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A high street travel agency thought about what it needed to do to maintain its portable electrical equipment. As their work generally included office work and dealing with customers the manager considered that health and safety risks would be generally low. The portable electrical equipment was used in a clean and dry shop by a small number of employees. In deciding what action was needed: A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface.
PAT testing certificates are provided to business owners after portable appliances have been successfully tested. The certificates show that the company is in compliance with regulations by having their portable equipment regularly inspected for damage and/or risks. The certificate serves as proof that the person responsible for maintaining equipment has taken steps necessary to ensure safety.Advanced PAT testing kits are suitable for users with a high level of technical knowledge and expertise. These advanced systems are particularly well suited to facilities management, as they allow for the recording of the location and test status of equipment and appliances. Some of these systems can also transfer the test results to computers for digital interpretation. Test records can be maintained with PAT software. Is the item regularly maintained? Planned maintenance could reduce the need for frequent ‘PAT Testing’
The vacuum cleaner was heavily used. The manager remembered that the cable was repaired 6 months ago by an electrician as it had been pulled out of the cable grip, so she knew that in future it would need to be looked at more often. It was decided that the vacuum should have a visual inspection every 6 months and that employees would be encouraged to look for signs of damage to the plug and cable before plugging it in. One of the most common questions we are asked is “how often do I need to do the PAT Testing?”. Without sounding flippant, the simple answer is it is up to you. PAT Testing should be carried out with a ‘risk based approach’. What is meant by that is you know your appliances, staff, work environment and methods better than anyone. It is therefore up to you to decide how much risk there will be from your appliances. You should carry out a Risk Assessment which will help you determine how often the PAT Testing needs to take place in the different areas of your company. PAT testing certificates will not show specific details of each individual appliance that has been tested. The detailed report will show this information. The certificate is an official form that provides proof of property being tested so that business owners can show their compliance with regulations. A label will be attached to appliances showing which have failed and which have passed PAT testing successfully.There is no formal legislation specifying the need for PAT testing. However, it is a legal requirement to ensure that electrical equipment is safe and fit for purpose. The expected regularity of PAT testing will depend on the results of workplace risk assessment procedures. When determining the need for PAT testing, the level of risk should also be considered. she looked for electrical equipment in the shop and found that there were a number of computers, a fax, two printers and a vacuum cleaner;
the manager thought about the type of portable equipment that was used in their shop and the level of risk that it might create; For most portable electrical equipment in a low-risk workplace, a portable appliance test is not needed. Many people use a simple Microsoft Excel Spreadheet to keep their PAT Testing Records - a sample you can use is here: PAT Testing Records Spreadsheet What is the item? Something which is handled e.g. a power tool, would be a higher risk item than a computer on a desk
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The electrical class and category of the item are the two main factors specific to the requirement for PAT testing. Electrical testing should be carried out in accordance with appliance classes, which are outlined in the IET code of practice. This applies to electrical equipment supplied at voltages up to and including 1000V AC or 1500V DC between conductors, or 600V AC or 900V DC between conductors and earth.
Only the vacuum cleaner was thought to present a high risk, so the manager decided to get this tested after twelve months and review this after 24 months. Schools – All class 1 equipment in schools should be PAT tested every 12 months. Class 2 equipment should be tested every 48 months
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While a 500V insulation test voltage is typical and suitable for a number of appliances, many PAT testers now include the option of a 250V insulation resistance test. This is essential for testing sensitive and surge-protected equipment, such as IT hardware. None of the remaining equipment in use was thought to present a high risk, so the manager decided that full portable appliance testing was not needed for these items.
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