Care: Nursing Homes & Care Homes

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.