PAT Testing FAQ
PAT Testing or Portable Appliance Testing, is a method of complying with Health and Safety at work. It is a regular basic check to ensure your electrical appliance are safe to use for your employees and customers alike.
It is carried out on a regular basis, this depends on the type of environment and type of appliance e.g. a drill on a building site is at more risk than a PC in an office.
A visual inspection should be the first check carried out, not forgetting to inspect inside the plug.
Certain tests using a PAT Tester are then carried out
If the appliance relies on an earth connection to ground for safety, then an Earth Bond / Continuity should be carried out.
All appliances should have an Insulation test.
Any test after this, is optional but recommended depending on your item and environment.
These are Earth leakage, Current and possibly Flash test.
Most people can be adequately trained to carry out these tests. The Phrase the HSE use is “a trained and competent person”.
The up to date PAT test machines are now very user friendly and can make PAT testing much more accessible to the general person.
With that in mind and as much as this is a positive action, it has to be said that people do take on PAT testing without the required Training or Equipment. Also what is concerning, even supposedly professional pat test companies are not carrying out the correct processes. Missing important stages of the process, just to get as many appliance green labelled up.
As with everyone in this financial environment, companies are looking for the cheapest option for most paid tasks. Business are looking to give contracts to the least expensive PAT Test company. Not realising that the least expensive may not be doing what is expected. Unfortunately the client is unaware, they are just happy the tests are complete with the least cost.
Within the PAT Industry this has been a concern for a while now. So with many forums and conversations a new association is being born, (BAPAT British Association of Professional Appliance testers). A welcome addition by all honest, diligent PAT test companies.
Not only are the members required to complete PAT testing to the correct standards, but also for Client Awareness.
If the client is not aware of what should be done, then they will always go for the cheapest. If they have knowledge of criteria and tests that should be carried out then they can assess, during the contract tender process and monitor. After all no matter who or what a contact company is doing on YOUR site, you are responsible.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6633551
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