Ace the Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

Keeping your eye on your portable appliances

Every workplace relies on a number of electrical appliances to get through the day. Any disruption to the function of these devices could very well affect your workflow and consequently your bottom line. That is why Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is such an integral part of your maintenance schedule. Regular PAT testing not only ensures the safety of your workplace devices but can also prevent larger problems from developing, saving you in long-term costs. Here are some things you can do to protect your business, premises, client, staff and their equipment.

Visual check

Before you use an appliance, carry out a visual inspection to identify any serious problems. Have a look at:

• The flexible cable – check for cuts in the sieving
• The socket outlet – make sure it is not broken or cracked
• The appliances – look at the casing; is there any visible damage?
•  The plug – is it cracked or broken?
• Cardboard wiring diagrams – make sure they have been removed from the plug

If any of the above is damaged then report it to the responsible person and don’t use.

Appliance Environment

Where a device is positioned can do a lot to prevent damage in the long term. Locate your appliances in the workplace and check the following:

• Appliance accessibility, can it be easily unplugged?
• Cables are safely located to avoid damage
• The appliance has adequate ventilation

Things to avoid:

•  Positioning filing cabinets in front of used sockets
•  Multi-way adaptors and trailing sockets to excess
•  Positioning equipment so that the cable is being stretched
•  Placing cups, plants and work material near sockets
•  Unprotected cables running under carpets

Which cables need a professional PAT tester?

While you can help look for and prevent some damage to your portable appliances, it often takes a professional and experienced eye to determine if the device can be operated safely by staff and clients.

Here are some of the extra things we do while PAT testing:

• Identifying signs of overheating
• Looking inside the plug to check the polarity and connections
• Ensuring the correct size fuse fitted, BS marked, ASTA marked
• The appliance’s suitability for the environment or the nature of the work being undertaken
• The appliance is being operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

While PAT is required by law under the Health and Safety at Work Act, it doesn’t need to be a chore. With your help and the experience of our professional staff, we can make the process efficient and hassle free. As more and more businesses look for ways to reduce costs, delaying or cutting down on your PAT testing could end up being a dangerous and expensive outcome.

Our team are available to discuss how you can improve the safety of our appliances. Please contact us at
info@karsonsconsulting.com for expert advice.