Portable Appliance Testing
PAT testing or Portable Appliance Testing is an important part of any health and safety policy.
The Health and 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 and Safety at Work Act (1974) 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 hotels, hospitals, schools, 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 on the type of appliance, the nature of its use and the environment in which it is used.
Portable Appliance test Prices
Please call for a highly competitive quote if you have more than 400 appliances. Mobile Electrician will try to beat any previous quote. Testing outwith twenty miles of Alloa are subject to additional charge.
PAT Landlords
Where Landlords Provide appliances such as electric kettles, fridges and washing machines as part of a tenancy agreement, they are rquired to ensure that the appliances are safe for continued use. The electrical safety council recommends that such appliances are tested either by a business competent in PAT or a registered electrician at the start of each tenancy and at regular intervals during any long term tenancy.
The checks that need to be carried out will include an inspection to ensure that:
1. Connections inside the plug are correct and secure.
2. The fuse inside the plug is of the correct rating.
3. No bare wires are visible other than the terminals inside the plug and appliance.
4. There is no sign of internal damage, overheating or entry of liquid, dust or dirt.
The person carrying out the testing will normally use a portable appliance test instrument to check the electrical characteristics of the appliance. Such test instruments are designed to carry out a range of tests on appliances, Including tests for continuity and insulation resistance. PAT should be carried out by a suitably trained and experienced person, We provide this service.