PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING (PAT Test)

The purpose of this Information sheet is to briefly guide you through the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 which covers the maintenance of portable electrical equipment.

Testing electrical equipment should always be carried out by a competent person.

THE LAW AND STANDARDS

The particular legal requirements relating to the use and maintenance of electrical equipment are contained in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. These apply to all work activities and place requirements on employers, self-employed and employees (duty holders). The Regulations require certain safety objectives to be achieved and do not prescribe the measures to be taken. This allows the duty holder to select precautions appropriate to the risk rather than having precautions imposed that may not be relevant to a particular work activity. Everybody working with or on electrical equipment (even if they are self employed) comes within the scope of these Regulations.

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Regulation 4 (2) states:- "As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger" The word system as defined in the Regulations includes portable electrical equipment.

Portable and transportable:

The term "portable" appliance is not defined in the Regulations but may be regarded as covering equipment designed to be carried from place to place and connected to a fixed power supply by a flexible lead and plug e.g. amplifier. Generators may also be considered as being “portable”.

Use of Equipment:

The reason for distinguishing between portable equipment and fixed equipment is that the electrical connections to portable equipment (e.g. plug and flexible cable and its terminations) are likely to be subject to more wear and tear than equipment that forms part of the fixed installation.

Maintenance:

Maintenance is a general term that in practice can include visual inspection, testing, repair and replacement. Maintenance will determine whether (a) equipment is fully serviceable or (b) remedial action is necessary. Routine inspection and appropriate testing will ensure that equipment is maintained in a safe condition. Cost effective maintenance of portable electrical equipment can be achieved by the following:-

Checks by user:

1.      Check the plug for damage - is the case cracked or are the pins bent?

2.      The outer sheath of supply cable should be secure where it enters the plug and equipment

3.      Check inside the plug for loose terminal and cord grips

4.      Check external casing of equipment for damage

5.      Check equipment for loose parts or screws

6.      Watch for signs of overheating.

7.      Generators should be checked frequently in accordance with the manufacturer&#x92s instructions.

These checks also apply to extension leads and associated plugs and sockets

Visual check by the user (duty holder):-

Regular visual inspections should ensure that the portable equipment is maintained in a safe condition. If there are any signs of damage or poor electrical standards the equipment should not be used until it is made safe. Record the results of your inspection.

Formal visual inspections by a competent person:-

Person to have knowledge and experience and technical expertise to include the following:-

1.      Adequate knowledge of electricity

2.      Adequate experience of electrical work

3.      Adequate understanding of the system to be worked on and practical experience of that class of system

4.      Understanding of the hazards which may arise during the work and the precautions which need to be taken

5.      Ability to recognise at all times whether it is safe for work to continue

6.      Adequate knowledge of the required safety standards

7.      Experience in the interpretation of results

8.      The ability to recommend the frequency of testing when required

Any person who does not feel that he/she is competent to carry out a portable appliance test (PAT) should enlist the services of a competent electrician, or in the case of generators a person qualified to service that particular brand.

In order to comply with the “Public Liability Cover" clubs should be aware they have a &#x91duty of care&#x92 to take all reasonable precautions to prevent damage or injury to third parties and/or third party property and to comply with all statutory requirements and safety legislation imposed by any authority.

Failure to comply with the above policy condition could prejudice a claim.

Frequency of inspection and of combined inspection and testing

There are no absolute rules regarding the frequency of testing. The HSE guidance notes advise "regular testing" and this is generally interpreted to mean annual testing by a "competent person". However, conditions of use will vary and more frequency testing may be necessary. This will depend on the type of use, the nature of the working environment and how much wear and tear the equipment receives.

Keeping Records

To prove you have complied with the Regulations, keep full and accurate records of test results and equipment details. If a number of pieces of equipment or extension leads are involved then a register of all equipment should be created to include the following details:- identification number, description of appliance, serial number, period between tests. Any certification of equipment should show the tests undertaken and the results obtained.

Enforcement:

The Health & Safety at Work Act is enforced either by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) or by local authority environmental health officers, depending on what usually goes on at the premises. Almost all places of entertainment need a licence from the local authority. (The law does not say what must be contained in the licence) There will usually be requirements for fire precautions and can include conditions relating to electrical safety.

Performers have to take steps to ensure portable electrical equipment is properly checked, tested and safe. Employers also have to show that they fully comply with the Electricity Regulations and other regulations.

Useful reading: HSE Information Sheet "Maintenance of portable electrical equipment", available from your local council H&S Executive

When choosing an electrical contractor to undertake portable appliance testing (PAT) always make sure they are approved by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC).

NICEIC is an accredited certification body and registered charity set up to protect users of electricity against the hazards of unsafe and unsound electrical installations.

NICEIC approved contractors must be properly qualified, covered by public liability insurance and are subject to the NICEIC complaints procedure.

For details of electrical contractors competent to carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) in your chosen geographical area log on to www.niceic.org.uk.

Log of Inspection checklist: