The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, PUWER, states that every employer shall ensure that work equipment, is suitable for the purpose in which it is used. It is also the responsibility of the employer to ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 identifies that both employers and employees have a responsibility with regards to electrical safety. It is the duty of the employer or self-employed person to comply with the provisions of these Regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control.
It shall be the duty of every employee while at work-
 (a) to co-operate with his employer so far as is necessary to enable any duty placed on that employer by the provisions of these Regulations to be complied with; and
 (b) to comply with the provisions of these Regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control.
As an employer, one of the easiest ways to ensure portable appliances within the work place are safe to use is to have them PAT tested.
