Scheduled PAT testing Ireland businesses rely on is not a one-off task. It is an ongoing legal obligation under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. Every employer must ensure a competent person inspects portable appliances at appropriate intervals. Furthermore, a single inspection does not satisfy the requirement indefinitely. The interval resets after every test, and employers must keep records for five years.
What Is Scheduled PAT Testing?
Scheduled PAT testing means arranging portable appliance testing at regular, planned intervals. It is not about reacting to faults — it is about preventing them. Specifically, it means booking a competent person to test all portable electrical appliances at your premises on a recurring basis. In most cases that means annually. However, higher-risk environments need more frequent visits. As a result, your appliance register stays current and your records remain valid.
Procheck carries out scheduled PAT testing for businesses across Ireland. We issue a full written report and label every appliance with the test date and next due date. In addition, every Procheck client gets free access to Procheck Hub. This online compliance platform stores your PAT records and sends a reminder before your next test falls due.
How Often Does PAT Testing Need to Be Done in Ireland?
The General Application Regulations do not set a fixed interval for every appliance type. However, the HSA and industry guidance set out risk-based intervals most Irish businesses follow:
- Office equipment — every 2 to 4 years for low-risk items such as desktop computers and monitors
- IT equipment and chargers — annually in most commercial settings
- Portable tools and extension leads — annually, or every 6 months in high-risk environments
- Kitchen and catering equipment — annually as a minimum
- Healthcare and care settings — annually or more frequently depending on use
Furthermore, any appliance involved in an incident needs an out-of-cycle inspection before it goes back into service. The same applies to any appliance returning from repair. Consequently, a scheduled programme removes the guesswork. Procheck advises on the correct interval for each appliance category at your premises.
Which Businesses Are Affected?
Every Irish employer who provides portable electrical equipment to employees must arrange regular inspection and testing. Therefore, scheduled PAT testing covers offices, retail units, warehouses, schools, hotels, nursing homes and construction sites. Moreover, landlords who provide electrical equipment in commercial lets also carry a duty to keep it in safe condition.
Procheck carries out scheduled PAT testing from €2 per item and issues a written report on completion. Find out more about Procheck PAT testing services.
What Records Does a Scheduled Programme Produce?
After every scheduled visit, Procheck issues a full written report. It lists every appliance tested, its result and the next due date. In addition, Procheck labels each appliance with the test date and next inspection date. Furthermore, all records go into Procheck Hub automatically. You then have a complete appliance register available at any time — for HSA inspections, insurance queries or internal audits. Under the General Application Regulations, employers must keep inspection records for five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is scheduled PAT testing a legal requirement in Ireland?
Yes. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 require employers to arrange inspection and testing of portable electrical appliances at appropriate intervals. Therefore, a scheduled programme is the standard way to meet this obligation. Read the full legal breakdown of PAT testing requirements in Ireland.
How much does scheduled PAT testing cost in Ireland?
Procheck charges from €2 per item. The price covers testing, labelling, a full written report and free access to Procheck Hub. Read more about PAT testing costs in Ireland.
Can Procheck set up a recurring PAT testing schedule for my business?
Yes. Procheck confirms your next inspection date before leaving your premises. Procheck Hub then sends a reminder before it falls due. As a result, you do not need to track it yourself. Contact Procheck to set up a scheduled PAT testing programme.
External reference: HSA guidance on electrical safety in the workplace — Health and Safety Authority Ireland.