Archive for the ‘Portable Appliance Testing’ Category

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 »

Worker received shock whilst using a pressure washing machine

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

A worker received a 240 Volt electric shock whilst using a pressure water washing machine. An investigation found the company had failed to: a) maintain the washer, b) provide a safe system of work and c) notify the existence of the factory to HSE. There was a high potential for serious injury from contact with 240 Volt electricity supply when using water washing equipment.

Action

The company was prosecuted under The Factories Act 1961 (except section 135), Section 137, Sub Section 1, The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (No 4) paragraph 2, and The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (No 4) paragraph 1, and fined.

Comment

All work equipment should be regularly checked to ensure it is safe to use. A visual check each day, or each time the equipment is used is likely to identify many of the potential electrical faults. Work equipment should also be thoroughly tested regularly. This should be done frequently enough that there is little chance a fault will develop that will lead to danger.

In general, equipment used in harsh environments such as building sites or outdoors will need more regular testing than equipment used in an office environment. It is a good idea to note down your decision on the frequency of testing for each item of equipment and then ensure the tests are carried out. It is also a good idea to note down the results of each test so that deterioration can be spotted as early as possible.

You should regularly review your frequency of testing and change it according to the number and type of defects found.

[Source: HSE]

Posted in Electrical Appliance Testing, Portable Appliance 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 »

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 »

Who is Responsible?

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, PUWER, states that every employer shall ensure that work equipment, is suitable for the purpose in which it is used. It is also the responsibility of the employer to ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 identifies that both employers and employees have a responsibility with regards to electrical safety. It is the duty of the employer or self-employed person to comply with the provisions of these Regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control.

It shall be the duty of every employee while at work-

 (a) to co-operate with his employer so far as is necessary to enable any duty placed on that employer by the provisions of these Regulations to be complied with; and

 (b) to comply with the provisions of these Regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control.

As an employer, one of the easiest ways to ensure portable appliances within the work place are safe to use is to have them PAT tested.

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