Edison Electrical are one of Buckinghamshire's leading Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) specialists with a high quality service given at very competitive prices.
The law requires that electrical equipment at work be maintained in a good safe working order. Portable Appliance Testing is the most common way of complying with the regulations. The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) places such an obligation in the following circumstances:
- Where appliances are used by employees
- Where the public may use appliances in establishments such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shops etc
- Where appliances are supplied or hired
- Where appliances are repaired or serviced
Reasons Why You Should Test Your 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.
It is important that a system of regular inspection and maintenance is employed to reduce the risk.
What is a Portable Electrical Appliance?
Any appliances on your premises that can be used by employers, employees, customers or the public must be maintained in a safe condition.
Portable Electrical 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.
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.