Archive for June, 2008

Why Your Business Needs PAT Testing

Monday, June 16th, 2008

Wether you are a landscaper, builder or plumber the chances are that you are going to be using portable appliances. One thing to take into account is your health and safety as well as your workers and possibly your customers.  PAT testing your tools and equipment can help you do this and provide consumer confidence. 

The legal requirements for regular testing of all electrical equipment in work environments and public places have made PAT testing a major growth area for electrical contractors in recent years.  Employers are also training up existing employees like caretakers so they can perform PAT testing themselves.

Possible shocks from electrical installations or equipment may lead to falls from heights. Poorly installed or faulty appliances put employees at risk as they may result in fires and give electric shocks. Despite this the recommended PAT test techniques and practises aren’t needed by law they are basically methods of best practise.

All workers including employers, employees and the self employed have a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to help prevent risks from electrical appliances in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations. Many businesses implement a program of maintenance, inspection and testing of portable appliances.

A PAT testing training course will teach you pat testing procedures and how to use PAT testing equipment. Training will result in pupil who can safely identify potential dangers and test safely.  Technical equipment that may be sensitivelike some computers will require additional training.

PAT testing training courses consist of learning the legal aspects, hazard training, user checks, visual inspections, fuses, construction of the different class portable appliances, power tools and extension leads.