PAT testing myths debunked
Data indicates that the HSE receives roughly 1,000 reports of electrical accidents per year. Whether people work in high- or low-risk industries, they use electricity every day and can suffer electrical burns or shocks.
These incidents usually occur because of faulty equipment, lack of training and supervision, or neglect to take safety measures when working with live equipment. One such incident involved the fatal electrocution of an electrical contractor who inspected a faulty air conditioner at a local council. Prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the court fined the Metropolitan Borough Council £400,000.
Employers can ensure the safety of their portable electrical devices by combining portable appliance testing (PAT) with visual checks. A competent person should perform the electronic tests using instruments such as a:
- Multimeter
- Voltage tester
- Continuity tester
- Earth leakage tester
- Insulation resistance tester
- Polarity tester
Performing both visual checks and PAT testing are important as one method may detect something that the other one missed. There are many PAT testing myths. Here, we look at which ones are true or false.
Myth 1: Only small appliances need testing
False. Many people think that the ‘portable’ in PAT only applies to handheld devices you can easily carry around. This is not true. A portable appliance is any equipment you can plug into the mains or an alternative power supply.
Employers must test everything from computers and other office equipment such as copiers to power tools and industrial machinery. Get these helpful PAT testing labels to keep track of what has been tested and when.
Myth 2: PAT tests are a legal requirement
False. However, employers must remember that under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, they have a duty to ensure the safety of electrical equipment. Visual checks and PAT tests help to achieve this obligation.
Myth 3: PAT testing can only be done by a qualified person
False. The law does not require an electrician to conduct PAT testing. The HSE does, however, stipulate that a competent person must perform the visual checks and electronic testing.
An employee with adequate knowledge about wiring and electrical systems can perform these tests in low-risk environments such as an office. Sending designated employees for a PAT testing course is a worthwhile investment. An electrician or PAT electrical testing company should conduct these inspections in large setups and high-risk operations.
Myth 4: PAT testing should be done once a year
False. The frequency of visual checks and electrical testing depends on:
- The environment.
- Users.
- Type of equipment.
- How often the devices are used.
- The installation of the equipment.
This means that some applications will need frequent testing, while others do not. A risk-based assessment of the nature of the business and its equipment will inform an employer of how often to run electrical maintenance checks.
Myth 5: New appliances need testing straight away
False. Employers can run PAT tests on new equipment after two years unless the visual check signals an issue.
Myth 6: It is a good idea to label equipment after PAT testing
True. A PAT label indicates when and why something was tested.
Although not a legal requirement, PAT test labels prevent confusion and inform employers when equipment is due for another inspection and test. These tags also help with recordkeeping and risk assessments.
Myth 7: Keeping PAT testing records helps with risk management and maintenance
True. As with PAT labels, employers are not legally required to keep PAT testing records. However, it is a useful management and risk-monitoring tool that informs maintenance programmes.
Myth 8: PAT testing replaces electrical risk assessments
False. Nothing replaces the importance of risk assessments as they primarily identify risks. PAT testing is a method for managing a risk.
Seton’s extensive electrical testing labels include options for any setup – from small offices to heavy-duty factories and warehouses.