True value when it comes to compliance

Speak to the team today to find out more about our Map of Compliance Audit

We will audit your current records and processes and produce a full map of compliance for you covering H&S Records, Fire Systems, Water Hygiene, Electrical and Mechanical Compliance

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

Portable Appliance Testing is a trade name, very much in the way that we know a hoover to be a vacuum cleaner. The correct name for this type of testing is ‘Appliance Testing’. This can sometimes cause confusion as some appliances which require periodic inspection and testing are not portable at all!

For the purpose of identifying what equipment will need to be tested, an electrical appliance is taken to be an item of equipment which is not part of a fixed installation, but is, or is intended to be, connected to a fixed installation, or a generator, by means of a flexible cable and a plug and socket. Phew, heavy stuff eh? In layman’s’ terms this means that any item with a plug is an appliance, as well as anything connected to an installation by means of a spur.  This would include electric drills, kettles, PCs, printers, monitors, extension lead and even some large items such as vending machines and photocopiers.

Who does this apply to?

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, placed a legal responsibility on employers to take reasonable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of electrical equipment.  This means all electrical appliances at your place of work have to be regularly tested to ensure they are safe.

How often do I have to have items tested?

There is no specific schedule set out, as the level of risk will change from site to site.  There are however guidelines to help.  The frequency of testing depends on the type of equipment, users, the work environment, and the frequency that it is used. For example a high-risk item should be tested more frequently than a low risk item.  You should be aware also that just because an item is ‘industrial’ in its nature, this alone does not necessarily mean that it is high risk. For instance, a kettle that is used daily by multiple users in an office could be regarded as a higher risk item than a drill that is used on a building site by a careful owner once a month. Essentially it is the responsibility of the employer to assess the risks involved and implement its own programme of testing. Most companies still find it useful to carry out a blanket test of all equipment on an annual basis to ensure conformity.

What happens is an item fails?

Most failures are found during the initial visual check (i.e. a cracked plug, incorrectly rated fuse, signs of physical abuse and overheating etc.).  Minor repairs will be carried out during the course of or works however other failures may not be fixed quickly and we would take them out of service to eliminate danger to your staff.

How accurate will my PAT testing quotation be?

When we quote you for PAT testing, our quote is based on a price per item tested basis. The reason we do this, is because in most businesses, the number of appliances they have in the building can change daily. In order to quote you the best rates possible, and to help you set a budget, we ideally like you to provide us with the number of tests previously carried out the last time you tested. Your final invoice will reflect only the actual number of appliances we test during our visit, which means you only pay for the actual number of tests you have.

Electrical Installation Condition Reports

Electrical Installation Condition Reports are commonly known as EICR, FWT or Fixed Wire Testing, EIT or Electrical Inspection and Testing and were formally known as Periodic Inspection and Testing, PIR.

Do you need to Inspect and Test?

The law simply requires an employer to ensure that precautions are taken against the risk of death or personal injury from electricity at work activities. A record of the condition of electrical systems must be kept. It is up to the responsible person in the company to assess risk and set the maintenance regime to ensure the Electricity at Work Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act are complied with.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report undertaken correctly would determine any defects that may exist in the electrical system and highlight them in the report. Once the defects are corrected the report demonstrates due diligence affording you compliance and giving you complete peace of mind. If you are unsure what you need to do then speak to us and we can advise you once we have reviewed your specific needs relevant for your workplace. We are here to help you.

The fact is many organisations large and small choose to contract SCL Managed Services Ltd to undertake Electrical Installation Condition Reports for them so they can demonstrate compliance with Health and Safety law. Our customers say we are leaders in our field of expertise.

Reports are generated quickly and are available to our customers via email or dropbox. We issue you a free defects quotation, if required, as well as different service levels dependant on your budget which can include board charts, schematic drawings and full labelling of all sockets and switches.

DID YOU KNOW WE NOW DO FREE DEFECT REPAIRS?