If you are running any business in the country, you are legally required to have all the portable electrical appliances and devices tested for health and safety standards. That means your equipment must be PAT tested and you ought to find a company that carries out the work. Where should you start? You need to ask some questions and evaluate the answers you get from the electrical testing company.
Are You Accredited?
You can ask any given PAT testing company whether they are professionally accredited. Currently, there is no PAT regulating organization, but many professional associations companies are offering these services should belong to. Also, you can ask them to provide you with a list of past clients. That will give you an idea of what to expect from their services and what you are likely to be charged.
Are Your Engineers Qualified?
You should note that PAT testing out to be done by qualified engineers. Thus, you should check whether engineers that come to your premises are licensed and registered by a professional body. Ideally, a company that employs unqualified engineers is likely to compromise the safety of your work.
Do You Have Modern Testing Equipment
You should note that PAT testing equipment has undergone continuous improvement. Remember to ask the company how old their equipment and testing devices are. Also, the equipment ought to be calibrated to ensure that it gives the right readings. The calibrated equipment ought to have a certificate to show when it was last tested and when it is due for re-testing.
Are You Insured?
Ensure you check whether the PAT testing company you want to hire has liability insurance. As you know, the work they do on your appliances is important, and it is legally binding. Thus, if there is a problem caused by the equipment they have tested and passed, then all expenses and legal blame will be on the PAT testing company.
Do You Have Hidden Charges?
It is important to double-check everything that is included in the price of the estimate. Ask them whether it includes the cost of labels and print-out of test results. Check whether the work is charged per piece of equipment. Are there charges for changing fuses? Ensure you get fully quote in writing before the project starts. The good thing about asking such questions is that you can ensure you have stress-free PAT testing and have a good working relationship with the electrical testing company.