Ian nichols
Cleantalk Member
- Thread starter
- #1
could somebody tell me if it's a legal requirement to have all your machinery pat tested yearly
Ian
Ian
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pat testing
- Thread starter Ian nichols
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John Bolton
Cleantalker Veteran
Hi Ian,
Portable Appliance Testing is a requirement made by several pieces of legislation, including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The scope of appliances covered is wide, not just your vacuum cleaner, portable extractor etc. but basically any thing connected to a mains plug - including an extension cable and 110 volt equipment.
Implications of ignoring this requirement can be serious. Not the least being the fact that you could find yourself uninsured.
You are entitled to carry out these tests yourself - a one-day City and Guilds course is available (£160 + VAT) and the equipment can be purchased for around £600. You may consider that this investment is worthwhile for the convenience of being able to test at a time that suits you and the cost, like the cost of having the tests carried out by some other qualified person, is tax deductible.
There is also the possibility of earning additional income by testing for others. However, I would suggest that in the event of an electrical accident occurring, due to a fault that develops between tests, then certification by an independent party is likely to have more credibility.
The Health and Safety Executive has recently updated its popular guide aimed at employers, employees and the self-employed who use, or have control over, portable or transportable electrical equipment.
'Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment', gives practical advice on how to maintain equipment in a safe condition and prevent accidents. It covers equipment that may be connected to either fixed mains or a locally generated supply, and that could result in an electric shock, burn or fire due to damage, wear or misuse.
First published in 1994, this second edition contains updated advice, with new sections on cables and the repair and replacement of equipment.
The guidance applies to a wide variety of equipment, used in all environments, from electric drills and extension leads, to floor cleaners, pressure water cleaners and electric kettles. It includes advice on what the legal requirements for maintenance of electrical equipment can mean in practice and guidance on how to carry out a risk assessment in this area.
The maintenance strategy recommended by the guide is based on a straightforward, inexpensive system of visual inspections that can be undertaken by an appointed employee. In addition, a person with appropriate skill and technical knowledge should test equipment periodically.
"Nearly a quarter of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable or transportable equipment," says Neil Gove, HSE Electrical Specialist Inspector.
"The vast majority of these accidents result in electric shock. If you use such equipment in your workplace, this guide can help you to maintain it in a safe condition and prevent such accidents from occurring."
The regulatory basis for "Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment" is the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Regulation 4 (2) places duties on employers, the self-employed and employees to ensure that all systems are maintained so as to avoid danger.
Copies of 'Maintaining portable and transportable electric equipment - 2nd edition', ISBN 0 7176 2805 1, HSG107, cost £7.95.
Order online at http://www.hsebooks.co.uk
Tel: 01787 881165
Fax: 01787 313995
Portable Appliance Testing is a requirement made by several pieces of legislation, including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The scope of appliances covered is wide, not just your vacuum cleaner, portable extractor etc. but basically any thing connected to a mains plug - including an extension cable and 110 volt equipment.
Implications of ignoring this requirement can be serious. Not the least being the fact that you could find yourself uninsured.
You are entitled to carry out these tests yourself - a one-day City and Guilds course is available (£160 + VAT) and the equipment can be purchased for around £600. You may consider that this investment is worthwhile for the convenience of being able to test at a time that suits you and the cost, like the cost of having the tests carried out by some other qualified person, is tax deductible.
There is also the possibility of earning additional income by testing for others. However, I would suggest that in the event of an electrical accident occurring, due to a fault that develops between tests, then certification by an independent party is likely to have more credibility.
The Health and Safety Executive has recently updated its popular guide aimed at employers, employees and the self-employed who use, or have control over, portable or transportable electrical equipment.
'Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment', gives practical advice on how to maintain equipment in a safe condition and prevent accidents. It covers equipment that may be connected to either fixed mains or a locally generated supply, and that could result in an electric shock, burn or fire due to damage, wear or misuse.
First published in 1994, this second edition contains updated advice, with new sections on cables and the repair and replacement of equipment.
The guidance applies to a wide variety of equipment, used in all environments, from electric drills and extension leads, to floor cleaners, pressure water cleaners and electric kettles. It includes advice on what the legal requirements for maintenance of electrical equipment can mean in practice and guidance on how to carry out a risk assessment in this area.
The maintenance strategy recommended by the guide is based on a straightforward, inexpensive system of visual inspections that can be undertaken by an appointed employee. In addition, a person with appropriate skill and technical knowledge should test equipment periodically.
"Nearly a quarter of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable or transportable equipment," says Neil Gove, HSE Electrical Specialist Inspector.
"The vast majority of these accidents result in electric shock. If you use such equipment in your workplace, this guide can help you to maintain it in a safe condition and prevent such accidents from occurring."
The regulatory basis for "Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment" is the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Regulation 4 (2) places duties on employers, the self-employed and employees to ensure that all systems are maintained so as to avoid danger.
Copies of 'Maintaining portable and transportable electric equipment - 2nd edition', ISBN 0 7176 2805 1, HSG107, cost £7.95.
Order online at http://www.hsebooks.co.uk
Tel: 01787 881165
Fax: 01787 313995
Steve Porter
Cleantalker Veteran
Wow! That's thorough JB, I guess you've been asked that before?!
I get mine done by a local Tool Hire Shop (Speedy Hire, HSS etc) for around £45 for everything.
Test everything from RCD's (although a new one each year is recommended), extension leads to your main machinery. If it's got a plug get it tested & certificated.
I get mine done by a local Tool Hire Shop (Speedy Hire, HSS etc) for around £45 for everything.
Test everything from RCD's (although a new one each year is recommended), extension leads to your main machinery. If it's got a plug get it tested & certificated.
Ian nichols
Cleantalk Member
- Thread starter
- #4
many thanks John. as steve said Wow, mine are now over due so i best get them tested.
Many thanks once again
Ian
Many thanks once again
Ian
I guess John's mastered the copy/paste function on his computer
I must admit this thread has made me think... I really need to contact a friend of mine and get him to send me some of those stickers
John Bolton
Cleantalker Veteran
Neal,
The only words that are not my own are within quotation marks (and attributed to the author).
The only words that are not my own are within quotation marks (and attributed to the author).
Malcolm Reed
Cleantalk Member
My next-door neighbour is called Pat...Perhaps she will check my equipment for me? 
A safe and happy New Year to you all...
Malc.
A safe and happy New Year to you all...
Malc.
John Bolton
Cleantalker Veteran
Malc,
Don't let the wife catch you
Don't let the wife catch you
John Bolton
Cleantalker Veteran
Jim,
No appology required, no offence was taken - but thanks anyway.
No appology required, no offence was taken - but thanks anyway.
Joe Hatton
Cleantalker Veteran
What are others paying for PAT testing?
joe edgington
Cleantalk Member
Yes, it would be considered best practice to have any electrical items tested at least annually. For items used heavily it may be necessary to test more than once a year. Most qualified electrians will charge about £4.00 per item so its quite cheap.