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Stirling Electrical
Services...About PAT Testing
What are Portable Electrical
Appliances?
Portable Appliances include any electrical equipment
connected to a 240 / 110 volt supply socket. In most cases it is equipment
that is plugged into a 13 amp electrical socket outlet. Any Appliances on
your premises that can be
used by employers, employees, customers or the public must be maintained in
a safe condition..
Examples of portable appliances include computers and their accessories,
photocopiers, printers, heaters, televisions, VCRs, hairdryers, food mixers,
kettles, cleaners, fans, drills, work tools, fridge / freezers and extension
leads.
Any
electrical appliances connected to a plug needs to be maintained in a good
safe working order, even if you
cannot physically move the appliance.
Why is it so
important that we maintain our equipment?
Sometimes electrical equipment can go wrong. The leads or plugs can become
damaged, or sometimes the equipment itself can become faulty. This can lead
to an electric shock and electric shocks can kill. Damaged electrical
equipment can cause fires. It is important that a system of regular
inspection and maintenance is employed to reduce the risk.
Legal Responsibility
The Law requires that electrical equipment at work be maintained in a good
safe working order. Portable Appliance Testing is the most common and
effective way of complying with the regulations which can be found
here.
What Dangers Could Occur In
Portable Appliances?
From experience, appliances in the workplace are often
found to have the wrong fuse rating inside the plug top. This can result in
appliances failing to automatically switch off if a fault occurs.
Dangerous and lethal wires in the plug top and in the flex may be exposed,
frayed or not tightened to the connections properly, putting users and
premises at risk of electric shocks and fires.
Many
appliances have metal casing which relies on an essential connection
between the outer casing and the earth connection in the wall socket.
Experience has shown that the earth connection is
often incorrectly connected or broken. This means that the appliance is not
earthed and can result in a major electric shock to the user should a fault
occur.
Why
You Should Test Your Appliances
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The
Law requires businesses and public places to maintain the safety of
electrical appliances
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You
can be prosecuted if you do not comply
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Appliances
will be safe for employees, clients and others to use
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Faults will be rectified ensuring productivity of appliances
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Appliance testing will find safety faults on appliances that otherwise
would not be found
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Insurance companies may require the testing of appliances
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Don’t wait until it's too late. Good maintenance and a regular appliance
inspection and test will help to prevent future and unexpected problems.
Insurance Cover
When you
take out cover with Insurance companies, they often make the assumption that
the insured business is
complying with all
regulations necessary. If any claim is made throughout your insurance period
the insurance company may reduce, delay, or even refuse to pay
on any claim
for damage if the damage has been caused by an appliance that has not been
tested.
Independent Advice
For further information on the legal responsibilities and why Portable
Appliance Testing is required please follow the link for independent advice-click
here
© Stirling Electrical Services Ltd - 1996 -
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