Electrical appliance safety

Back to index page

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE SAFETY

BE SAFE - COMPLY WITH THE LAW - AND SAVE MONEY

SEGGY SEGARAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FIRST STOP SAFETY, DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING (PAT) IN THE WORKPLACE, AND EXPLAINS HOW BUSINESSES CAN EASILY IMPLEMENT THEIR OWN TESTING REGIME - AT A FRACTION OF THE COST.

• 25% of all reportable electrical accidents are caused by portable appliances, according to the Health & Safety Executive

• All moveable appliances with a flexible lead must be PAT tested.

• PAT testing does not have to be carried out by an electrician.

• PAT training courses can result in substantial cost savings for your business.

Cutting through the myths and jargon surrounding much of our legislation is where specialist Health & Safety providers can really help. First Stop Safety provides the knowledge and tools that allow businesses to carry out their responsibilities well, and cost effectively.

Ensuring the safety of staff and visitors is vital. PAT testing is a way of ensuring the safety of electrical appliances in your workplace, and although it can initially appear technical and expensive, read on a little and discover it can be quite the opposite!

What does the law say about PAT testing?

The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) and the Health and Safety at Work Act set out what is required by employers, to ensure a safe system of work and an inspection, testing and maintenance regime for all portable appliances.

Dispel the myth!

However, the Health and Safety Executive does not require that testing is carried out by a qualified electrician. This is an important factor when budgeting for Health and Safety compliance.

An average small business with, for example, 300 electrical items could incur costs of over £1000 if this were to be contracted out. However, by purchasing a PAT tester for around £250 and having a firm understanding of the requirements, a comprehensive in-house safety strategy can be put in place. This will produce immediate and significant cost savings for your business.

How easy is it to test in-house?
By incorporating a few simple procedures businesses can very quickly ensure the safety and maintenance of electrical appliances. It is estimated that 95% of potential problems can be eliminated purely through visual inspection, however some faults can only be identified through testing. A PAT tester with a simple "PASS/FAIL" indicator can be used by any member of staff who has received suitable instruction on its use.

How often does testing have to be undertaken?

The frequency of formal inspection and testing depends on 2 factors:

1. Type of business - an office or shop is classed as 'low risk' and a factory or construction site will be 'high risk'

2. Type/ transportability of appliance - a transportable item such as a kettle for example, will need to be inspected every year, but tested only every two years.

Many businesses with their own in-house regime are amazed at how quickly the flexibility and reduced costs benefit their business.

What PAT testing packages are available?

First Stop Safety offer a unique variety of money saving PAT Packages from £349, as well as the new PAT-IT tester with 'pass' or 'fail' indicator for only £249. The packages offer outstanding value, and as well as the PAT-IT tester and hard case they include power leads, user manual, master forms, short IEC lead, posters and labels.

• Office Package - £349

• Industrial Package - £389

• NEW Ultra Package - £499 includes many valuable extra's including a Microwave Checker.

What PAT testing courses are available?

First Stop Safety offer a suite of PAT testing courses designed to suit your business

• Distance learning CD - learn at your convenience £55

• In-depth PAT Workshop - full day course aimed at those with a basic understanding of PAT testing, all successful delegates receive a 'Certificate of Competence in PAT testing' £275

• Demystifying PAT Testing - half day course for those with no previous experience £99 *EXCLUSIVE PRICE FOR FSB MEMBERS ONLY - CALL 01904 791050 & QUOTE FSBWORKS*

• Private courses are available

Note - prices quoted exclude VAT (Jan 2007)

For more information or advice contact First Stop Safety on 01904 791050 or e-mail info@firststopsafety.co.uk

FREE Guide to PAT Testing' available from our website www.firststopsafety.co.uk

7 easy steps to PAT testing:

1. Provide the person responsible for electrical appliance testing with appropriate PAT testing training.

2. Contact HSE for free leaflet IND(G) 237L.

3. Train all staff on how to spot & report obvious hazards.

4. Make a list of all electrical appliances in the workplace.

5. Assess the periods for formal inspection & testing.

6. Purchase a PAT tester with a simple "PASS/FAIL" indicator (you can buy or rent these from First Stop Safety).

7. Record all inspection and testing results.

Copyright ©2006 SatCure
Updated June 1, 2006
This file may be downloaded for private and personal use but NO part of it may be published in any form without the prior permission of the author.


