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2026-10-03

Personal Appliances at Work — Should You PAT Test Staff Equipment?

Staff bring phone chargers, fans, and heaters to work. Should you PAT test them?

Many employees bring personal electrical appliances to work: phone chargers, desk fans, heaters, radios, and more.

Are You Responsible?

As an employer, your duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 extends to all electrical appliances used on your premises, including personal items.

Your Options

  1. Ban personal appliances: Simplest but unpopular
  2. Allow with conditions: Require staff to have items PAT tested alongside company equipment
  3. Register and inspect: Include personal appliances in your PAT testing schedule

Common Risks

  • Cheap phone chargers: Often unbranded and potentially dangerous
  • Personal heaters: High-wattage, can overload sockets
  • Old desk fans: Rarely maintained

Include personal appliances in your PAT testing. The additional cost is minimal. Get in touch to discuss.


Need a PAT Test in Greater Manchester?

Based in Salford, covering all of Greater Manchester. From £59, same-day certificates.

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