PAT Testing
(Portable Appliance Testing)
West Mids Elec Ltd offer a PAT Testing service throughout the West Midlands Region and beyond.
PAT Testing - which is short for Portable Appliance Testing, is a requirement that affects all businesses and providers in the UK.
So who needs to have their appliances and equipment tested you may ask - the answer is quite simply any self employed individual or any business or organisation that supplies electrical equipment for use during the course of their work.
Take a look at the following list for examples;
- Self Employed
- Small, Medium and Large Businesses and Corporations
- Shops, Offices and Retail Outlets
- Government Departments
- Schools, Colleges and Universities
- Hospitals, Health Centres and Clinics
- Nursing Homes and Care Homes
- Non Profit and Charity Organisations
- Pub's, Clubs, Restaurants and Caterers (static or mobile)
- Leisure Centres and Fitness Centres
- Entertainers - Bands - DJ's
- Film Crews -
The next question most people ask is "what has to be tested?"
There is a simple answer to that too -any electrical appliance or equipment
that you use during the course of your work that is deemed to be
portable or easily moved.
This doesn't necessarily mean that it has to be owned by the business
or organisation - it can be a personal household appliance that an
employee has taken in to work for their own benefit.
This could be something as simple as a mains powered radio or a toaster.
For an example of common appliances and equipment take a look at the list below;
- Kettle or Coffee Maker
- Toaster, Cooking Appliances and Food Preparation Equipment
- Fridges and Freezers
- Electric Power Tools (including 110 volt)
- Battery Charger for Battery Powered Tools
- Radios and TV's
- Heaters, Fans and Portable Air Conditioning Units
- Computers, Monitors, Printers, Fax Machines and IT Equipment
- Extension Leads and Detachable Power Leads
The PAT Testing Process
Firstly a formal record of appliances is created (if one doesn't already exist) which gives each appliance a unique identifying number. This record also has details of the appliance description along with the make, model and serial number.
Then comes the Formal Visual Inspection, this is where the appliance is inspected for damage, alterations and modifications. The condition of cables and flexes is checked along with the fuse rating in the plug.
The next step is the electrical safety test - which tests the electrical integrity of the appliance. If all is well with the Formal Visual Inspection and the Electrical Safety Test, the appliance is awarded a Pass label and the details added to the register. If there is a minor problem the appliance may require some remedial work to repair it prior to retesting.
In the event that there is a major problem with the appliance it will be given the Fail status - which means the appliance cannot be used until it has been repaired. These details are also recorded in the register.
In the event that you have a major problem with an appliance we will supply you with a report and a quote to carry out the repair if it is economically viable.
Legislation
The legislation of specific relevance to electrical maintenance is the
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health & Safety at
Work Regulations 1999, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
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.
Why not give us a call today for further information
regarding our PAT Testing services and to request a free no obligation
quote.
Call David today on 0800 6 899 899 or 01922 214455
Our PAT Testing services are available in the following locations;
Aldridge
Atherstone
Birmingham
Bridgnorth
Brownhills
Burntwood
Cannock
Dudley
Halesowen
Kidderminster
Lichfield
Nuneaton
Oldbury
Rugely
Smethwick
Solihull
Stafford
Stourbridge
Sutton Coldfield
Tamworth
Telford
Walsall
West Bromwich
Wolverhampton
Wombourne - if your area isn't listed please telephone for availability.