How does temperature affect the growth of Legionella?

Have you ever been told to run your taps or leave your shower on for a couple of minutes before using it when you go to an AirBnB or return home after a holiday? Long periods of overuse can lead to accumulation of bacteria in your water pipes. By letting your faucets and showers run […]

How to control Legionella in hot and cold water systems

An outbreak of Legionnaires disease can be extremely dangerous, which is why it is essential to do everything that you can to ensure you have contaminant-free water. There are several remedial actions you can take to get rid of, and prevent, contaminated water.  Where are Legionella found? Legionella are originally found in lakes and rivers, […]

Do I need to PAT test new equipment?

Do I need to PAT test new equipment

There are several types of tests that you can perform on electronic devices such as computer monitors, smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. This testing procedure is essential to ensure that they meet certain standards before being released into the public domain. Portable appliance tests (PAT) are used to check the functionality of household appliances prior […]

Should I label my PAT test appliances once tested?

PAT test labels

When purchasing an appliance, it’s important to know whether or not it has passed government safety standards. In order to comply with these standards, manufacturers often conduct tests to ensure their products are safe. Manufacturers then mark their products as either “tested” or “not tested” in order to keep on top of whether or not […]

What is a portable appliance and what needs to be tested?

What is a portable appliance

If you’re a landlord or real estate agent, it is crucial to ensure that all the portable appliances on your rental property are safe. The best way to do this is through portable appliance testing or PAT testing. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about this subject.  What is a portable […]

What safety certificates do landlords need in Scotland?

Landlord electrical safety certificate Scotland

In order to be a landlord in Scotland, you must follow certain rules and meet certain criteria. To begin with, you will need to register with the local council. Next, you will have to report to the local authorities for a background check to ensure you are fit to rent a house.  If, during your […]

How do you test for legionella?

How do you test for legionella

Legionella bacteria, also known as legionella pneumophila, are usually harmless. However, some types can cause serious human disease infections including Legionnaires’ disease. These bacteria live in water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, whirlpools, fountains, drinking water supplies, and air conditioning units. While they typically thrive in warm temperatures and low levels of oxygen, […]

Can you PAT test your own equipment?

Can you PAT test your own equipment

Our gadgets have a tendency to fail us when we need them most. One of the reasons for this is the fact that they often suffer from malfunctions that evade detection until too late. Just as human beings need to make regular visits to their doctor, gadgets need to be regularly tested.  The good news […]

How often is PAT testing required for landlords?

How often is PAT testing required for landlords

It can be difficult to understand the regulations governing landlord portable appliance testing (PAT). In this article, we explain everything you need to know about PAT tests including what a PAT test is, which appliances it covers, your legal obligations, and how frequently you need to perform such tests. What is professional PAT testing? Portable […]

Does a landlord need to do a Legionella risk assessment?

Landlord legionella risk assessment

Inhaling water droplets (aerosols) containing the Legionella bacteria is how most people get Legionnaires’ disease. Showering, turning on the water, or using equipment like spa pools and cooling towers can all increase the risk of exposure to this potentially lethal form of pneumonia. This is why regular water system assessments are crucial for residential buildings, […]