UK Portable Appliance (PAT) Testing - Seven things you may not know about it
Posted: Monday, October 01, 2007
by Keith Wheeler
http://www.k4canines.com
Even if you intend to outsource your workplace PAT Testing there is much you can do to minimise the risk of items failing. Particularly that is, in connection with the formal visual inspection of appliances. The person responsible for organising the work should know at least the following, and ensure that these conditions are satisfied before any electronic testing is embarked upon.
2/ You do not necessarily have to be a qualified electrician to carry out this work. Any person may be regarded as "competent" provided suitable training ensures "possession of the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical experience considered appropriate for that person to assess the safety criteria for a particular situation."
3/ What items are covered by the act?
* Portable Appliances: An appliance which is intended to be moved while in operation or an appliance which can easily be moved from one place to another while connected to the supply, e.g. toaster, food mixer, vacuum cleaner.
* Transportable Equipment: This is equipment which is either: 18kg or less in mass and not fixed, e.g. Electric heater, or Equipment with wheels, casters or other means to facilitate movement by the operator as required to perform its intended use.
* Hand-held Appliances or Equipment: This is portable equipment intended to be held in the hand during normal use, e.g. hair dryer, drill, soldering iron, kettles.
* Secondary equipment or appliances: This equipment has a mass exceeding 18kg and is not provided with a carrying handle, e.g. refrigerator, washing machine.
* Extension Leads: These should use three core cables even if used to feed a class 2 appliance.
4/ The Formal Visual Inspection is the most important part of the process, and although referred to as a visual inspection, there are many instances when other human senses will alert the QTO (Qualified Testing Officer) to a potential or actual fault condition. Overheating can be felt, arcing may be seen or heard or even smelt. So be aware that all senses are in fact useful and none should be ignored. It should also be noted that the person inspecting the appliances has a duty under the Health & safety at Work Regulations to clearly label machinery with guards missing as failed test even if that machinery is electrically safe.
5/ When equipment is tested in situ the QTO should also consider the following as part of the formal visual checks: (List not necessarily exhaustive)
* Cables are not left in a dangerous position where they may be damaged by other furniture or trodden on.
* The plug or mains switch are easily accessible and not hidden or blocked by the appliance.
* There is adequate space around the appliance and the ventilation slots are not blocked by files, folders or other items which should have their own storage area.
* Plants, cups etc are not placed on top of the appliance inviting the spillage of liquid into the item and causing danger.
* Appliances should not be located where it is necessary to place a strain or excessive bend in the supply cable. All covers should be properly fitted so as to prevent user contact with internal components or wiring.
* A final check should be made for evidence of overheating. Eg discolouration or distortion of plastic covers.
* Conditions and working environment should be checked for suitability, with special regard for dampness, water leakage, humidity etc
6/ In the absence of specific instructions within the EAW Regulations it is up to the management of an organisation to instigate a system which will act as evidence that the regulations are being taken seriously. It is suggested that at minimum, the following should be recorded:
* Asset register
* Record of formal visual and electronic tests with dates and personnel identification.
* Record of corrective maintenance carried out as a result of testing.
6 Tested items should be labelled for the benefit of users who should ascertain for themselves that the item is not overdue for retest before they use it. Ideally the label should show:-
The date of the latest test, The date of the next test due and The initials of the person who carried out the test. However, if a system of recording testing activity exists, then it is probably sufficient to show the date of the next due test. This would be the information most useful to a user of the appliance. Appliances that fail any part of the test should be clearly marked with a "FAILED" label and removed from service immediately.
Much of the foregoing is actually common sense, and if heeded before bringing in a specialist could save time, and therefore money when the electronic testing begins.
Keith Wheeler is an electrical and electronics technician with many years experience. Now retired he maintains his own content rich website. Read more at: www.cyberlinepublisher.com/pattestinfo/start.htm
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