Thought it was gospel tbh, seems not. But then they back-track with this gem
"The only way that we can determine whether electrical equipment is safe, well-maintained and suitable for the purpose for which it is being used (the legal requirement), is if it is routinely, formally visually-inspected and instrument-tested ('PAT Tested'). Therefore, PAT Testing is implicit in the need to ensure that such equipment, at the time of inspection and testing at least, is indeed 'safe, well-maintained and suitable for the purpose for which it is being used'.
So its not law to have your gear PAT tested but the only way to ensure its fit for use etc is to get it Pat tested.
This only ensures that it was safe at the time of testing. It's similar to an MOT in that way.
Just because it's been tested doesn't mean that it will remain safe continually until it is next tested. Depending on what it is it may be used for 1500 hours or more before the tester visits again.
It's still down to the owner to ensure the continued safety of each item. If there happens to be an accident involving a tested item the fact it's been tested would help in any legal enquiry by the HSE. However, if the plug has been removed and the wires poked in to a socket with a screwdriver then the test means nothing because the item is dangerous.
PA testing should be used as an aid to assessing the risk of your portable appliances. Continued visual inspections are far more important to the HSE. If you keep your own log of weekly visual checks these will carry far more weight than a one off PA test by some dude who plugs your PC in to a fancy looking piece of kit. If you end up in court because someone has blown themselves up it will be your fault not the inspection guy's.
Also remember that to PA test you don't need to be an electrician. As long as you've done a simple course and have the relevant certificate you are good to go and buy a tester and start blowing people's PCs up. Just because someone has a PA tester doesn't mean they are any more competent than you.
Just do yourself a spreadsheet of all your items. Number them and record the serial numbers for each item. Visually check them every week and tick them all off on your list.
Also put out a memo to all of your staff telling them that they should always be on the lookout for any items that look unsafe. Tell them that as the user it is their responsibility to report anything unsafe as they are often the first to notice it. Once it's reported it's your responsibility to make sure that the item is immediately removed until it is repaired and safe to use again. If you don't remove it then you deserve to get the book thrown at you if someone gets injured.
Like I say this would carry far more weight with the HSE than a one off test every year and then ignoring the item until they come back again.
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