PAT Testing - Training Your Staff Or Doing It Yourself

The legal requirements for regular testing of all electrical equipment in work environments and public places have made testing a major growth area for electricians over recent years. Many staff members without electrical training, such as maintenance staff and caretakers, are also being nominated by their employers to carry out electrical safety testing.

Shocks from electrical installations or equipment may lead to falls from heights. Electrical workers are not the only workers at risk, any workers using poorly installed or faulty appliances are at risk from shocks or fires. This means that, although the currently recommended portable appliance testing techniques, record keeping and test frequencies are considered to be best practice for ensuring electrical equipment is properly maintained, they are not 'legal requirements'.

The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and self-employed persons to comply with the provisions of the regulations and take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of such equipment. This therefore requires the implementation of a systematic and regular program of maintenance, inspection and testing.

A comprehensive PAT testing training course will include details of legislation, electrical shock, burn and fire hazards, user checks, formal visual inspections, combined inspection and testing, construction of Class 1, II & III portable electrical appliances, fuse ratings, electrical plugs, testing computers, ICT / IT equipment, power tools, IEC cords & extension leads.

Good training courses should also include things such as record keeping, test results and labeling with the pass and fail pat testing labels.

Specialist training in the testing of sensitive IT equipment and appliances with mains filters would be a necessity for some roles.

Training courses are put in place so you can learn the procedures for pat testing, and the use of PAT testing equipment. The student will also be able to test safely, and without harm to others once the training is complete.

Pat testing is an important health and safety issue, you can find more information at pat testing or pat testing info

No comments: