07576 584901Testmasterinfo@gmail.com 24/7 online enquiries About Services Areas ReviewsOur WorkSocialContact07576 584901Request a Free Quote Home/Blog/PAT testingPAT testing # PAT test stickers: reading labels without mistaking them for a safety guarantee By Test Master UK6 November 20262 min read Service illustration: pat testingPAT test stickers provide a convenient reference to an appliance's recorded inspection or testing outcome. They can help staff identify equipment and locate its history, but a pass label does not guarantee that damage has not occurred since the check. This guide explains how to read and manage labels alongside the equipment register. ## What does a label tell you? Depending on the agreed system, a label may show an asset identifier, inspection date, result and tester reference. A next inspection or test date should follow the maintenance plan rather than an automatic annual assumption. If details are unclear or do not match the appliance record, ask the person managing the register. A green colour alone is not meaningful evidence. The record should explain what was checked and any relevant limitations. ## Pass and fail labels have limits A pass reflects the checks recorded at a particular time. Report subsequent cable damage, unusual heat or other concerns regardless of the label date. A sticker on one lead does not necessarily identify a separately replaceable appliance or another lead. A fail label supports communication but may be missed or removed. Follow competent advice on preventing unsafe equipment returning to service. Do not rely on the sticker as the sole barrier where another person could plug the item back in. ## Placement and replacement Labels should remain readable without covering ventilation, controls, product ratings or safety information. Use suitable materials and placement that do not interfere with equipment operation. Follow manufacturer information where necessary. Do not attach a new pass label simply because an old label is worn. Check the genuine records and the equipment's condition through the appropriate process. Buying or printing stickers does not amount to inspection or testing. ## Are stickers legally compulsory? HSE does not require a universal PAT labelling system. Labels and records can help maintenance management, but legal duties concern maintaining equipment safely. Actual contracts or property-specific conditions may request particular evidence. Arrange PAT testing and equipment records with your inventory and chosen identification system. Local PAT testing in Greenford offers an enquiry route for premises needing inspection, not a sticker sales service. - Match the label to the correct item. - Use the register for the full findings. - Report damage even with a recent pass label. - Prevent unsafe reuse rather than relying only on a fail sticker. ## Sources and further reading - HSE: Portable appliance testing FAQs - HSE: Maintaining portable electrical equipmentGeneral guidance for premises in England, checked on 6 November 2026. Requirements depend on your property, systems and applicable conditions. Follow competent advice, current official guidance and your local authority's requirements. ## In this guide - What does a label tell you? - Pass and fail labels have limits - Placement and replacement - Are stickers legally compulsory? ## Need testing for your premises? Greenford-based electrical and fire safety services across London. Get a free quote 07576 584901 ## Related guides All guides PAT testing · 2 min read ## PAT test certificate: what a summary proves and which records to retain Check PAT certificate summaries against appliance-level results, exclusions and failure actions; understand why a certificate is not a legal safety guarantee. 6 November 2026 PAT testing · 2 min read ## What should you do when an appliance fails PAT testing? Manage a failed PAT testing result: prevent reuse, understand the defect, arrange suitable repair or replacement and update your appliance register. 24 October 2026 Electrical and fire safety compliance testing for businesses, property managers and landlords across London and Greenford. Read our Google reviewsLeave us a review ## Services - PAT Testing - Commercial EICR Testing - Residential EICR Testing - Emergency Lighting Testing - Fire Alarm Testing - Fire Extinguisher Servicing - Fire Door Inspection - Fire Risk Assessments - Remedial Works for Fire Compliance ## Service Areas - Greenford - Central London - All London Boroughs - West London - North London - South London - East London - Ealing - Uxbridge - Slough - Watford ## Contact - 07576 584901 - Testmasterinfo@gmail.com - Postal address669 Greenford Road, UB6 8QL - LinkedInOpening hours: 24/7 online enquiries © 2026 Test Master Ltd. All rights reserved. HomeAboutReviewsOur WorkContactPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsCookie Policy Call NowFree Quote Chat on WhatsApp