Nail Salon PAT Testing no Longer Required?
I don’t know about you, dear readers, But I thought that PAT testing for a Nail Salon was no longer required.
Well, I am wrong!!
What is PAT testing?
PAT testing stands for Portable Appliance Testing. This refers to your UV lamp, e-file, foot bath, desk lighting, etc.
In electrical safety testing, portable appliance testing (PAT) is a process in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand by which electrical appliances are routinely checked for safety.
This used to be an annual requirement and was carried out by an independent and approved tester. I thought this had stopped.
I have been doing a lot of work with the Environmental Depts in Local Authorities in the UK and now have an understanding of what is needed.
Is PAT testing for a Nail Salon a legal requirement?
It is not, in itself a legal requirement but current UK legislation states that businesses must maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition.
If you were to ask the answer would be that it depends on how often the equipment is used. Well, how long is that ‘piece of string’?? Someone may use their UV lamp 3 times a week and another 8 times a day!
The safest answer to this is just to get it done every year!!!
Think about an e-file. It generates a lot of fine dust and is a mechanical tool that has moving parts. If a lot of dust accumulates in the motor it could be a fire risk!!
So, the answer is, just get it done every year. Look locally for approved testers. Add the cost to your overheads and proof that your employees and clients are safe if you should ever have a visit from an EHO. (Environmental Health Officer) and they are starting to focus on nail salons!
