After a PAT test, every tested appliance receives an individual label — a small sticker that tells you at a glance whether the appliance passed or failed, when it was tested, and when it should next be tested. Understanding these labels helps your staff and any visiting inspectors quickly verify appliance safety.
Pass Labels (Green)
Green PAT testing labels indicate that an appliance passed all visual and electrical tests and is safe for continued use. The label typically shows: the word PASS (or a tick symbol), the date of testing, the date of the next recommended test, and a reference to the testing engineer or company. Appliances with a current green label can be used with confidence.
Fail Labels (Red)
Red PAT testing labels indicate that an appliance failed the test and must not be used. The label will typically say DO NOT USE or FAIL and may indicate the reason for failure. An appliance with a red label must be removed from service immediately and should only be returned to use after repair and successful retest.
What If a Label Is Missing or Faded?
If an appliance has no PAT label, or the label is too faded to read, treat it as untested. Do not rely on an appliance without a valid current label. Report it to your safety manager and arrange testing. Never assume an appliance is safe just because no one has put a red label on it — the absence of a label tells you nothing about its safety status.
Labels and Regulatory Inspections
During HSE inspections, fire safety inspections, and CQC visits, inspectors may spot-check appliance labels. An appliance with an out-of-date or missing label is evidence that your PAT testing programme is not being maintained. Ensuring all appliances have current labels is a simple but important aspect of demonstrating compliance.
