Portable Appliance Testing

If you can answer yes to the above points then the risks are adequately controlled, but you need to state the precautions you have put in place. You can refer to company procedures, company rules, company practices, etc. in giving this information. For example, if we consider there might be a risk of electric shock from using electrical power tools, then the risk of a shock will be less if the company policy is to portable appliance test (PAT) all power tools each year and to fit a label to the tool showing that it has been tested for electrical safety. 

Combined inspection and testing is also necessary on some equipment because some faults cannot be seen by just looking - for example, the continuity and effectiveness of earth paths on class I equipment. For some portable appliances the earth is essential to the safe use of the equipment and, therefore, all earthed equipment and most extension leads should be periodically tested and inspected for these faults. All portable appliance test instruments (PAT Testers) will carry out two important tests earth bonding and insulation resistance. 

The machine should be on the PAT (portable appliance testing) schedule. 

Most of the limitations may be addressed and the reduction in electrical accidents and injuries enables the advantages of portable appliance testing to greatly outweigh the limitations. 

As with all electrical supplies and installations those relating to construction operations should be installed in accordance with the lEE Wiring Regulations. Arrangements should be established that all contractors on site ensure that their electrical equipment is portable appliance tested in accordance with HSE s guidelines in HSG141. The frequency of test differs from that in an office, hotei, etc. environment in that the arduous environment in which the equipment is used reduces the time frames between tests as detailed in Table 8.4. 

An employer (responsible person) is operating in a small office environment with a large number of pieces of electrical office type equipment. The electrical equipment has been sourced from a reputable supplier in line with the company s procurement policy. Staff undertake pre-user checks on an ad hoc basis as per their induction training guidance. Annual portable appliance testing is carried out by a competent external contractor. 

PAT Portable Appliance Testing RORO Roll on Roll off... 

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