Z wrote in message ...
Which laws, statutes, regulations etc require that portable appliances
are tested and that electrical installations are tested?
BS7671 requires inspection and testing of electrical installations but
it is not statute.
Is it PUWER or HSW that requires the testing of 'appliances'?

As far as PAT testing is concernedand at present there is no specific
laws that state "you must carry out portable appliance testing". The
reason that PAT testing is carried out is to comply with the
Electricity at work regulations 1989 which states "(2) As may be
necessary to prevent danger, all (electrical) systems shall be
maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such
danger."

This regulation applies to all electrical equipment ranging from a
mobile phone charger to a 400kV pylon

PAT testing has been developed as a way of completely and safely
checking the safety and integrity of appliances within the workplace.

Also it now being insisted on by bodies such as insurance companies,
HSE, and also the Fire safety risk assesment regulations.

For further information you can look here

http://www.pat-services.co.uk/?id=313