PAT Test Record Form

An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.

What a PAT test record form is

A portable appliance testing (PAT) record form documents the visual inspection and electrical testing of portable equipment — such as power tools, leads, chargers and small appliances — to support the conclusion that they are safe to use.

This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template and does not itself test anything — testing is carried out by a competent person, and the employer decides what equipment is in scope and how often it is checked.

Purpose

• Record the visual inspection and any electrical testing of portable appliances.
• Capture the result, the date and the next check, where one is set.
• Identify items that should be repaired, replaced or taken out of use.
• Support a wider regime of inspection and maintenance for electrical equipment.

Who completes it

• A competent person nominated by the employer to inspect and test.
• Someone with the knowledge, instruments and training for the task.
• Users carry out basic user checks; formal testing is a separate task.
• The employer decides who is competent and what is in scope.

When it is used

• On a schedule the employer sets, based on the equipment and its environment.
• After repair, or where damage is reported or suspected.
• When new portable equipment is introduced, where the employer requires it.
• Harsh environments and frequently handled items may be checked more often.

Typical fields

• Appliance identity or asset number, description and location.
• Date of inspection or test, the tester and the next check date.
• Visual inspection result and any test results recorded.
• Pass, fail or remedial action required, and what was done.
• Tester sign-off.
• Example fields only — adapt to the equipment, environment and applicable law.

Common mistakes

• Relying on testing alone and skipping the visual inspection.
• Applying the same interval to every item regardless of risk and use.
• Continuing to use an item that failed or is damaged.
• Not recording or labelling what has been checked.

Document workflow

The PAT record sits alongside user checks and the planned maintenance record. A failed item should trigger removal from use, a repair or breakdown record, and a re-test before return to service. Findings can feed an asset register and the inspection schedule.

See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after a PAT test record.

Retention (high level)

PAT records are typically kept for a period set by the employer and any applicable rules, often until at least the next check. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.

Completing and sharing as a PDF

PAT records are commonly produced and stored as PDFs alongside the equipment register. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the testing official or guarantee compliance.

Employer checklist

• Decide which portable equipment is in scope and how often to check it.
• Use a competent person with the right instruments and training.
• Make sure failed or damaged items are removed from use.
• Keep PAT, maintenance and user-check records together.

User notes

• Carry out simple user checks — look for damage to leads and plugs before use.
• Do not use an item that is damaged or that failed a check.
• Report damaged equipment and know where the records are kept.

Country considerations

Requirements for inspecting and testing portable electrical equipment, and the official authority, vary by country. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.

Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.

Who is responsible

The employer is responsible for ensuring portable electrical equipment is maintained and checked as the risk requires, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not test anything and does not transfer responsibility.