Workshop 15 November 2024

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) London

This is an opportunity to ensure that your equipment is safe and you are able to provide assurances for your insurance, venues and bookers. Available for all MU London members.

A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

Date Friday, 15 November 2024

Time 10:15 am - 4:00 pm

Location London

Book your place

General enquiries:

london@themu.org

Find out more:

Musicians' Union HQ, 30 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SU.

About the event

There is often misunderstanding around PAT testing and the statement that it is not a legal requirement.

Whilst PAT testing is not a legal requirement, currently the only way it’s possible to demonstrate due diligence and satisfy all regulation requirements and insurance needs, is to have proof that the electrical equipment being used is safe and fit for purpose.

When a venue asks for proof you will need to provide it. PAT testing will ensure your equipment and power leads are safe, and is the easiest way to ensure compliance with the 'Electricity at Work Regulations'. It satisfies public liability insurance requirements where compliance with such statutory regulations and safety legislation is required, and provides you with peace of mind.

Learn more about PAT testing.

Important information

This free event will enable you to bring up to six individual portable electrical items for testing where you will be given stickers and official certificates by tester Mike Nottage. These will cover your portable appliances for 12 months. Please submit a list of the items when booking.
If an item uses a IEC/kettle lead then together they are classed as one item (please bring both items and remember to match the correct lead with the appliance as the fuse ratings may be different from item to item). Any extra leads will be counted as one item.
If you have more than six items* for testing please let us know and if capacity allows, we may be able to include them. If you have any questions or are unsure about any of the above, please get in touch and we will be happy to assist.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your allotted time so you can unload all your items into the venue ready to be tested. This will help to ensure the unloading process doesn’t impinge on your allotted time and potentially reduce the number of items that can be tested.
On street parking is available near the venue and there is also a multi-storey NCP nearby.
Please note that non-musical items will not be eligible for free testing.

* For music related items only at the organisers discretion, subject to availability, the number of items is limited to six but additional items can be listed on booking and could be accommodated if time allows.

How to attend

To book a slot please email london@themu.org, along with a list of the items you would like testing.

Slots will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you would like to request a specific time, please indicate this in your email and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Places are strictly limited.

Accessibility

The MU makes every effort to ensure that all events we organise are accessible to everyone who would like to attend. We want to provide equal access to our events for all of our members.

If you have any access requirements you would like us to be aware of, please contact the regional office via london@themu.org at least one week ahead of the event to discuss what you need.

This venue has step free access and on street parking nearby.

Book your place

Mike Nottage

Mike Nottage is a long-standing MU member whose portfolio music career includes stage management (IOSH accredited Creative Industries Safety Passport), instrument repair technician and City and Guilds qualified PAT tester (2377-701 in service inspection and testing of electrical equipment 5th edition). This sits alongside his life as a gigging saxophone player in various bands in the southwest including the lively 8 piece function band The Harry Peanut Show. Mike’s experience in large scale stage management and gigging in grass roots music venues provides insight into the needs and requirements of venues, musicians and regulations relating to electrical equipment. In addition to the appliance testing provided on the day Mike will be happy to answer questions and provide advice if required.

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