Testing & Certification
Sharkey Lifting Ltd. offers Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Testing) on electrical tools and equipment ensuring that just one visit to site means your equipment is certified and safe and you are meeting all your safety requirements.
Portable Electricial Appliance means electricial equipment that can or could be moved from place to place e.g. office machinery (computers, copiers, fax machines), kettles, extension leads etc, usually having a lead with a plug attached.
The Safety, Health Welfare at Work regulation 2001 Statutory Instrument number 188 2001 states that:
- Every portable appliance must be tested once a year
- The results must be held for 5 years
- The resuts must also be made available for inspection by inspectors of the HSA
Sharkey Lifting provides comprehensive testing and certification services across Ireland — from Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and lifting gear inspections to statutory lift examinations and load testing. Our team of experienced, HSA-aware engineers delivers onsite or in-house testing, fast reporting and secure, downloadable certificates through our CertBank system.
Why testing and certification matters
Regular inspection and testing keeps people safe, meets legal duties and reduces costly downtime. Whether you manage a commercial building, run a construction site or operate industrial lifting equipment, up-to-date certification is essential to pass audits and protect staff.
Our services
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT / ITEE)
Visual inspection and electrical safety checks for portable equipment (computers, extension leads, kettles, power tools).
Detailed test reports and labels for pass/fail items.
Annual test cycles tailored to risk and use (we can advise a bespoke schedule).
Lifting Gear Inspections & Thorough Examinations
Competent-person inspections for chains, slings, shackles, eyebolts, wire ropes and hoists.
Statutory thorough examinations performed to meet Irish regulations and industry best practice.
Pre-use checks, periodic inspections and certified reports.
Load Testing & Certification
Proof load testing for cranes, lifting beams, winches and lifts.
Custom test protocols and witnessed load tests with certified test certificates.
Lift & Elevator Testing (statutory / advisory)
Thorough examinations by competent personnel and compliance advice for owners and operators.
Assistance with paperwork for audits and HSA inspections.
Sharkey Lifting Limited can carry out your lifting gear inspections in-house or on site and have your certification available to download from ’Certbank’ at any time where ever you have internet access.
Our CertBank is currently under development and will be available soon.
How Sharkey works — efficient, transparent process
Book an inspection — call or email to arrange on-site or in-house testing.
Competent-person inspection — our engineers perform visual checks, functional tests and any required electrical or load tests.
Detailed reporting — we issue a clear compliance report and certificate; high-risk items are highlighted with repair recommendations.
Compliance, standards & trusted practice
Sharkey follows Irish statutory requirements and industry best practice for all inspections and tests. Our engineers are trained to act as competent persons for lifting equipment and portable electrical testing, and we deliver audit-ready paperwork to help you demonstrate compliance at inspection time.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q — How often should lifts be inspected?
A — Frequency depends on the type of lift and usage, but many installations require a thorough examination at least every six months; certain equipment may require more frequent checks depending on use and risk.
Q — What does PAT testing cover?
A — PAT testing includes a visual inspection, checks on cords/plugs, earth/continuity tests where applicable, insulation resistance tests and labelling/reporting of results.
Q — Can the same company inspect and repair lifting equipment?
A — In many cases a company can both inspect and repair, but conflict-of-interest concerns may apply for statutory, independent examinations. We will advise on what is appropriate for your situation.
Q — What is a competent person?
A — A competent person is someone with the necessary training, experience and knowledge to carry out the required inspection or test and provide reliable reporting and recommendations.
Trust signals & proof points
Experienced HSA-aware engineers trained in lifting and electrical testing.
Fast, audit-ready certificates and digital storage (CertBank).
Transparent pricing and detailed remedial recommendations where required.
Call-to-action (CTA)
Book a testing or certification visit today: phone +353 1 403 2730 or email info@sharkey.ie. Prefer online? Use the contact form to request a quote and we’ll propose a tailored test schedule and certificate delivery plan.
Any queries feel free to ask.