Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
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 to take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of Portable Electrical Equipment. This in effect requires the implementation of a systematic and regular program of maintenance, inspection and testing. The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) places such an obligation in the following circumstances:
- Where appliances are used by employees
- Where the public may use appliances in establishments such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shops etc
- Where appliances are supplied or hired
- 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 but a s a general rule of thumb appliances should be checked regularly by users and properly tested on a 12 monthly basis, either by a suitably qualified employee or by an outside contractor.
One phone call, it really is that simple. So if you need Portable Appliance Testing, what are you waiting for?!