Yes and No – although the service “PAT Testing” is not law, legislation is in place to ensure that equipment provided or used within a workplace* is safe to use and has records showing proper inspection and/or maintenance.
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Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974
The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999
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Failure to comply with the regulations is a serious offence, and if someone gets injured or worse due to a faulty electrical appliance then steep fines and prison are all available to prosecutors.
The most common practice to ensure electrical appliances and equipment is safe to use, and records such an inspection has taken place, is, of course, PAT Testing (and FAT Testing).
*Workplace is not just defined as a place of work. Equipment loaned or hired, properties that are rented, electrical equipment which is sold for commercial gain (money), and equipment used by tradespeople in a property (including cleaners).