If It’s Working, Is It Actually Safe?
If It’s Working, Is It Actually Safe?
A common assumption is that if electrical equipment is working, it must be safe.
In reality, that’s not how electrical safety works, and it’s where a lot of risk is often overlooked.
Why “Working” Doesn’t Mean Safe
Electrical equipment can continue to function normally even when there are underlying faults.
Issues such as damaged earth connections, deteriorating insulation or incorrect fusing don’t always stop an appliance from turning on. However, they do increase the level of risk.
Because these faults aren’t always visible, it’s easy to assume everything is fine when, in practice, it hasn’t actually been checked.
Where Responsibility Sits
For landlords and businesses, responsibility doesn’t depend on whether something appears to be working — it comes from providing electrical equipment for others to use.
Whether that’s a tenant, a member of staff or a customer, there is a clear duty to ensure that equipment is maintained in a safe condition. This is set out in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and applies regardless of whether any issues have been noticed.
It’s not something that can be assumed or worked around — it requires proper maintenance.
Why Maintenance and Records Matter
In the event of an incident, the focus quickly shifts to how the equipment has been managed.
That includes:
- Whether checks have been carried out
- Whether faults have been identified and addressed
- Whether there is a record of that maintenance
Without evidence of this, it becomes difficult to demonstrate that equipment has been maintained safely.
At that point, accountability sits with the person or business responsible for providing the equipment.
It’s no longer about what was assumed — it’s about what can be shown.
How PAT Testing Helps
PAT testing provides a structured way of checking electrical equipment and identifying issues that wouldn’t otherwise be visible.
It also creates a clear, consistent record of maintenance, which is important when demonstrating that equipment has been properly managed.
It’s not about overcomplicating the process — it’s about ensuring responsibility is being handled correctly and consistently.
Thorn PAT Testing provides PAT testing services for landlords and businesses across Glasgow, Bearsden, Milngavie and surrounding areas.