Ensuring Safety: The Ins and Outs of PAT Testing

What Are The Risks?

The main hazards of working with electricity are:

• Electric shock
• Burns caused by coming into contact with live parts
• Injury from exposure to arcing
• Fire caused by malfunctioning electrical infrastructure or equipment
• Explosions brought on by electrical equipment that isn’t properly maintained or by static electricity that ignites dust, vapour, or combustible objects.

Other injuries, such as falls from a ladder or scaffolding, can also result from electric shocks.

Additionally, improperly designed or obstructed leads, cables, and wires might pose a risk; however, they are typically classified as general workplace health and safety issues rather than electrical difficulties. Nonetheless, cables and wires that seem to be in a dangerous or perilous location should always be reported.

In-service Inspection and Testing Procedures

In-service inspection and testing should be done on a regular basis after a certain amount of use has passed or after an equipment has recently been returned from repair.

Please take note that new equipment typically doesn’t require it because the producers will have previously carried out these inspections. Checking for any obvious damage that might have happened during transit, nevertheless, might be worthwhile.

A mark or brand on the equipment and information in the written instructions that come with it usually serve as proof that this legally mandated testing has been completed. If this is absent, the product might be a fake, and further research is necessary.

Updated CE and UKCA Marking Regulations

Before the Brexit agreements forced the UK to quit the EU, every electrical product sold in the country had to bear the “CE” label.

The CE stamp will be replaced by the new mark UKCA (“UK Conformity Assessed”) as of January 1, 2021.

Businesses have been given a 12-month window to make the necessary adjustments, meaning that a single CE mark will remain legally valid until December 31, 2021.

Products with the CE mark will no longer be allowed for sale in the UK as of January 1, 2022, at midnight, unless they additionally have the UKCA mark and certification.

This procedure can be performed in three different ways, according to the circumstance:

1. User Check: Personnel familiar with the equipment perform external examinations, focusing on plugs, wiring, and connections. Any defects are reported and recorded, and unsuitable equipment is removed.
2. Formal Visual Inspection: Competent employees conduct user checks and delve deeper into internal components, possibly requiring partial dismantling. Any failed parts result in the appliance being removed and a formal report submitted.
3. Combined Inspection & Testing: A comprehensive inspection is conducted, including both external and internal checks, followed by full testing of functionality and electrical connections. This ensures immediate safety and usability. Additionally, the operative ensures accurate labelling and usage records.

In all cases, any identified defects will be recorded and reported, and the equipment will be decommissioned from use, with the duty holder duly informed.

Setting Up for Appliance Testing

There are two approaches that organisations can use to guarantee that their active equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.

• Hire a professional or business that will handle all aspects of the inspection and testing, providing a report with the findings.
• Provide “in-house” staff with the necessary training to conduct the inspection and testing, making sure that their proficiency meets the requirements outlined in the EAWR (Electricity At Work Regulations 1989 UK).
• In both situations, the individual working needs to be considered “competent,” able to produce outcomes that meet expectations, and able to function at any level within the organisational structure.

The person who is considered “competent” for this position will be referred to as the Duty Holder, and they will be in charge of adhering to the established procedure for keeping the organisation’s records and safety procedures up to date.

This will include:

• Maintaining an inventory of all the equipment that has been tested and needs to be tested, as well as making sure it is maintained current
• Getting input from coworkers and users to ensure that the equipment is tested promptly and within the allotted time frames
• Implementing a process that enables users to identify and report any problems or faults as soon as they arise

Legislation

Although PAT testing is not now mandated by law, the government has created regulations that control how electrical equipment are maintained. Employers can comply with these rules most effectively by using portable appliance testing.

Insurance companies also require compliance to properly validate their policies, and the HSE requires you to execute PAT to make sure you are in conformity with the relevant legislation.

Several published regulations that have been implemented are:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) 
•  The Management of the Health & Safety at Work Act Regulations 1999
• The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWR)

The Long-Term Safety of Appliances

While establishing the equipment’s immediate safety is crucial, it’s also critical to discover, to the extent feasible, whether it will continue to be safe under typical operating conditions—that is, until the next test date. To provide wise counsel in this case, the test subject’s competency is crucial.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA)

Employers are required by the HSWA to protect “the health, safety, and welfare of persons at work,” as well as any other individuals connected to work-related activities.

Employers are required by the Act “to provide and maintain plants and systems of work that are, to the extent that is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health.”

The HSWA also requires self-employed individuals or employers to protect the health and safety of people who are “not in his employment” when on company property.

All employers, independent contractors, and groups with publically accessible locations are required to make sure that everyone who uses or works on their property is kept safe.

The Management of The Health and Safety at Work Act Regulations 1999

These additional regulations mean that employers have to effectively implement the HSWA in their workplaces. In doing so, each and every employer is obliged to carry out a risk assessment to ensure that no person is in danger, and to perform these assessments at reasonable and regular intervals.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

These additional regulations mean that employers have to effectively implement the HSWA in their workplaces. In doing so, each and every employer is obliged to carry out a risk assessment to ensure that no person is in danger, and to perform these assessments at reasonable and regular intervals.Workplace machinery and equipment must be appropriate for the task or tasks for which they are designed.

It is the employees’ obligation. In order to be certain, employers are required by the HSE to: “ensure that work equipment is so constructed or adapted as to be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided.”

Employers are also required by these requirements to conduct risk assessments. It is the express responsibility of employers to take these steps to protect both their workers and any guests who may visit their facilities.

These regulations mean that:

• Work equipment needs to be kept in good operating condition and in an efficient state.
• Updating maintenance logs is required.
• Whether it is new or has been installed in the past, work equipment needs to be inspected both after installation and before usage.
• When assembling work equipment at a new site, it must also be inspected.
• It is important to verify equipment that has been relocated to make sure it was constructed correctly and did not sustain any damage during transportation.
• It is necessary to inspect work equipment that is “subject to deterioration” at appropriate intervals.

Regulations apply when “exceptional circumstances jeopardise work equipment safety.” Electrical equipment requires regular inspection and testing for safety. 

Additional checks are necessary if fire or water damage is possible. Inspections must be done by a Competent Person with appropriate skills and qualifications.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWR)

The Electrical Workplace Regulations (EWRs) are vital for in-service electrical equipment inspections and tests.

They say that: “All systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable,… danger,” and also state electrical equipment must be “maintained in a condition suitable for the use.”

Moreover, these regulations require employers to ensure regular inspection and repair of electrical equipment to maintain safety.

There are two important definitions in the EWR:

• Electrical System – Anything that generates, stores, transmits, or uses electrical energy, whether it’s a power station or a phone battery, carries the risk of explosion if heated, potentially causing burns.
• Duty Holder – Duty holders, whether employers, employees, or self-employed individuals, are obligated by law to ensure the safety of electrical systems they control. This includes design, installation, and maintenance. 

While the EWR regulations don’t explicitly mention Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and inspection, they mandate that electrical systems must be ‘maintained’ in a safe condition. Inspection and testing are implicit requirements to determine maintenance needs

Legal Measures

Any of the aforementioned restrictions that are broken can result in fines of up to £5,000 and/or six months in jail. These fines have occasionally exceeded £20,000, and offences tried in Crown Court are punishable by more than two years in prison and indefinite financial penalties.

Even while PAT testing in and of itself is not required by law, it is nevertheless advisable to make sure you abide by all rules.

In addition, the legislation requires all employers, including independent contractors, to ensure that all electrical equipment used for work is kept up to date and safe. As a result, PAT testing should be carried out as needed and is a crucial component of an employer’s health and safety policy.

What Is A Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is a thoughtful analysis of the possible risks that could exist at your place of employment in order to ascertain what steps can be taken to ensure safety and prevent harm.

Employers are required by law to conduct risk assessments, and using the findings to implement a risk-control strategy is mandatory.

Risk assessments are carried out under four main precisely defined criteria:

• Reasonably practicable: the evaluation needs to be feasible and reasonable given the resources at hand.
• Appropriate and sufficient: it needs to be comprehensive and customised to the tasks carried out in the workplace.
• Conducted by a Qualified Individual possessing the required education, expertise, and experience
• A hierarchy of controls: a methodical sequence in which the required controls ought to be put in place

Factors to Consider During A Risk Assessment

• Whether the equipment is Class 0, I or II
• Whether it is handheld or not – such equipment has a greater chance of producing an electric shock
• Its condition or age
• Is the workplace wet, dusty or at a height?
•  What are the equipment’s voltages and currents? 
• The condition of its cables and leads
• How often is it used?
• Does the equipment have any modifications or repairs? 
• Is it vulnerable to misuse?
• What is its history of repair, maintenance, inspection and testing?

The main stages of a risk assessment are:

1. Recognising the risks
2. Ascertaining who and how harm might occur
3. Evaluating the dangers and selecting preventative actions
4. Documenting your discoveries
5. Putting the required controls in place, then keeping an eye on their efficacy and modifying as needed

Performing A Risk Assessment

Step 1: Identifying The Hazards

This can take the form of several steps:

Observation: Walk around during work hours to spot risks.

Feedback: Ask employees about any safety concerns.

Checking instructions: Compare equipment usage with manufacturer guidelines.

Reviewing accident records: Identify common areas of harm.

Step 2: Identifying Who Might Be Harmed And How

Each specific hazard or potential hazard must be analysed for its potential danger to particular people.

Such dangers might include:

• Employees that work with or near certain types of equipment
• Visitors
• Customers
• Passers-by

Some people have particular needs that might put them at greater risk, including:

• Children
• Pregnant women and new mothers 
• Disabled people
• Part-time workers
• Temporary workers and subcontractors
• People present on their own
• Night workers
• Workers dealing directly with the public

Step 3: Risk Evaluation

Risks should be ideally eliminated, or at least reduced, in the workplace.

Ways of doing this include:

• Trying less risky ways of performing tasks 
• Removing a hazard from the workplace
• Reorganising work to avoid potential danger 
• Training staff
• Making sure precautions work in reality and don’t introduce new dangers
• Issuing PPE (keep in mind that this is a last-resort action used after risk management strategies have been exhausted).

HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS

1. ELIMINATION
2. SUBSTITUTION
3. ENGINEERING CONTROLS
4. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
5. PPE

Here are the steps involved in the hierarchy of control:

• Elimination – removing the hazard completely 
• Substitution – control the hazard by replacing it with a less risky object or process
• Isolation – separate the hazard from any people present or likely to be present
• Engineering – apply engineering controls to reduce any residual risk; for instance, redesign a machine with additional safety features (which isn’t necessarily suitable in a non-manufacturing setting).
• Administration – use administrative controls such as signs or job rotation to lessen the risk
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – mandate that your workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such masks, earplugs, goggles, gloves, coveralls, or “hi-vis” vests; PPE must be provided by the employer and should only be used as a last option to control dangers.

Step 4: Recording Your Findings

It is strongly advised that all employers document all of the results of their risk assessments, even though businesses with fewer than five employees are not required to do so by law.

Records are essential to prove that:

• You’ve completed a comprehensive evaluation.
• You’ve thought about which employees might be in danger. 
• You have encountered serious risks.
• Any apparent risks have been appropriately addressed by the precautions implemented.
• You’ve consulted employees or their representatives when making choices.

Records of risk assessments assist you in maintaining your health and safety documentation and serve as legal proof of your due diligence in the event of a legal dispute.

Step 5: Implementing The Necessary Controls

It is important to periodically review your records and do a new risk assessment if there have been any changes in the workplace.

Such changes might include:

• The installation of new technology or apparatus 
• Opening of new location
• The initial risk evaluation needs to be improved further.
• Reactions to employee input
• Knowledge gained from prior mishaps or near-misses 
• New hires require instruction

The Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

The recently updated Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (4th edition, 2012) provides us with the latest guidance for complying with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

We may find the most up-to-date instructions for adhering to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 in the recently revised Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (4th edition, 2012).

If you’d like additional information, visit www.hse.gov.uk to find HSE’s Guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

Reducing Risks: Fire Safety

Fire cannot start without its three essential ingredients:

• A source of ignition – for example, matches, a naked flame, sparks, lit cigarettes, glass concentrating sunlight or electric heaters.
• A source of fuel – for example, paper, wood, plastic, waste materials, rubber, foam and furniture.
• A source of oxygen – generally the air around us.

What Must You Do to Ensure Fire Safety?

It is mandatory for enterprises, employers, building owners, and tenants to conduct and maintain fire safety risk assessments on a regular basis.

These can be completed in a manner comparable to and under the broad risk assessments conducted during the business’s regular operations.

Following the completion of the risk assessment, the employer is required to make sure that suitable fire safety protocols and measures are implemented in order to prevent harm to individuals, fatalities, and property and work destruction due to fire.

