|
Periodicies for PAT Testing
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
These regulations impose health and safety requirements with respect to electricity used at work. General duties are imposed to ensure that all electrical systems have been properly constructed, maintained and are used in such a way so as not to give rise to danger.
Portable Electrical Equipment
The following guidance has been prepared by the Environmental and Consumer Services Directorate in order to help employers and the self-employed comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
|
What is Portable Electrical Equipment?
|
Generally any piece of electrical equipment which has a plug fitted-kettles, heaters, computers, photo-copiers, extension leads.
|
|
What does the law require me to do?
|
The law requires portable electrical equipment to be designed, operated and maintained (including being tested and examined).
|
|
Who enforces the law?
|
The Local Authority inspectors carry out spot checks on selected businesses, but whether you have been inspected or not you must comply with the law. Should there be an accident at your workplace you may be liable for a fine of up to £20,000 at the Magistrates' Court.
|
|
Do I need to have every piece of electrical equipment electrically tested?
|
Not every piece of equipment requires testing. A simple and inexpensive system for looking for visual signs of damage or faults will control most of the electrical risks. However, some appliances (refer to practical guidance) require more thorough testing such as earth bond, continuity, insulation and earth leakage may be required.
|
|
What can I do?
|
The appliance should be switched off before looking for signs of:
(i) damage, e.g. cuts, abrasion to cable leads.
(ii) damage to the plug, e.g. casing cracked or the pins are bent.
(iii) on-standard joints e.g. twisted taped joints or leads badly extended.
(iv) the outer covering (sheath of cable not being gripped where it enters the plug or the equipment, i.e. where the internal wires are showing)
(v) damage to the outer cover of the equipment, loose or missing parts.*Any damaged or suspected faulty equipment should be taken out of service until it has been suitably repaired or replaced.
|
|
Who can carry out the testing?
|
Any qualified electrician e.g. a NAPIT approved contractor can carry out these tests.
|
|
How can I demonstrate to the Environmental Services Directorate that I have complied with the law?
|
Your copies of Test Certificates and records would verify this, and may prove crucial in the event of an inspection or litigation.
|
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE
OFFICES AND OTHER LOW-RISK ENVIRONMENTS ONLY
SUGGESTED INITIAL INTERVALS
|
Equipment/ environment
|
User Checks
|
Formal visual inspection
|
Combined inspection and testing
|
|
Battery operated:(less than 20 Volts)
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Extra low voltage:(less than 50 volts AC) e.g. telephone equipment, low voltage desk lights
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Information technology:e.g. desktop computers,VDU screens
|
No
|
Yes, 2-4 years
|
No if double insulated - otherwise up to 5 years
|
|
Photocopiers, fax machines:NOT Hand held. Rarely moved
|
No
|
Yes, 2 - 4 years
|
No if double Insulated – otherwise up to 5 years
|
|
Double insulated equipment: NOT Hand-held. Moved occasionally, e.g. fans, table lamps, slide projectors
|
No
|
Yes, 2 - 4 years
|
No
|
|
Double insulated equipment: HAND-HELD e.g. some floor cleaners
|
Yes
|
Yes, 6 months to 1 year
|
No
|
|
Earthed equipment(Class 1) e.g. electric kettles, some floor cleaners
|
Yes
|
Yes, 6 months to 1 year
|
Yes 1 - 2 years
|
|
Cables (leads) and plugs connected to the above. Extension leads (mains voltage)
|
Yes
|
Yes, 6 months to 4 years depending on the type of equipment it is connected to
|
Yes, 1 - 5 years depending on the type of equipment it is connected to
|
|
