We kept getting pestered when we had kennels from firms saying we should have our portable electrical equipment PAT tested. From what I understand it was not compulsory and if had done was for staff safety, not the owners, if they used it. Just like having to put up no smoking signs and dedicated smoking areas it was I think just to provide jobs to keep unemployment numbers down , the same as having to have energy testing for homes to keep ex estate agents busy during the recession.
As a by the by we are told we must have a qualified electrician to carry out electrical work according to the IEE regs. However under health and safety it, I again believe, it mentions something about if competant you can do your own electrical installation work then get it inspected and passed. In other word one so called authority says one thing and another something entirely different.
having done a 5 yr apprenticeship in electro/mechanical engineering ( too long ago now to even think about ) I just can't see anyone being fully qualified in just a few months as is the case now.