Performing The Fire Safety Risk Assessment

The risk assessment should identify potential sources of fire risk at your place of employment. Consider what might start a fire there as well as any products or chemicals that are stored or contained that could catch fire. Who is going to be in danger?

You must take the necessary steps to regulate these issues after you have carefully recognised them. Is it possible to eradicate them completely as a preventive measure? If not, how can the risk be managed and the quantity decreased? How can you keep everyone safe from a fire at work?

Emergency Procedures

Plans and procedures for handling crises are essential for each business. These should include everything from first aid and major injuries to explosions, floods, poisoning, electrocution, radioactivity, chemical spills, and, most importantly, fire.

The less serious the repercussions, the faster and more effective any action performed can be.

Therefore, people are most likely to respond predictably and reliably if they:

• possess expertise and training
• have participated in sufficient and frequent training sessions and exercises
• possess a thorough understanding of and experience with plans, procedures, and duties

You must have an emergency plan in place that outlines all the essential steps to take in the event of a severe accident or incident at your place of business that puts workers, guests, customers, emergency services, rescuers, or the general public at danger of serious injury or worse. 

You must ensure that such procedures are coordinated if your workspace is shared with other businesses or employers.

Electrical Units

Current

Current is the rate at which electrons flow past a point in a complete electrical circuit. At its most basic, current = flow.

Voltage

Voltage is the pressure from an electrical circuit’s power source that pushes charged electrons (current) through a conducting loop, enabling them to do work such as illuminating a light

Resistance 

Resistance is a measure of the opposition to current flow in an electrical circuit. Resistance is measured in ohms, symbolized by the Greek letter omega (Ω).

Ohm’s law

Ohm’s law may be expressed mathematically as V/I = R. That the resistance, or the ratio of voltage to current, for all or part of an electric circuit at a fixed temperature is generally constant had been established by 1827 as a result of the investigations of the German physicist Georg Simon Ohm.

Power 

We can define power as the rate of doing work, it is the work done in unit time. The SI unit of power is Watt (W) which is joules per second (J/s). Sometimes the power of motor vehicles and other machines is given in terms of Horsepower (hp), which is approximately equal to 745.7 watts.

Frequency

The term frequency refers to the number of waves that pass a fixed point in unit time. It also describes the number of cycles or vibrations undergone during one unit of time by a body in periodic motion.

Inspecting Equipment

Before any testing is conducted, inspection is a must since it can identify major flaws or damage that the testing procedure could miss.

Two types of inspection are required:

• Pre-use checks
• Visual inspections

Pre-use Checks

According to the Electricity at Work Regulations, every employee must be competent to use electrical appliances and equipment safely. Therefore, before using any electrical equipment, they must have at least rudimentary training or instructions in its inspection. This is often a quick instruction that is founded in common sense.

However, a set system of pre-use checks should be established. A typical routine should be along the following lines:

1. Inspect for damage like cracks.
2. Check cables for wear or holes.
3. Ensure cable coverings are secure.
4. Look for signs of overheating.
5. Verify the inspection label for validity.
6. Confirm suitability for the work environment.

Once all these checks have been performed, and the equipment is deemed satisfactory, check that it is working properly.

Visual Inspections

Before using electrical equipment or moving it to a new site, users should perform a “simple visual inspection” to make sure there are no signs of damage or interference. A check like this can identify most possible issues.

Plugs, sockets, and extension leads should also be inspected during these procedures. The following are possible risks associated with leads and cables:

• Trip hazards in areas where rugs or carpets cover cables 
• Placement of large, sharp-edged furniture or equipment on top of wires, leads, or connections

Either of these may result in harm to the cable’s internal wiring or exterior insulation.

Inspecting the Electrical Equipment in Use

Check the cable for damage. Ask yourself:

• Is the cable too long or too short?
• Is the appliance’s power supply cable the right size? 
• Is the plug damaged? 
• Does it show signs of overheating or burn marks?
• Is the fuse in the plug the correct size?
• Are the contacts for the fuse secure?
• When replacing a damaged plug, make sure the new one has sleeved live pins.

Testing Instruments

When testing electrical equipment, PAT testers ensure compliance with safety standards. Test probes and leads verify voltage from the main source, while adaptors aid in testing various equipment. 

