PAT Testing for Musicians |
PAT Testing is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom and Australia that requires all portable appliances to be deemed safe for use by a certified PAT tester before being used in a public domain. According to the Health & Safety executive, around 25% of all electrical accidents involve portable appliances, so it’s very important that all equipment is tested and labelled as safe to use. The PAT Test will usually last between 6 months and a year depending on the type of appliance.
Anyone who wants to legally PAT Test their own equipment in the United Kingdom must attend a course and receive a certificate or qualification stating their capability with electrical products. This is validated by City & Guilds under the authority of the QCA (The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority).
There can often be confusion as to what appliances need PAT Testing and how long often it is to be renewed. The legislation requires that all electrical appliances used by employees of a company or members of the public must be PAT tested before being used. This includes:
As well as these environments, the legislation also covers portable appliances that are being used outside of the private or home environment. For example, any equipment that is taken along to a gig will need to have a valid PAT test in order to be used. This is detailed on a PAT test sticker that will be attached to the appliance by the PAT tester, confirming that it is safe to use and also gives a date for the renewal.
All bands, musicians and other types of entertainers must have any items of electrical equipment that will feature in their performance tested. Everything from amplifiers to keyboards, lighting rigs and DJ Decks should be PAT Tested. A venue has every right to cancel your performance if your equipment is not deemed safe for public use. In order to avoid this you should remember to have all equipment that you intend to use for your performance regularly checked over by a certified PAT tester. It is also good practice to give appliances a visual check a few days before it will be used so that any damage or problems can be identified and fixed in time. This is generally good advice for all electrical equipment, regardless of what it is being used for as it keeps you safe, as well as anyone else who might come into contact with the appliance.
PAT Testing usually costs upwards of £60 if you are looking to have multiple appliances tested. However, if you’re looking for just one appliance to be tested, for example a guitar amp, you can usually arrange for this relatively quickly at a cost of around £40. Whilst this may seem like an unnecessary expenditure, especially after purchasing that new piece of equipment, it means it’s safe to use anywhere, anytime. Large organisations usually have their own certified PAT Tester who will test all the companies’ equipment for free. If you have a performance scheduled with a large venue, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they have a certified PAT Tester, as this could save you money!
It’s very important to have all your equipment tested and make sure it’s safe to use before use in a public situation. It can be very embarrassing for a band, and a venue to cancel a live show because none of the electrical equipment has been PAT Tested. All electrical appliances should be PAT tested once a year.
Adam Bennett is a Music Advisor for LastMinuteMusicians.com
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