Fire Safety & Electrical Compliance Services for Care Homes & Nursing Homes
PAT-iT Ltd provides specialist fire safety and electrical compliance services for care homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We understand the importance of dignity, respect and discretion when working within environments that support vulnerable residents.
Our engineers always operate in a professional and considerate manner, ensuring minimal disruption to residents while maintaining a safe and calm working environment. Appointments are always pre-arranged and never carried out as unannounced visits.
Care Home Compliance Services
Care homes are required to maintain safe electrical equipment and fire safety systems to protect residents, staff and visitors. PAT-iT Ltd provides a full range of compliance services including:
- PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)
- Electrical Equipment Testing (including resident-owned appliances where required)
- Fire Extinguisher Servicing & Supply
- Emergency Lighting Testing
- Fire Alarm Inspection & Maintenance
- Fire Door Inspections
- Fire Risk Assessment Support (via trusted partners)
- Microwave Leakage Testing
Respectful Working in Care Environments
We take great care when working in resident areas and always ensure dignity, privacy and respect are maintained. Our engineers will communicate clearly with staff before entering rooms and are mindful of vulnerable residents who may be present.
Where required, we can also advise on protective socket covers and safety accessories designed to reduce the risk of accidental disconnection of essential equipment.
Risk-Based Compliance Approach
Compliance requirements in care homes should always be based on a documented risk assessment rather than assumptions or fixed intervals. However, many care providers choose annual inspection regimes to maintain consistent records for audit and inspection purposes.
Guidance may include the Electricity at Work Regulations, CQC expectations, the IET Code of Practice, HSG107, BS 50699, BS 5306, BS 5266 and BS 5839.
Why Care Homes Choose PAT-iT Ltd
- Established in 2010
- Three-time British Standards Institution (BSI) Award Winner
- Experience working in sensitive care environments
- Discreet, respectful and resident-aware approach
- Digital certification and full asset registers
- Support for CQC audit preparation
- Combined fire and electrical compliance services
- Planned and pre-booked visits only (no unannounced attendance)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be tested in a care home?
All electrical equipment provided by the care home should be included in a risk-based inspection programme. This may include kitchen appliances, laundry equipment, medical support equipment and resident-owned electrical items where appropriate.
A structured asset register helps support traceability, audit readiness and overall safety management.
How often should fire extinguishers be serviced in care homes?
Fire extinguishers should normally be serviced annually in accordance with BS 5306, with regular visual checks to ensure accessibility and correct condition.
How often should emergency lighting be tested?
Emergency lighting should be tested monthly for functionality and undergo an annual full-duration discharge test in accordance with BS 5266.
How often should fire alarm systems be inspected?
Fire alarm systems should be tested weekly at call points and serviced regularly in accordance with BS 5839.
How often should PAT Testing be carried out in care homes?
PAT Testing frequency should be determined by a risk assessment considering equipment type, usage and environment. Many care homes adopt annual testing schedules to support audit and compliance requirements.
Why is PAT Testing important in care homes?
PAT Testing helps ensure electrical equipment remains safe for use, supports regulatory compliance under the Electricity at Work Regulations and assists with safeguarding residents, staff and visitors.
Do you provide support for CQC inspections?
Yes. Our documentation, asset registers and certification can assist care homes in preparing for CQC inspections and ongoing compliance reviews.
Related Services
- PAT Testing
- Fire Extinguisher Servicing
- Emergency Lighting Testing
- Fire Alarm Inspection
- Fire Door Inspections
Additional Pat Testing Services
Not sure where to start with your appliance testing?
Standards we work to
If it was not tested to a standard, it is not evidence.
- IET CoP In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment
- HSG107 Maintaining portable electrical equipment
- BS 50699 Recurrent testing of electrical equipment
- BS 5839 Fire detection and fire alarm systems
- BS 5266 Emergency lighting
- BS 5306 Fire extinguishing installations and equipment
- BS 5499 Safety signage and escape route signing
- BS 1363/62 Plug and fuse safety requirements