| Pat testing - Portable appliance
testing |
Pat testing or
portable appliance testing is an
important part of any health &
safety policy.
The
Health & Safety Executive states
that 25% of all reportable
electrical accidents involve
portable appliances. The Electricity
at Work Regulations place a legal
responsibility on employers,
employees and self-employed persons
to comply with the provisions of the
regulations and take reasonably
practicable steps to ensure that no
danger results from the use of such
equipment. This in effect requires
the implementation of a systematic
and regular program of maintenance,
inspection and testing. The Health &
Safety at Work Act (1974) places
such an obligation in the following
circumstances:
1. Where appliances are used by
employees.
2. Where the public may use
appliances in establishments such as
hospitals, schools, hotels, shops
etc. (This includes Gyms and health
clubs)
3. Where appliances are supplied or
hired.
4. Where appliances are repaired or
serviced.
The level of inspection and testing
required is dependant upon the risk
of the appliance becoming faulty,
which is in turn dependant upon the
type of appliance, the nature of its
use and the environment in which it
is used. In the case of gym
equipment, usually C.V. equipment
such as treadmills, cross trainers
etc., the testing requirement is 12
months.
The Law
All businesses are required to
regularly test their portable
equipment under the following
legislation:
The Health and Safety at Work Act
1974 puts a duty of care on both the
employer and employee to ensure the
safety of all persons using the work
premises.
The Management of Health and Safety
at Work Regulations 1999 states that
'Every employer shall make a
suitable and sufficient assessment
of:
(a) the risks to the health and
safety of his employees to which
they are exposed whilst they are at
work, and
(b) the risks to the health and
safety of persons not in his
employment arising out of or in
connection with the conduct by him
of his undertaking'
The Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998 states
that 'Every employer shall ensure
that work equipment is maintained in
an efficient state, in efficient
working order and in good repair'.
The Electricity at Work Regulations
1989 states 'As may be necessary to
prevent danger, all systems shall be
maintained as to prevent, so far as
reasonably practicable, such
danger'.
If you require further information
about Portable Appliance Testing,
you can visit the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) website:
http://www.hse.gov.uk
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