Back to index page ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE SAFETY BE SAFE - COMPLY WITH THE LAW - AND SAVE MONEY SEGGY SEGARAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FIRST STOP SAFETY, DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING (PAT) IN THE WORKPLACE, AND EXPLAINS HOW BUSINESSES CAN EASILY IMPLEMENT THEIR OWN TESTING REGIME - AT A FRACTION OF THE COST. • 25% of all reportable electrical accidents are caused by portable appliances, according to the Health & Safety Executive • All moveable appliances with a flexible lead must be PAT tested. • PAT testing does not have to be carried out by an electrician. • PAT training courses can result in substantial cost savings for your business. Cutting through the myths and jargon surrounding much of our legislation is where specialist Health & Safety providers can really help. First Stop Safety provides the knowledge and tools that allow businesses to carry out their responsibilities well, and cost effectively.
Ensuring the safety of staff and visitors is vital. PAT testing is a way of ensuring the safety of electrical appliances in your workplace, and although it can initially appear technical and expensive, read on a little and discover it can be quite the opposite! What does the law say about PAT testing? The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) and the Health and Safety at Work Act set out what is required by employers, to ensure a safe system of work and an inspection, testing and maintenance regime for all portable appliances. Dispel the myth! However, the Health and Safety Executive does not require that testing is carried out by a qualified electrician. This is an important factor when budgeting for Health and Safety compliance. An average small business with, for example, 300 electrical items could incur costs of over £1000 if this were to be contracted out. However, by purchasing a PAT tester for around £250 and having a firm understanding of the requirements, a comprehensive in-house safety strategy can be put in place. This will produce immediate and significant cost savings for your business.
How easy is it to test in-house? By incorporating a few simple procedures businesses can very quickly ensure the safety and maintenance of electrical appliances. It is estimated that 95% of potential problems can be eliminated purely through visual inspection, however some faults can only be identified through testing. A PAT tester with a simple "PASS/FAIL" indicator can be used by any member of staff who has received suitable instruction on its use. How often does testing have to be undertaken? The frequency of formal inspection and testing depends on 2 factors: 1. Type of business - an office or shop is classed as 'low risk' and a factory or construction site will be 'high risk' 2. Type/ transportability of appliance - a transportable item such as a kettle for example, will need to be inspected every year, but tested only every two years. Many businesses with their own in-house regime are amazed at how quickly the flexibility and reduced costs benefit their business. What PAT testing packages are available? First Stop Safety offer a unique variety of money saving PAT Packages from £349, as well as the new PAT-IT tester with 'pass' or 'fail' indicator for only £249. The packages offer outstanding value, and as well as the PAT-IT tester and hard case they include power leads, user manual, master forms, short IEC lead, posters and labels. • Office Package - £349 • Industrial Package - £389 • NEW Ultra Package - £499 includes many valuable extra's including a Microwave Checker. What PAT testing courses are available? First Stop Safety offer a suite of PAT testing courses designed to suit your business • Distance learning CD - learn at your convenience £55 • In-depth PAT Workshop - full day course aimed at those with a basic understanding of PAT testing, all successful delegates receive a 'Certificate of Competence in PAT testing' £275 • Demystifying PAT Testing - half day course for those with no previous experience £99 EXCLUSIVE PRICE FOR FSB MEMBERS ONLY - CALL 01904 791050 & QUOTE FSBWORKS • Private courses are available Note - prices quoted exclude VAT (Jan 2007) For more information or advice contact First Stop Safety on 01904 791050 or e-mail info@firststopsafety.co.uk FREE Guide to PAT Testing' available from our website www.firststopsafety.co.uk 7 easy steps to PAT testing: 1. Provide the person responsible for electrical appliance testing with appropriate PAT testing training. 2. Contact HSE for free leaflet IND(G) 237L. 3. Train all staff on how to spot & report obvious hazards. 4. Make a list of all electrical appliances in the workplace. 5. Assess the periods for formal inspection & testing. 6. Purchase a PAT tester with a simple "PASS/FAIL" indicator (you can buy or rent these from First Stop Safety). 7. Record all inspection and testing results. Copyright ©2006 SatCure Updated June 1, 2006 This file may be downloaded for private and personal use but NO part of it may be published in any form without the prior permission of the author.