Pat testing or portable appliance testing is an important part of any health & safety policy. The Health & Safety Executive states that 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances. The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and self-employed persons to comply with the provisions of the regulations and take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of such equipment.
This in effect requires the implementation of a systematic and regular program of maintenance, inspection and testing. The Health & Safety at Work Act (1989) places such an obligation in the following circumstances:
1. Where appliances are used by employees.
2. Where the public may use appliances in establishments such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shops etc.
3. Where appliances are supplied or hired.
4. Where appliances are repaired or serviced.
The level of inspection and testing required is dependant upon the risk of the appliance becoming faulty, which is in turn dependant upon the type of appliance, the nature of its use and the environment in which it is used.
|
Portable Appliances
An appliance of less than 18kg in mass that is intended to be moved while in operation, or an appliance which can easily be moved from one place to another such as a toaster, food mixer, vacuum cleaner, fan heater.
Moveable Equipment
This is equipment which is either 18kg or less and not fixed such as electric fire, or equipment with wheels or other means to facilitate movement, such as an air conditioning unit.
Handheld Appliances
This is portable equipment intended to be held in the hand during normal use, such as hair dryer, drill, soldering iron.
Stationary Equipment
This equipment has a mass exceeding 18kg and is not provided with a carrying handle, such as a refrigerator, washing machine.
IT Equipment
IT equipment includes electrical business equipment such as computers and mains powered telecommunications equipment, and other equipment for general business use.
|
