When performing portable appliance testing, you may think you’ve caught everything. You’ve tested the computers, you’ve thoroughly checked over your kettle and you’ve delved into the quality of your laptop chargers. You probably think you’ve tested everything and are safe for the next year, but what most people don’t remember is that any new items coming into the organisation are also technically subject to a check over.
While there isn’t any legal obligation to do so and – technically – anything that comes from a manufacturer should work fine straight out of the box, there’s always the risk that the new portable appliance will have some kind of error. Whether it’s a power lead with reversed polarity or something vitally important like loose wiring, these kinds of problems can and will be a problem with any possible piece of new equipment.
For example, imagine you’ve just conducted your routine PAT testing procedure. Then, all of a sudden, an employee decides that under their desk is just far too chilly and brings in their favourite portable heater from home. Technically this under-the-desk heating aid counts as a ‘new’ piece of equipment because it is new to the organisation, and as such, could pose a danger. In fact, these forms of equipment that people decide to bring from home are the biggest risk to your company, simply because they probably go untested and could be potentially hazardous.
As a basic piece of advice, any new products that are brought into the organisation should at least be subjected to a visual inspection. This includes looking at all wiring, the appliance itself and any components for something that might be amiss; by using the power of your eyes and hands, you could save a fortune should something go wrong with the equipment and spark a fire or electrical shocks.
The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) outlines the procedure for new equipment on their site: “New equipment should be supplied in a safe condition and not require a formal portable appliance inspection or test. However, a simple visual check is recommended to verify the item is not damaged.”
There seems to be a great amount of confusion surrounding what exactly should be PAT tested and what shouldn’t, but these guidelines by the HSE clarify that in terms of new equipment, a full portable appliance test shouldn’t be necessary. If you want to ensure extra safety in the workplace it may be good to carry out, but as long as you complete a full visual inspection that should be enough to make sure the new piece of equipment is fully in working order.
Written by Barry Atkins at www.tester.co.uk
