Greenlamps

  Introduction 

Pat testing or portable appliance testing is an important part of any health & safety policy. This page is intended as a guide to both the legal implications and to the technical requirements.

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 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 & 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 hospitals, schools, hotels, 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 upon the type of appliance, the nature of its use and the environment in which it is used.

 Legal Requirements

The legislation of specific relevance to electrical maintenance is the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 puts the duty of care upon both the employer and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This includes the self employed.

The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 states:

"Every employer shall make suitable and sufficient assessment of:

• (a) the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst at work, and

• (b) the risks to ensure the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him or his untertaking."

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 states:

"Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair."

The PUWER 1998 covers most risks that can result from using work equipment. With respect to risks from electricity, compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 is likely to achieve compliance with the PUWER 1998. PUWER 1998 only applies to work equipment used by workers at work. This includes all work equipment (fixed, transportable or portable) connected to a source of electrical energy. PUWER does not apply to fixed installations in a building. The electrical safety of these installations is dealt with only by the Electricity at Work Regulations.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 states:

"All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger."

"As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger."

"'System' means an electrical system in which all the electrical equipment is, or may be, electrically connected to a common source of electrical energy and includes such source and such equipment"

"'Electrical Equipment' includes anything used, intended to be used or installed for use, to generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, measure or use electrical energy."

Scope of the legislation

It is clear that the combination of the HSW Act 1974, the PUWER 1998 and the EAW Regulations 1989 apply to all electrical equipment used in, or associated with, places of work. The scope extends from distribution systems down to the smallest piece of electrical equipment.

It is clear that there is a requirement to inspect and test all types of electrical equipment in all work situations.

Who Is Responsible.

The Provisionand Use Of Work Regulations 1989 (PUWER) requires, every employer to ensure that work equipment is suitable for the purpose for which it is provided, only used in the place and under the provisions for which it is provided.It also requires every employer to ensure work equipment to be efficiently maintained and kept fit and suitable for it's intended purpose. It must not be allowed to deteriorate in function or performance to such a level that it puts people at risk.This means that regular , routine and planned maintenance regimes must be considered if hazardous problems can arise.

Regulation 3 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 recognises a responsibility that employers and employees have for electrical systems.

"It shall be the duty of every employer and self employed person to comply with the provisions of the Regulations in far as they relate to matters which are within his control.

It shall be the duty of every employee while at work:

(a) to co-operate with his employer so far is necessary to enable  and duty placed on that employer by the provision of the Regulationsto be complied with; and

(b) to comply with the provisions of these Regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control." 

Why must appliances be PAT tested? 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that over 25% of all electrical accidents Involve appliances connected to an electrical supply. As a result, regulations have become more stringent than ever regarding portable appliances, with the responsibility being on employers & managers to ensure that a safe working environment Is maintained, 

What portable appliances must be regularly tested? 

All electrical appliances, including anything from a kettle to PCs – everything must be regularly checked and maintained, whether old or new. 

So, why must you comply? 

As an employer you are required to manage onsite electricity safety. If you happen to receive a random visit by Health & Safety officers and fail to comply, it could result in a heavy fine or even possibly imprisonment,

Are you aware it is a requirement covered by the Electricity at Work Regulations: 1999, the Health and Safety at Work Act: 1974 and The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations: 1992, in addition, should the worst happen, without the right documentation your Insurance may be void. 

So, how do you know if you comply with PAT Testing rules? 

Simply get in touch with Greenlamps Portable Appliance Testing . We will carry out periodical tests on all portable appliances at your premises, All testing at the site comes with an electrical Test Certificate for all appliances included, ensuring the safety of all your employees and total peace of mind for you. 

PAT Testing save lives. 

Electricity is highly dangerous and should be monitored and checked regularly for the safety of your employees and premises. That’s why companies must conform to current legislation, to provide a safer working environment,

There are many European standards and guidance notes regarding portable appliances and equipment, though they do not establish a common and specific definition of such equipment. Even so, there does seem to be a consensus of opinion that such equipment is either hand held whilst being connected to the supply, or is intended to be moved whilst connected to the supply, or is capable of being moved without undue difficulty whilst connected to the supply.