Blackfriars Hall Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Policy
Blackfriars Hall Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Policy
Policy owner: Blackfriars Hall Bursar
Last reviewed: January 2026
Purpose Statement
This policy aims to ensure the safety of all electrical equipment in Blackfriars-managed accommodation. This includes both equipment provided by Blackfriars or its parent charity, the English Province of the Order of Preachers, and personal items brought by students. Our goal is to minimise risks to individuals and property by maintaining these items in a safe condition, as far as is reasonably practicable.
What are portable appliances?
Portable appliances are electrical equipment that is designed to be moved from place to place and is intended to be connected to a generator or a fixed installation using a flexible cable and either a plug and socket or a spur box, or similar means. Examples of portable appliances include kettles, toasters, and other similar devices commonly used in domestic settings.
Applicability and Scope
This policy applies to all portable electrical equipment within Blackfriars-managed accommodation, including equipment provided by Blackfriars and items brought by students.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on us to ensure that our residents are not exposed to risks to your health or safety while living in our accommodation. This legislation requires employers and those responsible for premises, such as universities, to conduct their operations in a way that safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of everyone affected, including residents.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 further mandate that any electrical equipment with the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. This means we must ensure that all portable and transportable electrical devices within our accommodation are regularly inspected and tested to prevent any risk of electrical hazards.
Our Responsibilities
- to conduct annual Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) on portable electrical equipment supplied in your accommodation, performed by a trained person.
- to provide advance notice when access is required for testing.
- to offer residents the opportunity to have their electrical items to ensure that personal appliances remain safe and compliant
- to clearly label each appliance that has been tested with the date and indicate whether it has passed or failed.
- to remove and replace any appliance that has failed the test.
- to remove any personal electronic equipment that has not been PAT tested.
- to remain vigilant for any equipment that appears to be damaged in the performance of our duties.
- to visually inspect new equipment before installation and integrate the item into the annual PAT testing schedule.
Our Residents’ Responsibilities
- to bring only electrical equipment that complies with British Standards (BS) and Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) regulations into the accommodation
- to ensure all electrical equipment brought into the accommodation is promptly presented for testing during Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) sessions
- to refrain from using any electrical equipment that has not undergone testing and been deemed safe for use
- to remain vigilant for any signs of damage or malfunction in electrical equipment
- to promptly report any damaged or malfunctioning electrical items to us for investigation and repair
- to refrain from using any electrical items that are under investigation or have been marked as unsafe until they are cleared for use by an authorised person
- to be familiar with and adhere to this policy
- to seek clarification from the Burary about any aspect of this policy as required
How to check for damage
Here are some possible issues to look out for:
- damage (apart from light scuffing) to the supply cable, including fraying or cuts
- damage to the plug or connector, such as cracking casing or bent pins
- the equipment has been subjected to conditions for which it is not suitable, such as being wet or excessively contaminated
- loss of power to the socket
- damage to the external casing of the equipment
- loose parts or screws
- evidence of overheating, such as burn marks or discoloration
If you notice any of these signs of damage, it is important that you cease using the appliance immediately and then report the fault.