Portable Appliance Testing

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the term used to describe the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. Most electrical safety defects can be found by visual examination but some types of defects can only be found by testing. However, it is essential to understand that visual examination is an essential part of the process because some types of electrical safety defect can’t be detected by testing alone.

A relatively brief user check (based upon simple training and perhaps assisted by the use of a brief checklist) can be a very useful part of any electrical maintenance regime. Varel Engineering Co. Ltd provides more formal visual inspection and testing by a competent person at appropriate intervals, depending upon the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used.

The Health & Safety Act and Regulations require that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. Inspection or testing of Electrical equipment and appliances should be undertaken at least annually. However, the frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. For example, a power tool used on a construction site should be examined more frequently than a lamp in a hotel bedroom.

Employers should therefore, take a risk-based approach, considering the type of equipment and what it is being used for. If it is used regularly and moved a lot e.g. a floor cleaner or a kettle, testing (along with visual checks) can be an important part of an effective maintenance regime giving employers confidence that they are doing what is necessary to help them meet their legal duties.

After inspection or testing, Varel Engineering Co. Ltd.’s Engineers and Technicians will produce a record and labelling as this is a useful management tool for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the maintenance scheme – and to demonstrate that a scheme exists.

Our Engineers and Technicians have great level of knowledge and experience in undertaking PAT Testing and inspections as the have:

• the right equipment to do the tests
• the ability to use this test equipment properly
• the ability to properly understand the test results