Records show that many deaths or injuries result from poorly maintained electrical equipment and fires started by faulty electrical appliances. Around 1,000 electrical accidents at work are reported to the Health and safety Executive each year, of these, 30 people die of their injuries.All electrical equipment should be maintained and checked regularly to make sure it is safe and in good repair. In particular, managers (and others, such as landlords) responsible for electrical equipment maintenance should make sure that
Equipment is maintained in a safe condition
Information is available to equipment users to ensure safety
Safe procedures for inspection and testing are used
Records of inspection and testing are maintained
1) What is a "Portable Appliance"?
Electrical appliance is defined as an item that is not part of a fixed installation but is connected to such an installation by way of a flexible lead, plug and socket
This means that any items such as electric table lamps, drills, kettles, fridges, microwaves, PCs, printers, monitors, extension leads etc will all come under the portable appliance heading. With Larger equipments such as photo copiers, fax machines, scanners etc will also be classified as portable appliances.
2) Who or what does the legislation apply to?
To conform to the 1989 Electricity at work regulations, it is necessary have a program of Inspection and testing of all appropriate portable appliances.
The Electricity at work regulations says:
Regulation 4: "as may be necessary to prevent danger all systems shall bemaintained so as to prevent so far as reasonably practicable such danger." This affects employers, Landlords and many other business organisations. buildings used by the public i.e. churches, schools, community halls etc' after the word 'landlord'.
3) How often do you have to undergo the tests?
There is at the current time no direct rule applying to PAT testing, with it been more of an obligation to take precautions, and there are no set rules relating directly to the time scales between tests. How ever as a general view most businesses will take the view that regular annual test is sensible. This not only helps with insurance premiums but also provides peace of mind.
The employer must really assess the risk level associated with the item. If a piece of equipment is used regularly and is considered high risk, such an item should be tested at least annually if not bi-annually.
4) Who can perform the tests?
Only a "competent person" can perform the tests.
6) How long does the test take? This is dependent on the number of appliances per floor, work area or unit. A testing sequence for an office desk work station can take up to 15 minutes if there are a number of appliances to assess. Most office work stations have around 6 appliances to a unit.
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Call our Office between 9:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri and speak to Barbara or e-mail us and we will do our best to assist were possible
What do you get
all items tested & labeled with a full report and test certificate for your insurance purposes Automatic reminder from our office when items are due for retesting to keep your testing requirements is up to date
