Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) - Why is it So Important?
Considering you've already found this page your already aware to some degree of the significance of PAT testing within the workplace.
As an employer or landlord, The Electricity at work regulations of 1989 places you with the direct responsibility to ensure that all electrical systems, whether they are installed or portable devices, are maintained to avoid danger.
The most proficient way to ensure that you, your business/property and employees/tenants are protected is to carry out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
This is the only way to fulfill your duty to your workplace and it also acts as a way of keeping records.
By carrying out PAT testing you can be sure that you are in accordance with the sections of the Health and Safety at Work Act relating to electrical safety thus giving you the peace of mind that your staff, buildings and possessions are protected.
What can you expect to happen during PAT? Portable Appliance Testing entails both a sequence of visual inspections and electronic tests which will confirm the safety and appropriateness of your electrical appliances.
If PAT is done correctly, you can expect each electrical appliance within your building or workplace to be de-energised for a time of 2-5 minutes whilst the inspector injects test signals into the cable and appliance to ensure that they are working sufficiently and safely.
There will also be a visual inspection carried out on appliance itself, plug top and lead.
How will PAT disrupt my workplace? PAT doesn't need the main supply to be isolated so with some careful organising with your inspector the work can be done when the building is empty, perhaps at weekends, holiday times or at night.
However, always be wary of any inspector who claims that PAT can be fully completed without isolating appliances-it is simply not possible.
Who should carry out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for me? PAT should only be carried out by a fully qualified and accredited operative with specific experience and training in Portable Appliance Testing, when meeting with an operative you are entitled (and encouraged!) to ask to see verification of their experience and qualifications.
So, after you've had PAT carried out, you should receive a report detailing the following.
If there is any point missing do not hesitate to question your inspector.
1.
An inventory containing each appliance type, name, location and description.
2.
A full set of test results for each appliance tested.
3.
A full list of any failed items with an explanation of their failures.
4.
A detectable pass or fail label on each appliance noting the inspection date, next test due and the inspector's signature.
PAT when carried out by a fully qualified and experienced operative is a simple task that with careful organising will cause a minimal amount of disruption to your workplace.
However, keep in mind the above points mentioned and remember the importance of PAT, it is your duty to protect the safety of your workplace and employee's.
Fulfill your duties by ensuring it is completed by a qualified operative and that you receive the correct report, the report is your own evidence should an accident arise and will prove that as an employer you have kept to your responsibilities.
As an employer or landlord, The Electricity at work regulations of 1989 places you with the direct responsibility to ensure that all electrical systems, whether they are installed or portable devices, are maintained to avoid danger.
The most proficient way to ensure that you, your business/property and employees/tenants are protected is to carry out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
This is the only way to fulfill your duty to your workplace and it also acts as a way of keeping records.
By carrying out PAT testing you can be sure that you are in accordance with the sections of the Health and Safety at Work Act relating to electrical safety thus giving you the peace of mind that your staff, buildings and possessions are protected.
What can you expect to happen during PAT? Portable Appliance Testing entails both a sequence of visual inspections and electronic tests which will confirm the safety and appropriateness of your electrical appliances.
If PAT is done correctly, you can expect each electrical appliance within your building or workplace to be de-energised for a time of 2-5 minutes whilst the inspector injects test signals into the cable and appliance to ensure that they are working sufficiently and safely.
There will also be a visual inspection carried out on appliance itself, plug top and lead.
How will PAT disrupt my workplace? PAT doesn't need the main supply to be isolated so with some careful organising with your inspector the work can be done when the building is empty, perhaps at weekends, holiday times or at night.
However, always be wary of any inspector who claims that PAT can be fully completed without isolating appliances-it is simply not possible.
Who should carry out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for me? PAT should only be carried out by a fully qualified and accredited operative with specific experience and training in Portable Appliance Testing, when meeting with an operative you are entitled (and encouraged!) to ask to see verification of their experience and qualifications.
So, after you've had PAT carried out, you should receive a report detailing the following.
If there is any point missing do not hesitate to question your inspector.
1.
An inventory containing each appliance type, name, location and description.
2.
A full set of test results for each appliance tested.
3.
A full list of any failed items with an explanation of their failures.
4.
A detectable pass or fail label on each appliance noting the inspection date, next test due and the inspector's signature.
PAT when carried out by a fully qualified and experienced operative is a simple task that with careful organising will cause a minimal amount of disruption to your workplace.
However, keep in mind the above points mentioned and remember the importance of PAT, it is your duty to protect the safety of your workplace and employee's.
Fulfill your duties by ensuring it is completed by a qualified operative and that you receive the correct report, the report is your own evidence should an accident arise and will prove that as an employer you have kept to your responsibilities.
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