Posted By Annetta Maslen We are a registered social landlord and provide some sheltered housing units for active elderly who live almost independently but have access to our staff for help as and when required. Usually this involves the tenant visiting our staff in a communal area though occasionally the member of staff may visit the tenant's flat. As part of the fixture and fittings we may provide white goods e.g. cooker, fridge and are debating our moral and legal requirements to test/inspect these goods reqularly. They are tested at the start of the tenancy (and indeed are often new then) and the tenant reports defective items to us for repair for faults which develop during the course of the tenancy. My assessment of risk indicates a low risk of harm. The debate we are having is "To test" regularly as part of our programme, or Not to test." All viewpoints welcomed!

Posted By Ken Taylor As the relationship in question is one of tenancy, there will not be a legal duty for examining or testing supplied appliances under health and safety at work legislation. However some appliances may require regular servicing as recommended by the manufacturers and it will need to be established as to who will arrange for this to take place. Additionally landlords have duties in respect of gas fires and flues, the safety of the premises and fixed items of equipment, etc under other legislation. Once equipment supplied by the employer comes into use by the employees, health and safety law comes into play and I would expect the relevant procedures to be put into place (including PAT testing upon a risk assessment basis as per HSE guidance.