What is Portable Appliance Testing?
The
'Inspection and Testing of In-Service Electrical equipment' (usually referred to
as Portable appliance testing or PAT), was introduced to enable companies &
organisations to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations. To meet these
regulations it is necessary to have in place a program of inspection and
electrical safety testing of portable appliances. Other legislation of
specific relevance to electrical maintenance - The Health & Safety at Work
Act 1974, the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, and the Provision and
Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
Do I need my
Gas Boilers tested?
To comply
with the Electricity at Work Regulations all portable electrical appliances
should be routinely inspected and tested by a competent person. The regulations
apply equally to small companies and the self employed as to the larger
organisations.
What electrical
equipment needs to be tested?
The
regulations cover all items of in-service electrical equipment, this includes
all movable items connected to the mains supply by 13A BS1363 plugs, BS
EN60309-2 industrial plugs or hard wired via a fused connection unit. In
addition to being responsible for the safety of their own portable appliances,
companies are are also responsible for the safety of electrical equipment
brought on site by employees and contractors.
How can we help?
We can
ensure that your home or organisation is safe. If you
require more information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Electrical
Safety
Each year
about 1000 accidents at work involving electric shock or burns are reported to
the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Around 30 of these are
fatal!
Fire Safety
Portable
electrical appliances are a major cause of fires both in the home and at work.
A sobering fact:- Over 2,500 people are killed or injured as a result of
electrical fires every year!