Where and How to Use PAT Test Stickers in Your Workplace
Ensuring electrical safety in the workplace is a vital part of any business's health and safety responsibilities. One of the simplest yet most effective tools for promoting compliance is the use of PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) test stickers. These small but significant labels play a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment and ensuring that equipment is regularly tested and recorded accurately.
PAT test stickers should be applied to any portable electrical appliance in the workplace to show it’s been tested for safety. Place them visibly on plugs, cables, or device casings. They help ensure compliance, improve safety, and provide clear records of testing for insurers, auditors, and health & safety checks.
In this guide, we explain where and how to use PAT test stickers in your workplace, including best practices and legal considerations.
What Are PAT Test Stickers?
PAT test stickers are adhesive labels applied to electrical appliances that have undergone portable appliance testing. These stickers serve multiple purposes:
- Indicating whether the appliance has passed or failed its safety inspection
- Showing the date of the most recent test
- Noting the due date for the next test
- Including initials or the name of the tester for traceability
Depending on the industry and environment, PAT test stickers can vary in design, colour, and content. Some businesses opt for standard green or red pass/fail labels, while others use barcode-enabled stickers for tracking and digital logging. CDM Labels offers a wide range of durable, waterproof PAT test stickers tailored to your needs.
Where to Use PAT Test Stickers in the Workplace
Workplaces of all sizes, from corporate offices to manufacturing facilities, utilize a variety of electrical equipment on a daily basis. Any item that plugs into the mains and is portable (typically under 18kg) should be tested regularly and labelled. Here are the most common locations and appliances where PAT test stickers are used:
1. Office Equipment
- Desktop computers and monitors
- Printers and scanners
- Phone chargers and docking stations
- Extension leads and multi-way adaptors
2. Kitchen Appliances
- Microwaves
- Kettles
- Toasters
- Fridges and freezers (if portable)
3. Workshop and Warehouse Tools
- Power drills
- Sanders
- Saws
- Portable lighting unit
4. IT and AV Equipment
- Projectors
- Speakers
- Laptops and chargers
- Display screens
5. Retail and Customer-Facing Areas
- Card readers
- Heaters
- Fans
- Display lights
6. Mobile and Temporary Equipment
- Hired appliances for events or temporary setups
- Loaned tools and shared resources
The sticker must be applied in a location that’s visible but not intrusive. Ideal placements include the plug top, the cable close to the plug, or the back/side of the appliance.
How to Apply PAT Test Stickers Correctly
Applying a PAT test label is more than just sticking it anywhere. For clarity, durability, and compliance, follow these best practices:
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Choose the Right Surface
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Ensure the surface is clean and dry
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Avoid applying to hot surfaces or areas prone to abrasion
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Use Consistent Positioning
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Apply stickers in the same place on each appliance for ease of auditing
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Recommended: plug top, cable near plug, or appliance casing
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Record Clear Information
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Use permanent ink if writing by hand
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Include all details: date tested, next test due, tester's initials or ID, pass/fail status
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Replace When Worn or Removed
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PAT test labels can fade, peel, or be removed during cleaning or repairs
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Replace them immediately after retesting or servicing
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Consider Barcode Labels
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For large organisations, barcoded PAT stickers integrate with digital asset tracking systems
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Helps maintain central records of testing, status, and asset history
Legal Requirements and Best Practice
In the UK, there is no specific legal requirement that says PAT testing must be done, but there are broader obligations under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. These require employers to ensure all electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition.
PAT testing, alongside proper labelling with PAT test stickers, is widely recognised as the most effective way to meet these obligations. It’s also often required by insurers, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
Best Practice Guidelines:
- Establish a routine PAT testing schedule based on the environment and usage
- Use qualified PAT testers or trained in-house personnel
- Label all tested appliances clearly
- Maintain records for all tests carried out
More Than Just PAT: The Importance of Electrical Labels
While PAT test stickers are essential for appliance testing, many workplaces also benefit from broader electrical labelling solutions. Electrical labels help identify voltage levels, warning zones, isolator switches, and specific circuit information. These labels improve safety, reduce human error, and ensure compliance with regulations like the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. From cable tags to high-voltage warning signs, CDM Labels can supply a wide range of custom and industry-standard electrical labels to keep your workplace clearly marked and compliant.
How CDM Labels Can Help
At CDM Labels, we understand that compliance shouldn't come at the expense of practicality. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of PAT test stickers that suit every workplace and testing environment. Our solutions include:
- Custom PAT Test Labels: Add your business logo, tester ID, or specific messaging
- Durable Materials: Smudge-proof, waterproof, and resistant to wear and tear
- Barcode & QR Code Options: Easily integrate with your asset tracking systems
- Colour Coding: Use red, green, blue or yellow for quick visual identification
- Fast Turnaround: We offer quick delivery so you can maintain compliance without delays
- Whether you're a facility manager in charge of hundreds of appliances or a small business owner looking for reliable safety solutions, CDM Labels is here to help you streamline your PAT testing process.
Making Safety Stick: The Role of PAT Test Stickers in Compliance
PAT test stickers are a critical part of any workplace safety regime. They provide clear, visible evidence that your portable electrical appliances have been tested, are safe to use, and meet compliance standards. Knowing where and how to use PAT test labels, combined with a reliable supplier like CDM Labels, ensures you stay ahead of risks, inspections, and responsibilities.
Take a look at our selection of PAT test stickers today and see how we can help make safety simple for your business.
