Portable

 Appliance Testing

 What has Portable Appliance Testing got to do with ME ?

If you own , run or manage an establishment where your employees or the public have access to portable * or handheld appliances. i.e anything with a flex and plug.

* Portable Equipment can be anything with a lead and plug i.e.

·                 hair dryers, drills, kettles, toasters, coffee machines, tills, extension leads etc.

or items of equipment connected to the mains via fuse spurs i.e.

·                 hand dryers, towel rails etc.

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 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

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

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998: (PUWER)

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

PUWER 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.

It is clear that there is a requirement to inspect and test all types of electrical equipment in all work situations as a precautionary measure to protect the users of said appliances.

As yet there is NO Law governing the need to PAT Test, however in an accident, if you can prove to the courts and insurance companies that you did everything you could to maintain the equipment in use and back it up with written evidence the results can be much more favourable.