The Cost of Skipping PAT Testing: Fines, Liability & Reputational Risk

Failing to conduct regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) may seem like a way to cut costs—but the financial, legal, and reputational consequences can vastly exceed any savings. From HSE fines and civil claims to damaged credibility and insurance fallout, skipping PAT testing exposes your business to severe risks. 

In this blog, we’ll explore those costs, share real-world examples, and guide you on how to mitigate exposure—plus how Global Compliance UK can help you stay protected.

Why Some Businesses Try to Skip PAT Testing

Before diving into the risks, it’s worth understanding why some organisations try to bypass or minimise PAT testing:

• Perceived cost savings, especially for large fleets of portable appliances

• Belief that visual inspections or informal checks are “good enough”

• Misinterpretation that PAT testing is optional, or “just a nice to have”

• Lack of awareness of how courts, insurers or regulators view inadequate maintenance

However, these shortcuts rarely hold up if something goes wrong.

Legal & Regulatory Risks

Fines, Prosecutions & Fee for Intervention

Although UK law does not explicitly demand “PAT testing” by name, it does require maintenance of electrical equipment to prevent danger. When an HSE (Health & Safety Executive) inspection finds serious faults or systemic failures, organisations may face:

• Improvement notices or prohibition notices

• Prosecution under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 or Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

• Substantial fines, often in the tens or hundreds of thousands

• Fee for Intervention (FFI) charges, in which HSE charges you for the time spent investigating breaches

Some notable cases:

• A cosmetics company in Yorkshire was fined £56,695 after electrical deficiencies were found during inspection, including exposed live parts and inadequate maintenance. 

• A joinery firm was fined £10,000 when inspectors discovered failures in both fixed and portable electrical systems. 

• National Grid was fined £3.2 million after a worker suffered severe burns due to unsafe procedures. 

• A retailer was fined £1,000,000 after an electrician suffered burns from an electrical explosion triggered by poor planning and safety controls.

These examples show that when safety is neglected, fines escalate quickly. Under modern UK sentencing guidelines, especially where high harm or corporate culpability is involved, fines may exceed a million pounds, and directors or individuals may face personal consequences.

Civil Liability & Compensation Claims

When someone is injured (employee, contractor or visitor) because of a faulty appliance, your business may be exposed to claims under:

• The Employer’s Liability (Defective Equipment) Act 1969, which establishes strict liability for defects

• Common law negligence, if you fail to show that you met the standard of care expected

Because PAT testing—or a defensible maintenance system—is often considered part of the standard of care, failing to adopt it weakens your defence in litigation. Potential claims may include medical costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation and general damages.

Insurance Risk & Policy Exclusions

Insurance policies frequently require that equipment be properly maintained. Failing to carry out or document PAT testing can lead to:

• Policies being voided or claims denied

• Insurers seeking recovery of costs on grounds of negligence

• Premium increases or refusal to renew cover

Insurance companies expect risk management to be demonstrable and auditable; weak or missing PAT regimes are red flags.

Corporate Manslaughter & Extreme Cases

In the worst scenarios, where a fatality occurs and clear systemic failures exist, organisations may face charges under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007. While rare, skipping essential safety practices like PAT testing may contribute to a finding of gross negligence if it forms part of a chain of failure.

Reputational & Operational Risks

Damage to Reputation & Stakeholder Confidence

A safety incident tied to faulty electrical equipment can attract negative publicity, erode trust with customers, tenants, or partners, and create long-term brand harm. In many sectors, clients expect proof of safety regimes; lacking that can lead to lost contracts or failed tenders.

Disruption, Downtime & Business Loss

A failed appliance might lead to fire, equipment damage or operational downtime. Fixing or replacing after a failure is costlier and slower compared to planned testing. Interruptions to service or production translate directly to lost revenue.

Employee & Tenant Confidence

If people feel unsafe in your premises, morale, productivity, retention and occupancy can suffer. Visible safety measures such as PAT testing help show you take responsibility for wellbeing.

Regulatory Scrutiny & Knock-on Failures

A single incident can trigger wider regulatory inspections, uncovering other compliance gaps. Government or local authority scrutiny often expands beyond the initial issue.

Real-World Lessons & Case Studies

• Cineworld (Manchester, 2015): Two employees were electrocuted by a popcorn machine lacking a PAT test; the business was fined £9,500. 

• Sabel Cosmetics Ltd: Fined over £56,000 after systemic electrical failings were found in machinery and portable appliances. 

• Joinery firm in Middlesbrough: After inspectors found exposed wiring and poorly maintained appliances, the firm was fined £10,000. 

• National Grid: Worker suffered burns; company was fined £3.2 million. The case emphasised that ensuring power isolation and planning was neglected. 

These cases show that consequences can occur in a variety of sectors—from entertainment and retail to utility and manufacturing.

How to Mitigate the Risks

Given the stakes, here is a practical, defensible approach to PAT testing and electrical safety:

Risk-Based PAT Testing Strategy

• Begin with a risk assessment covering appliance type, environment, usage, age and history

• Prioritise high-risk appliances (power tools, catering, mobile equipment)

• Adjust test frequency based on risk, rather than defaulting to annual testing

This shows that you have made informed, defensible choices based on context.

Use Competent Inspectors & Testers

Visual inspection may be done by trained non-electricians in low-risk environments. But for formal inspection and PAT testing, use competent persons (qualified, experienced, equipped). Misinterpreted test results can be worse than none.

Keep Clear Records & Labelling

• Record test dates, results, failures, corrective actions and retest schedules

• Label appliances with test dates and next due

• Retain records (e.g. 3–5 years)

These records are your legal and regulatory defence—lack of documentation often undermines otherwise valid arguments.

Integrate with Broader Electrical Safety

PAT testing should sit alongside:

• Fixed wire (EICR) inspections

• Thermographic inspections

• Energy monitoring & calibration

By integrating into a full safety portfolio, you strengthen your resilience.

Regular Review & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor failure trends and adjust intervals

• Update risk assessments when equipment or environment changes

• Retrain staff and reassess protocols

• Stay informed of changes in guidance or standards

Communicate & Demonstrate Safety Culture

• Display safety policies and testing programmes

• Include PAT in tender documents, client assurance reporting or facility management disclosures

• Use third-party safety audits or oversight if needed

Insurance and Legal Considerations

• Review your insurance policy’s requirements on maintenance

• Ensure your PAT regime aligns with insurer expectations

• Consult legal or insurance advisers if implementing non-standard intervals

Why Choose Global Compliance UK

When you engage Global Compliance UK, you gain a partner who understands not just the technical side of PAT testing, but also the legal, insurance and reputational dimensions:

• Qualified professionals & calibrated tools: We use audited, up-to-date testing equipment and trained engineers.

• Tailored, risk-based programmes: We avoid “one size fits all” testing, and adapt to your needs.

• Full reporting & labelling: You receive test certificates, traceable records, labelling and audit-ready documentation.

• Comprehensive electrical safety services: In addition to PAT, we offer fixed wiring inspections, thermographic surveys, power monitoring and more via our services page.

• Transparent process & client support: We explain what we do, why we do it, and how it protects you.

• Easy access & contact: You can learn more about PAT testing through our dedicated PAT service page or reach out via our contact us page.

To explore how we can safeguard your organisation, visit our PAT testing service page or contact us directly.

Conclusion

The decision to skip or skimp on PAT testing may seem trivial — but the consequences are anything but. From crippling fines and compensation claims to reputational damage, insurance risks and operational disruption, the true cost of omission far exceeds the modest expense of a proper testing regime.

At Global Compliance UK, we help you implement defensible, effective PAT strategies that protect your people, property and reputation. For tailored advice, quotes or to discuss your compliance needs, call us on 0330 100 5341 or contact us via our website. Stay safe, compliant and confident.