around the property.