When planning an event, there are already 101 things to think about and a to-do list longer than your arm, so the last thing you need is to also be worried about hiring faulty or poorly maintained equipment. This is especially true for electrical appliances, which can pose significant health and safety risks if they’re not properly maintained.
At Plato Catering Equipment Hire, we take these concerns seriously, which is why we carry out rigorous Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) before every single hire to ensure the safety of all the equipment provided to clients. However, PAT Testing is just one element in our testing and preparation process.
What is PAT testing?
In short, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves examining and testing electrical appliances to make sure that they are safe to use. This process includes a visual inspection as well as more detailed checks using specific testing equipment. With this equipment, we can check for potential hazards such as faulty wiring, insulation problems, and other defects that could lead to accidents or equipment failure.
At Plato, we clean, check, PAT test and prepare every piece hire kit in accordance with the Hire Association Europe (HAE) and Event Hire Association (EHA) Code of Practice before every hire to ensure it is perfectly serviceable at the point of delivery.
We also provide relevant information including operating instructions and safety guidance to minimise the risk to the hirer and members of the public.
The importance of safety when hiring equipment for events
Safety should always be one of the main considerations when hiring equipment for events. Faulty or unreliable equipment can cause accidents, send events off course, and damage reputations. By ensuring that all equipment is PAT tested, event planners can take responsible and proactive steps to help reduce risks, protect those attending, and ensure a smooth and successful event.
We’re also a SafeHire© certified business. SafeHire© certification proves a supplier's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in their products and services. SafeHire© is the industry’s leading safety and quality mark, the gold standard for the hire and rental industry setting the benchmark for excellence in the hire and rental sectors.
Plato Catering Hire's PAT testing process
Before catering equipment leaves us, it undergoes this process:
Initial inspection: Every piece of equipment undergoes a thorough visual inspection to check for any obvious signs of damage or wear. We will also switch the items on and let them get up to temperature (an oven) or let it get down to temperate (a fridge) to ensure they’re working correctly.
Detailed testing: Using specialised PAT testing devices, we carry out electrical tests to measure insulation resistance, earth continuity, and other critical parameters.
Cleaning and maintenance: After testing, all equipment is cleaned and serviced according to the Hire Association Europe (HAE) and Event Hire Association (EHA) Code of Practice, ensuring it is in good condition and ready for use.
Operating instructions: We provide clear operating instructions with each piece of equipment, ensuring users understand how to use it safely and effectively. Of course, if you have any further questions about the equipment you’re hiring, our friendly team are happy to help!
All of our equipment is PAT tested before every single hire (not just once a year) to ensure it meets safety standards. This approach means our clients can trust that our equipment is safe and reliable every time.
Looking for catering equipment hire that you can trust? Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your event!