What needs PAT testing? There is a lot of confusion surrounding "what needs PAT testing", not just within the business community, but within our own industry too! That is mainly because there is no clear guidance, but mainly because there is an ongoing argument between the PAT testing and electrician communities... but you don't need to be affected by that. The UK's national standards organisation, the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association says that [...]
What is the PAT test legal requirement? In the UK you are required by law to ensure that electrical appliances for use in a workplace, or for use by a business is fit for purpose and safe for use, and continues to be safe throughout its working life. To do that you need to implement an appropriate 'preventative maintenance' regime, which is regularly checked to ensure equipment is safe. Inspection and testing of electrical equipment [...]
Wiring diagram safety cards on a plug These little wiring diagram safety cards cards attached to the pins of a plug, usually on an extension lead, when you buy them new are very handy should you need to rewire the plug. But let's be honest who is going to buy this new, then un-wire and rewire the plug? No one. And if you need to re-wire the plug in the future what's the [...]
10 Top Electrical Safety Tips You may think the dangers of electricity are obvious; but you'll be surprised how many people don't know These are our 10 Top electrical safety tips to help you stay safe, to keep your staff and customers safe at work, and to avoid electrical fires and accidents. Make sure you turn off electrical appliances when they're not in use. Before leaving work at night, make it a routine to check [...]
YOU are You, as an employer or duty holder are responsible for ensuring Portable Appliance Testing is carried out correctly, and at the correct intervals. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) ...requires every employer to ensure that work equipment is suitable for the purpose for which it is provided and only used in the environment and under the provisions for which it is provided. It also requires every employer to ensure [...]
Have you ever wondered why power leads need testing independently? Most IT equipment comes with detachable IEC leads or kettle leads as they are more commonly called. There has been some debate if these should be tested as separate items. The latest edition of the Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment looks to clear the debate up. According to the code of practice an appliance with a detachable power supply [...]
The socket adaptor; common in every home and workplace throughout the North East, but do you know how to use them? Safe Use of the Socket Adaptor Check out this video to tell you more: Do you know how to use a socket adaptor correctly? You'll probably think I'm mad to ask that question, but if I had a pound for every one I'd seen being used incorrectly I'd be a rich man. You [...]
PAT Testing Computer Equipment If you need computers PAT Testing you're in the right place PAT Testing computers is what we do more than anything else; we test thousands of computers every year, so if you need your computers PAT Testing then look no further, you've found what you need. We specialise in PAT testing computers in office-like environments - computers have sensitive internal parts so you need to be [...]
Do landlords have to PAT test appliances? Yes; a landlord, like any other business owner, needs to ensure electrical equipment they provide (as part of the rental agreement) is safe to use, so they need to get equipment PAT tested to know it is safe. The electrical equipment provided as part of a tenancy agreement must be safe, and be maintained regularly to ensure it stays safe. Whilst there is no set requirement [...]
Landlords warned to check electric goods Landlords have been warned to check electric goods to see if they have any recall notices. Landlords have been advised to be super-vigilant about electrical products that they already have in their properties, plus any new ones they supply, such as fridge freezers, cookers and tumble dryers. Find out about our service for Landlords pat testing The warning comes after a continuing spate of safety alerts and product recalls. [...]
