Educational guidance on registers and logs — what each records, who maintains it, what it typically contains and how long it is generally kept. Informational only — template examples, not official documents or legal advice; a register documents activity, it does not by itself prove compliance, and employers remain responsible.
What a PAT testing register is
A PAT (portable appliance testing) register is a record of the inspection and electrical testing of portable appliances such as power tools, kettles, chargers and extension leads, with each item’s result and next due date.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example of what such a register usually contains. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides what their electrical safety records must cover and how appliances are managed.
Purpose
- Record the inspection and testing of portable electrical appliances.
- Track each item’s result, label and next due date.
- Identify and remove failed or damaged appliances from use.
- Provide a record of in-service electrical safety checks.
Who completes it
- A competent person carries out the inspection and testing.
- A coordinator or facilities lead usually keeps the register.
- Visual checks may also be done by users between formal tests.
- It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the tester is competent.
When it is used
- When portable appliances are added to the workplace.
- At intervals the employer sets based on the appliance and its environment.
- After a repair or when damage is suspected.
- On a review cycle to confirm nothing is overdue.
Typical fields
- Appliance ID or label, description and location.
- Class of appliance and test date.
- Result (pass/fail), tester and next due date.
- Any defect found and action taken.
- Status: in use, withdrawn or repaired.
- These are example fields only — adapt them to your appliances and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Relying on testing alone and skipping user visual checks.
- Leaving failed appliances in use because the label was missed.
- Testing on a fixed interval without considering the environment or use.
- A register that does not match the appliances actually present.
Document workflow
A PAT testing register sits alongside the asset register that lists appliances and the portable tool register where tools are tracked. A failed test should withdraw the appliance and may feed a defect report; once repaired or replaced, the register tracks the item back into use.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used before, alongside and after a PAT testing register.
Retention (high level)
Employers generally keep electrical inspection and test records for a period set by their obligations and risk management. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction and type of work.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
PAT registers are commonly stored and shared as PDFs for facilities records and audit. Exporting to PDF supports documentation; it does not make the register official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Decide which appliances need inspection and testing and how often.
- Use a competent person and encourage user visual checks.
- Withdraw failed appliances and keep the register up to date.
- Keep the register aligned with the asset and tool records.
Worker notes
- Do a quick visual check of leads and plugs before use.
- Do not use an appliance that is damaged or failed its test.
- Report faults so the appliance can be withdrawn and checked.
Country considerations
Approaches to in-service electrical testing vary by country, including whether and how often it is expected, and the official authority differs. This page is high-level and general — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee that a register is valid anywhere.
Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for ensuring electrical equipment is maintained safe, inspected and tested where needed, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine what your register must contain, does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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