Staying safe at work is likely one of your top priorities. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 set out the general health and safety guidelines that businesses are expected to follow when working with electrical equipment, as we all do almost daily at work. PAT testing equipment is one of the best ways to remain compliant.
Whilst it’s quite likely you may know a little about PAT testing, as it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure you meet the obligations every company has under the HSE guidelines and HASAWA to ensure they are electrically compliant, you might not know how often you need to get certain appliances tested or which items require more regular testing.
In this blog, we will go into more detail about the different categories of appliances and how often each needs to be tested to ensure you meet the legal requirements – giving you the peace of mind to focus on running your business.
PAT Testing Equipment
When it comes to getting your electrical appliances tested, professional PAT testing engineers (like the ones on our team!) look at a few characteristics to determine the safety of the equipment.
Firstly, we carry out a visual inspection to ensure there is no visible damage. We then check the insulation resistance (using our calibrated PAT testing machines), plug fittings and fuses too.
If the equipment passes, we then use our PAT testing stickers to mark the equipment and provide you with an asset register. This ensures that we have a record of your equipment so we can get in touch with you before your equipment is due to be tested again.
When is my equipment due to be tested again?
Portable appliance testing (PAT) legislation makes it quite tricky for most people to know when specific equipment needs to be tested to keep their team and business safe.
Generally, we recommend contacting a professional PAT testing provider, like Sussex Facilities Management, who can advise you on the specific requirements for your business.
Categories of Appliances
Class 1 Appliances:
These are appliances with basic insulation, which rely on an earth link for safety. (Kettles, Microwaves)
IT Items:
These are also appliances with basic insulation. They rely on an earth link for safety and also fall mostly into class 1. (Computers, Printers)
Class 2 Appliances:
These are appliances with supplementary insulation, and they don’t rely on an earth link for safety. (Phone chargers, Lamps)
Moveable Equipment:
This is equipment weighing less than 18kg, which is usually fitted with wheels or casters to move it. (Power washer, Heater)
Handheld Equipment:
This equipment weighs less than 18kg and is designed to be operated by hand. (Power tools, Phones)
Stationary Equipment:
This is equipment weighing more than 18kg, without a provided means of carrying. (Large Freezers, Washing machine)
110V Equipment:
This equipment has basic insulation and is reliant on the earth for protection. (Building site equipment)
When to Test
What category your appliances fall into, how often they are used, and what environment they are used in will all impact how often they need to be tested.
Most equipment should be tested every year in shops and public-facing areas, due to it being in a higher-risk environment. In offices, this can vary and be longer depending on the equipment and environment it’s used in.
Equipment used in construction environments and industrial settings can be required to test as often as every three months due to the increased likelihood of receiving damage.
As it can often be confusing to know exactly when to get your appliances tested, SFM are happy to help you navigate this and ensure that your equipment remains safe to use.
PAT Testing Near Me
The reality is, if you are unsure, it’s always a good idea to get your equipment PAT tested by a professional PAT testing company like Sussex Facilities Management. Our PAT service is a comprehensive testing service that ensures your premises are safe and within regulations, saving you time and worry!
Our portable appliance testers will inspect your equipment, provide a pass or fail notification, and keep a record of when the equipment needs to be tested next, so you don’t need to worry about keeping track. We also provide an asset register so you know what has been tested.
To learn more about our PAT testing service, visit our website or get in touch on 01444 812 171 to discuss how we can help.
