As Inspection & Testing specialists Electrotest Group understand the challenges you and your company face in meeting the Health & Safety at Work Act and subordinate regulations and guidance. And how cost, disruption and due diligence play a factor. With over 15 years experience Electrotest Group can help you through these challenges by providing professional comprehensive services; tailored to your individual needs.
Microwave Testing
All inspections of Microwave ovens should incorporate at the very least a visual inspection of the door seals and the overall condition of the casing. Generally, along with the standard inspection and tests that any other portable appliances undergo, this would be enough to satisfy the electrical regulations. Microwaves could by their nature present a hazard to a persons’ health by the danger of leaking radiation. Testing for Radiation is a relatively inexpensive test that can be easily incorporated into the portable appliance programme.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
What is a PAT?
A portable appliance in itself is a particular definition that describes the group of equipment that is usually relatively small (less than 18kg) and can be easily moved. Typical examples of such equipment are, power tools, microwaves, toasters, vacuums etc., however, “PAT” testing covers a whole range of electrical equipment, which quite often is large and certainly would not be moved in use, a good example is a refrigerator. It should also apply to equipment that may be fastened to a wall or floor and possibly “hard wired” to its means of supply.
PAT testing - Legal Requirements
The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASW 74) is an Act set by Parliament that places a duty of care on Employers & Employees to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. To contravene this law is a criminal offence.
“The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999” places a duty on every employer to make a sufficient assessment of the risks to health and safety of employees while at work and to all other persons while carrying out their work. The number one hazard is likely to be that of an electric shock.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) requires every Employer to ensure that all equipment including electrical equipment is suitable for use, it is maintained in a safe condition and is inspected to ensure it’s continued safety.
Compliance
As you can see there is considerable Legislation & Regulations that place a duty on Employers and Employees for the safety of their selves and others. Ensuring this compliance must not be a paperwork exercise but a real initiative to ensure safety. Carrying out frequent Inspection & testing to your electrical equipment will promote this safety.
Fixed Wiring Inspection
Why do we need to inspect & test the electrical Installation?
Most things deteriorate with age and an electrical installation is one of them. For this reason, to ensure safety to yourself and others and compliance with the Law it is necessary that the electrical installation is inspected and tested at suitable intervals.
What are the legal Requirements?
The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASW 1974) is an Act set by Parliament that places a duty of care on Employers & Employees to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This Act is law, and to contravene this law is a criminal offence.
Regulations
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR 89) requires all necessary precautions to be taken against the risk of Electric Shock. Regulation 4(2) states “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger” Regulation 4 then details how this will be achieved with maintenance and regular inspection.
As portable and fixed equipment relies on the integrity of the electrical installation, the requirements of The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) requires that the installation is inspected and tested at suitable intervals.
How frequently should the installation be Inspected & Tested?
The Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) give guidance for the “recommended” frequencies for the inspection & test of most electrical installations, with 3 & 5 years recommended for most commercial & industrial type premises. Consideration will need to be given to other factors that may require a more frequent testing regime.