Portable appliance testing (PAT) works as an essential compliment to visual examination of electrical appliances and serves to detect faults and defects that might go unnoticed by a visual examination alone. If you’re in need of PAT testing in Romford test the safety of your electrical appliances, then don’t hesitate to get in contact.
How often does a test need to be carried out?
One question that comes up time and again is how frequently should appliances be tested. Unfortunately there’s no clear cut answer. The answer depends on the circumstances. Power tools which are in frequent use, perhaps on a building site for example, would certainly need to be examined more often than a desktop lamp. The matter of how often PAT testing should be carried out is made a little hazy as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 doesn’t specify how frequently any electrical equipment needs to be tested, just that it needs to be maintained and safe to use.
A PAT test is assuredly the best way to ensure this. That said, many manufacturers will recommend testing at regular intervals depending on the sort of appliance it is and its working environment. Given the range of electrical appliances in use throughout various industries, the law can’t specify precisely what needs to be done in the case of each electrical appliance, but a PAT test will ensure that all your equipment is safe and legal at all times. Thankfully there are some official government run websites that can offer advice on the recommended frequency of PAT testing.
What kind of companies?
While all businesses are bound by law to ensure that any electrical equipment is safe and in good repair, the regularity of a PAT test would be very much dependent upon the kind of business you operate. A company such as a tool hire firm, for example, would want to be particularly diligent when it comes to the safety of equipment they hire.
Keeping records
While there are no legal requirement to keep records, it can be a useful way to prove that the scheme has been adhered to if you should ever need to do so. It will also enable you to spot regular faults that need further examination.
Who carries out a PAT test?
While it is true that a competent member of staff can undertake a visual test in a low-risk environment, a more comprehensive inspection ought to be carried out by someone with a deeper knowledge of electrical appliances, who has the necessary equipment to carry out the test, and very importantly, by someone who has the ability and experience to interpret the results correctly and the know-how to take the appropriate action. If you are looking for an accredited and certified electrician to undertake a PAT test, then please call and ensure the safety of your workforce.
While Portable Appliance Testing isn’t strictly compulsory, ensuring that electrical equipment is maintained and safe for use is a legal requirement. This vagueness on the part of the law requires businesses to take a risk-based approach and make an intelligent assessment based on the sort of equipment and the uses to which it is put. Arranging for a PAT test would certainly ensure a company was adhering to its legal duties regarding the safety of its workers.
Call Powerlec Electrical & Testing Today
If you’re in need of a competent electrician in Romford to carry out a comprehensive PAT test on your electrical appliances, then please get in contact. A PAT test will ensure you’re operating both within the law, and the safety of your workforce.
Call 01702 952 951 or fill out our handy contact form to get in touch today.
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