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.