Company PAT Testing Procedure
Site Approach
Upon arrival on site our test engineer will introduce himself to the client's representative and explain the purpose and nature of the work to be carried out. This person will then be asked to accompany our test engineer around the site to highlight out any sensitive areas and introduce him to any other members of staff and to make them aware of the work involved.
Standards
The inspection and testing shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the following regulations and publications:
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
IEE Code Of Practice For The Inspection & Testing Of Portable Electrical Equipment
Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) regulations 1994
Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992
Identification Of Equipment
Every piece of electrical equipment will be allocated a unique asset number and test label. This will be used to cross reference test results to the certificate supplied. A register of equipment will then be produced to include the following details:
Unique asset number and test label for each appliance
Location in which the appliance / asset is kept / used
Description of appliance
Date of test and identity of test engineer
Testing Procedures as stated by the IEE Code Of Practice For Inspection & Testing Of Portable Electrical Equipment
Visual Inspection
A visual inspection of the appliance shall be carried out prior to any testing. The inspection includes the following:
Socket Outlet: Is there any evidence of overheating, cracks or damage?
Plug: Is the flexible cable secure, is it free from cracks, or damage and signs of overheating? Is all wiring properly configured inside the plug and connections secure? Does the plug conform to British standard 1363 with properly insulated pins? Is a correctly rated British standard 1362 fuse present?
Flex: Is it in good condition, free from cuts, fraying or damage?
Appliance: Does it work? Is it free from damage? Can it be used safely?
In addition, the visual inspection will check that the means of disconnection from the mains supply is also readily accessible and that wherever possible, flexible cords are positioned so that they do not present a hazard.
All minor faults identified during the visual inspection, such as incorrectly rated fuses, damaged 13amp plugs or loose connections will be rectified prior to the full testing procedure.
(Where any appliance cannot be isolated from the mains supply, a thorough external visual inspection will be carried out)
Testing
Subject to a satisfactory visual inspection, full tests will be carried out using the test machinery. Tests depend on the equipment but may include the following tests.
Earth Continuity - Class 1 appliances only
Insulation Resistance (where appropriate)
Operation / Load Test
Earth Leakage Test
Polarity Test - IEC power leads only
Labelling
A sample of our test labels are shown below. Any FAILED Appliances will be brought to the immediate attention of the client's representative on site.
Report
Upon completion of testing and the receipt of full payment for our services, a full itemised test report and certificate will be issued, usually within 7 days, listing all appliances tested and the results of the tests carried out, appliance locations and details of any failures or remedial repairs carried out. The Engineer will also report any observations of unsafe practices found on site.
