for equipment within their control and the periodicity of the tests should be based on the principles of risk assessment.
The HSE offer useful guidance in IND (G) 160L Maintaining portable electrical equipment in offices and other low risk environments. The HSE advises: Experience of operating the maintenance system over a period, together with information on faults found, should be used to review whether and how often equipment and associated leads and plugs should receive a combined inspection and test. The above advice offers only a starting point and should be modified by local judgements where necessary-i.e.Risk Assessment is required. The following table shows the recommended times between tests, as laid out in the IEE guidance notes of PAT testing.

The Health and Safety Executive offers no absolute rules on the frequency of the testing and inspection of portable appliances. The Memorandum of Guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations suggests that ‘regular inspection of equipment is an essential part of any preventative maintenance program, but no attempt is made to specify the intervals of time implied by the word ‘regular’. The reason for this omission is obvious; different situations require different measures in order to meet the requirement that the danger is prevented. The factors which effect the frequency of testing must be assessed by the duty holder who thereby makes the judgement. In arriving at a judgement as to the frequency of testing, a dutyholder is likely to assess the following factors:

1. The environment-equipment installed in a benign environment will suffer less damage than equipment in an arduous environment
   
2. Users-if the users report damage as and when it becomes evident, hazards will be avoided. Conversely, if equipment is likely to receive unreported abuse more frequent inspection and testing is required
   
3. The equipment construction-the safety of a class 1 appliance is dependant upon a connection with earth of the electrical installation, If the flexible cable is damaged the connection with earth can be lost. Safety of class 2 equipment is not dependent upon the fixed electrical installation
   
4. The equipment type-appliances which are hand held are more likely to be damaged than fixed appliances. If they are class 1 the risk of danger is increased as the safety is dependant upon the continuity of the protective conductor from the plug to the appliance.

All testing is carried out under the IEE’s Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment and conforms to HSE guidelines.
Before any PAT Testing commences on an appliance, our engineer will assess the close environment to make sure testing can be carried out safely and with no risk to either themselves or people working in the environment.
Inspection and Testing is carried out in several stages:

1. Preliminary Visual Inspection
   Visually checking the appliance for electrical safety or damage to the plug, fuse, wiring, cable and protective case of the appliance. Our engineer will ask themselves questions such as:
   The Flex-is it in good condition? Is it free from cuts, fraying and damage? Is it in a location where it could be damaged, is it too long, too short or in any other way unsatisfactory? Does it have inadequate joints?
   The Plug-is the flexible cable secure in it’s anchorage? Is it free from any sign of over heating? Is it free from cracks or damage?
   The Flex Outlet-is there any sign of overheating? Is it free from cracks and other damage?
   The Appliance-does it work? Does it switch on and off properly? Is it free from cracks, contamination damage to the case, or damage which could result in access to live electrical wiring or parts? Can it be used safely?
   The Users-are they satisfied that the equipment works properly? The environment-is the equipment suitable for its environment? Suitability for the job-is the equipment suitable for the work it is required to carry out?

We believe in a clear pricing structure for our PAT Testing so that the price you see will be the price that you will pay. All charges are based on the total number of items to be electrical tested.

Q) Are there any hidden charges-
No! All our prices include PAT Testing reports, labelling, certificates, out of hours & weekend service, test equipment register, travel , etc.
We can provide you with a comprehensive appliance management system that includes:
Testing carried out by a qualified technician
Minor repairs such as fuses and clamping sheathing into plugs at no extra cost.
Providing all clients with a complete log of all appliances and location to assist companies with their fixed asset management.
Causing minimal disruption with all testing carried out where the appliance is located.

When working out the number of appliances to be tested, one item is an appliance with an associated lead, whether fixed or detachable i.e. A computer monitor and its associated IEC (Kettle) lead will be charged as ONE item.

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