Portable Appliance Testing HOOPER SERVICES LTD Pat testing or portable appliance testing is an important part of any health & safety policy. This site is intended as a guide to both the legal implications and to the technical requirements. The Health & Safety Executive states that 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances. The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and self-employed persons to comply with the provisions of the regulations and take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of such equipment. This in effect requires the implementation of a systematic and regular program of maintenance, inspection and testing. The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) places such an obligation in the following circumstances:    1.  Where appliances are used by employees.    2.  Where the public may use appliances in establishments such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shops etc.    3.  Where appliances are supplied or hired.    4.  Where appliances are repaired or serviced. The level of inspection and testing required is dependant upon the risk of the appliance becoming faulty, which is in turn dependant upon the type of appliance, the nature of its use and the environment in which it is used. All equipment that has been tested and inspected must be clearly identifiable. This usually achieved by labelling the equipment with a PAT Testing label. The label/sticker must contain the following    1.  Unique identification code to enable equipment to be indefinable    2.  The status of the equipment following the testing ie. PASS or FAIL    3.  The date the equipment was tested together with the re-test period or the re-test date The above information on the label is designed to enable the equipment to be easily identifiable even if several similar items exist within the same premises and also indicate to a non-technical user if the equipment is due for re-testing or should not be used. Additional information contained on the label may include fuse rating, engineers initials, company name or logo. 023 92 630276 PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING