PAT Testing

[Allsorts]

Re: PAT Testing

keithwilliams wrote:
if you sell recon appliances i.e. washers etc then you should test them prior to sale.

Oh … don’t get me wrong… every electrical item that passes through here has been tested before it enters the shop for sale. What I was answering was the specific about PAT testing.

Anyone can use a PAT tester for testing machines or other electricals but only those that have passed the test can legally issue a certificate.

George

[keithwilliams]

Re: PAT Testing

thank goodness we have our city and guilds. can you tell me where its written that you need the c@g to issue a certificate. i’d love to know cos that rules out at least two of our competitors.
thanks
keith

[BobHope]

Re: PAT Testing

Who should carry out the Inspection and Testing?
The Electricity at Work regulations states that:

“No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger, or where appropriate, injury, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work”

The IEE Code of Practice states, those carrying out the inspection and testing must be competent to undertake the inspection and, where appropriate, testing of electrical equipment and appliances having due regard of their own safety and that of others. What should be considered is that the ‘danger’ to be prevented, includes not just the dangers which may arise during the testing procedure to the tester and others, but also the dangers which may arise at a later date as a result of using equipment which has not been effectively tested.

The tester must have an understanding of the modes of electrical, mechanical or thermal damage to electrical equipment and appliances and their flexes which may be encountered in any environment.

Training must include the identification of equipment and appliance types to determine the test procedures and frequency of inspection and testing. Persons testing must be familiar with the test instruments used and in particular their limitations and restrictions so as to achieve repeatable results without damaging the equipment or the appliance.

for your info.

Bob.

[RocketMan]

Re: PAT Testing

“Competent Person” as defined in the IEE code of practice. (for in service inspection and testing of electrical equipment)

A person possessing sufficient technical knowledge or experience to be capable of ensuring that injury is prevented. Technical knowledge or experience may include

1. adequate knowledge of electricity
2. adequate experience of electrical work
3 adequate understanding of the system to be worked on a practical experience of that class of system
4 understanding the hazards that may arise during the work and precaustions that need to be taken, or
5 the ability to recognize at all times whether it is safe for work to continue

Refer to Reg 16 of EaW Regs and HSE purblication HSR 25

I read it as basically if you have the skill and experience you don’t need formal training. I’ll try and look into it a bit more this evening if I get a bit of time. However, I ‘ve been told of a number of larger insurance companies and some companies are stipulating “formally qualified testers” should conduct PAT testing. I know the C&G Q is nationally recognised. Not seen it myself….

Hope that helps – see what I can dig up later..

[Author]

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