Archive for the ‘Electrical Testing’ Category

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How do I know if someone is competent to do electrical work?

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

A person can demonstrate competence to perform electrical work if he or she has successfully completed an assessed training course that has included the type of work being considered, run by an accredited training organisation, and has been able to demonstrate an ability to understand electrical theory and put this into practice.

A successfully completed electrical apprenticeship, with some post apprenticeship experience is a good way of demonstrating competence for general electrical work. More specialised work such as maintenance of high voltage switchgear or control system modification is almost certainly likely to require additional training and experience.

[Source: HSE]

Posted in Electrical Appliance Testing, Electrical Safety, Electrical Testing, PAT Testing, Portable Appliance Testing | No Comments »

How often should I test my electrical equipment?

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Electrical equipment should be visually checked to spot early signs of damage or deterioration. Equipment should be more thoroughly tested by a competent person often enough that there is little chance that the equipment will become dangerous between tests. Equipment that is used in a harsh environment should be tested more frequently than equipment that is less likely to become damaged or unsafe.

It is good practice to assess how often equipment being used for work purposes should be tested, write down your findings, make sure the testing is carried out, and write down the results of the tests.

[Source: HSE]

Posted in Electrical Appliance Testing, Electrical Safety, Electrical Testing | No Comments »

Electrical injuries

Friday, April 16th, 2010

Electrical injuries can be caused by a wide range of voltages but the risk of injury is generally greater with higher voltages and is dependent upon individual circumstances.

Alternating current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) electrical supplies can cause a range of injuries including:

Electric shock
Electrical burns
Loss of muscle control
Thermal burns

Electric shock

A voltage as low as 50 volts applied between two parts of the human body causes a current to flow that can block the electrical signals between the brain and the muscles. This may have a number of effects including:

Stopping the heart beating properly
Preventing the person from breathing
Causing muscle spasms
The exact effect is dependent upon a large number of things including the size of the voltage, which parts of the body are involved, how damp the person is, and the length of time the current flows.

Electric shocks from static electricity such as those experienced when getting out of a car or walking across a man-made carpet can be at more than 10,000 volts, but the current flows for such a short time that there is no dangerous effect on a person. However, static electricity can cause a fire or explosion where there is an explosive atmosphere (such as in a paint spray booth).

Electrical burns

When an electrical current passes through the human body it heats the tissue along the length of the current flow. This can result in deep burns that often require major surgery and are permanently disabling. Burns are more common with higher voltages but may occur from domestic electricity supplies if the current flows for more than a few fractions of a second.

Loss of muscle control
People who receive an electric shock often get painful muscle spasms that can be strong enough to break bones or dislocate joints. This loss of muscle control often means the person cannot ‘let go’ or escape the electric shock. The person may fall if they are working at height or be thrown into nearby machinery and structures.

Thermal burns

Overloaded, faulty, incorrectly maintained, or shorted electrical equipment can get very hot, and some electrical equipment gets hot in normal operation. Even low voltage batteries (such as those in motor vehicles) can get hot and may explode if they are shorted out.

People can receive thermal burns if they get too near hot surfaces or if they are near an electrical explosion. Other injuries may result if the person pulls quickly away from hot surfaces whilst working at height or if they then accidentally touch nearby machinery.

A single low voltage torch battery can generate a spark powerful enough to cause a fire or explosion in an explosive atmosphere such as in a paint spray booth, near fuel tanks, in sumps, or many places where aerosols, vapours, mists, gases, or dusts exist.

[Source: HSE]

Posted in Electrical Safety, Electrical Testing | No Comments »

How do I know if my electrical equipment is safe?

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

You can find out if your electrical equipment is safe by carrying out suitable checks, such as inspection and/or testing. The level of inspection and/or testing should depend upon the risks. A simple visual inspection[7] is likely to be sufficient for equipment used in a clean dry environment. In addition, equipment that is more likely to become damaged or is operated in a harsh environment, is likely to require more demanding electrical tests.

Checks should be carried out often enough that there is little chance the equipment will become unsafe before the next check. It is good practice to make a decision on how often each piece of equipment should be checked, write down the decision, make sure the check is carried out, and write down the results. You should change how often you carry out checks according to the number and severity of faults found.

The best way to find out if specialised equipment is safe, is to have it inspected and tested by a person with specific competence on the type of equipment. This may be the original manufacturer or his authorised service and repair agent. A reputable servicing company that deals with the type of equipment should also be competent to check its safety.

[Source: HSE]

Posted in Electrical Safety, Electrical Testing, PAT Testing | No Comments »

PAT Testing for Musicians

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

It is becoming increasingly common for live music venues such as pubs and clubs to request proof from musicians that their equipment has been competently checked / PAT Tested for electrical safety.

Over the years, Dale has been involved in many bands and has unfortunately witnessed how injuries can occur when using electrical appliances within the music industry. Due to these events, Dale is keen to stress the importance of safety to groups who perform in pubs and clubs and recommends regular testing of their equipment. Items include, but are not limited to amps, lights, sound systems and equalizers.

Dale believes in keeping music live and in particular helping to make sure musicians and the general public are kept safe. His unparalleled drive and enthusiasm to achieve this is demonstrated by a discounted rate for musical groups and others connected to the music industry including stage lighting.

Please do not hesitate to contact us today for your tailored quote.

Telephone: 01673 860655
Mobile: 0777 351 3371

E-mail: enquiries@hallmarquepat.co.uk

Posted in Electrical Appliance Testing, Electrical Testing, PA Testing, PAT News, PAT Testing, PAT Testing Services, Portable Appliance Testing | No Comments »

PAT Testing for Landlords

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Each year over 30 people are killed due to faulty electrics in the UK. These deaths in most part are avoidable and landlords are been urged to carry out regular PAT test on all portable appliances in rented properties and accommodation to make sure the appliances are safe for tenants to use and meet legal requirements.

Government statistics show 20% of fires in UK homes is due to electrical faults and in 2008 resulted in 27 deaths and 1000 injuries. Under UK law a landlord, without a regular pat test of appliances, could be found to have failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their tenants. This could lead to the landlord been liable to imprisonment, fines or even their property insurance been invalid.

It is vital a landlord understands their legal obligations when it come to potable appliances and testing in their rented properties. The landlord must make sure that any appliances provided as part of the tenancy agreement are safe.

[Source: landlordexpert.co.uk]

Posted in Electrical Appliance Testing, Electrical Testing, PA Testing, PAT Testing, PAT Testing Services, Portable Appliance Testing | No Comments »

How to avoid being a shocking landlord

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

With over 30 people killed each year by faulty electrics in the UK, safety specialists First Stop Safety are urging landlords to carry out regular testing on all portable electrical devices in rented properties to ensure they are safe for tenants and meet all legal requirements.

According to government statistics released last month almost a fifth of all fires in UK homes are caused by electrical faults. In 2008 this resulted in 27 deaths and over 1000 injuries. In addition to the risk of house fires almost 14,000 people are injured each year by electrical appliances according to the latest government estimates.

As the number of portable electrical appliances in furnished rented properties continues to increase, from cookers, to TV’s, to stereos and games consoles, portable appliance testing (PAT) is becoming an increasingly important part of a landlords responsibility to ensure their properties are safe and fit for purpose.

Under UK law without regular PAT tests a landlord could be found to have failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their tenants, and leave themselves liable to fines, imprisonment and invalidation of their property insurance.

[Source: residentiallandlord.co.uk]

Posted in Electrical Appliance Testing, Electrical Testing, PA Testing, PAT News, PAT Testing, PAT Testing Services, Portable Appliance Testing | No Comments »

Landlord PAT

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

If you are a landlord, renting accommodation such as houses, flats, holiday homes, caravans, etc, there is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of your tenants. This requirement extends to any electrical equipment that is provided as part of the tenancy which should include operating instructions and safety notices supplied before a letting commences.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 states that electrical equipment, provided with the accommodation, must be safe to use. This means that landlords are responsible for the safety of tenants and should regularly maintain any electrical equipment supplied with the accommodation.

It is recommended that the landlord, as a minimum, visually check each appliance for safety prior to the next tenants arrival; frequent checks are encouraged to ensure the safety of all tenants. One of the easiest ways to minimise the risk of injury from a portable electrical appliance is to have these devices PAT tested.
Hallmarque PAT are a friendly family business who offer competent and efficient electrical testing at competitive rates. To discuss your requirements and receive a free quote please call 01673 860655 or e-mail enquiries@hallmarquepat.co.uk.

Posted in Electrical Appliance Testing, Electrical Testing, PAT Testing, PAT Testing Services | No Comments »

Electrical Safety

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Electricity can kill. Each year about 1000 accidents at work involving electric shock or burns are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Around 30 of these are fatal. Most of these fatalities arise from contact with overhead or underground power cables.

Even non-fatal shocks can cause severe and permanent injury. Shocks from faulty equipment may lead to falls from ladders, scaffolds or other work platforms. Those using electricity may not be the only ones at risk: poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances can lead to fires which may also cause death or injury to others. Most of these accidents can be avoided by careful planning and straightforward precautions.

What are the Hazards?

The main hazards are:

  • contact with live parts causing shock and burns (normal mains voltage, 230 volts AC, can kill);
  • faults which could cause fires;
  • fire or explosion where electricity could be the source of ignition in a potentially flammable or explosive atmosphere, e.g. in a spray paint booth.

  (more…)

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Posted in Electrical Appliance Testing, Electrical Testing, PA Testing, PAT Testing, PAT Testing Services, Portable Appliance Testing | 3 Comments »

Visual Inspection

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

Visual inspection of electrical appliances should only be carried out by a person who is competent to do so. Any completed visual inspection of portable appliances undertaken should be documented.

A visual inspection of portable electrical equipment may sound simple however there are a considerable number of aspects to consider.
Suitability of the equipment and its environment

The equipment that is being testing should be suitable for the environment in which it is used or the nature of the work being undertaken. If the equipment is in a particularly hazardous environment this will more than likely affect the frequency of future PAT inspections due to the increased possibility of damage.

 
Maintenance of equipment
 

To ensure that an electrical appliance is safe to use, below is a list of a few recommended checks.

  • Any cabling should be situated as to avoid damage such as cuts
  • The source of power for the appliance should be easily accessible
  • There should be adequate ventilation for the equipment
  • Any liquids / fluids should be situated appropriately as to avoid spillage
  • The cord of the appliance should not come under strain
  •  Multi-way adaptors and trailing sockets should not be overloaded
  • No unprotected cables should be run under carpets

To make certain that a portable appliance is being used and maintained correctly, at a minimum; it is recommended that the user should review and follow instructions provided by the manufacturer.

While some items only require a visual check, where possible, Hallmarque PAT endeavour to check appliances both visually and practically. By running physical tests on the equipment this helps to reduce the risk to the user by highlighting any non visible faults. Electrical appliance testing is an important part of health and safety, helping to ensure that your employees, students, residents or customers are kept safe.

Posted in Electrical Appliance Testing, Electrical Testing, PA Testing, PAT Testing, Portable Appliance Testing | No Comments »

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