So what is the worst case scenario?

if an electrical fault causes an accident, and H & S gets involved, you are going to have to prove that you "took all reasonable precautions" to prevent this accident from happening. Incidentally some consultants working in the field take the view that there is no such thing as an 'accident' only failures in competence. Consider this as a good starting point.

Valid PAT records are a first step in proving that you habitually take all reasonable steps to ensure electrical safety and have the necessary management systems in place to prevent accidents. However, this may not be the end of the story.

If injury or damage to property occurs as a result of an electrical fault in your equipment, and it ends up in court, you can find yourself in the position of having to prove to the court against the questioning of some pretty slick lawyers that you took all reasonable precautions to ensure your equipment was correctly maintained, serviced and used according to the manufacturer's instructions and was, on the occasion in question, installed and checked by a competent person before being switched on.


You may feel PAT testing is expensive, but it can turn out to be a whole load more expensive if you fail to have it done by a person or organisation that a court would reasonably consider as competent.