All instruments must meet British Safety Standards and manufacturer approval. Proper training and adherence to safety protocols are essential for personnel handling test equipment.

Equipment Testing Instruments

Dedicated PAT testers should perform continuity tests of 20mA+, insulation tests of 500V DC, and RCD testing. Results are usually displayed as Pass/Fail or numeric values.

Instruments for RCD Test

RCD testing instruments should encompass a wide range of settings to verify correct operation. Key tests include ensuring operation within 40 ms at five times rated current with no load, typically resulting in a simple pass or fail indication. Additionally, equipment with an RCD button must undergo testing.

Frequency of In-service Inspection and Testing

Risk Assessments

• In law, assessing equipment risks falls on the Duty Holder, who must appoint a competent person to do it.
• A Risk Assessment is a methodical approach to evaluating potential risks associated with using equipment or appliances. It helps identify potential hazards before they occur, ensuring safety during activities.
• Ensure risk assessment covers potential harm to users and bystanders, implementing precautions to prevent injuries.

Inspections

Visual inspections are crucial for identifying equipment issues promptly. They offer immediate insights, especially concerning wear and tear on plugs and cabling. Depending on factors like usage and environment, regular visual checks might suffice. For instance, in low-risk areas like communal kitchens, a simple visual inspection could be all that’s needed for Class II equipment such as kettles.

The frequency of inspections can also be influenced by the user’s ability to disconnect or isolate the equipment. It’s important to note that visual inspections can uncover faults not detectable through electrical testing, such as cracked casings or frayed cables. These quick checks play a vital role in ensuring equipment safety and longevity.

Defined Risk Environments

In well-organised environments like offices or hospitality venues, risks and equipment usage are typically documented. Guidance on testing and inspection can be sought from the HSE. 

After initial inspection, adjustments may be needed. Risk assessments should evolve with time and changes in equipment usage. For instance, vending machines may require less frequent checks if usage is low, but this should be reassessed if foot traffic increases.

The Protective Conductor Continuity Test

The main goals of this test are to confirm that the earthing and the protective conductor are connected properly and that the protective conductor is operating as intended. It ought to be transported on machinery that is itself protected by earthing.

One of the following two test kinds ought to be administered:

1. Low Current Test: This is a continuity test with a short-circuit test range of 20 to 200 mA.
2. High Current Test: In order to determine continuity, this test uses a short-circuit test current that can reach up to 25 A without going above that limit.

The earthed metal portion of the apparatus and the plug’s earth pin should be tested in both cases.

The Insulation Resistance Test

An Insulation Resistance test is typically instigated by applying 500V DC across the live conductors and the Protective Conductor. Next, the resistance is measured to get the predicted value. It is recommended that testers measure the Productive Conductor and touch current, or use a voltage of 250V DC, as this voltage level might not be suitable for some delicate equipment.

To test ‘polyphase’ equipment, live wires are linked together and an adaptor is utilised to enable instruments to evaluate the equipment. Using a specific test instrument on a dedicated test socket is the best method to guarantee accurate readings. Before restoring equipment to operation, testers have to make sure that all connectors and adaptors have been removed.

Protective Conductor and Touch Current Measurements

A Touch and Protective Conductor In addition to an insulation test on the equipment, a current test might be suitable.

These tests, which call for specific circumstances and specialised test circuits, were originally derived from manufacturing compliance procedures. Measuring the flow in either the live conductors or the protective conductors is one way to complete the process. 

The manufacturer’s instructions and other variables will determine the outcome.The manufacturer themselves will probably provide appropriate results.

Ring Final Circuit Test

The aim of this test is to verify that all of the outlets have the proper polarity and that the cables form a complete ring without any extraneous connections.

In addition, the test will measure the combined resistance of the earth and live conductors (R1+R2) and detect any potential spurs on the ring.

A standard Ring Circuit should be wired using a 1.5 mm2 CPC (Circuit Protective Conductor), and a 2.5 mm2 phase conductor. With a 30/32 amp overcurrent protection device, this is an A1 ring.

Polarity Test

To make sure that all single pole devices—such as fuses, switches, and circuit breakers—are connected in the phase conductor alone, a polarity test is initiated. During testing, it’s important to verify the connection condition of accessories (such as cooking units).

A consumer unit or distribution board that is the subject of the work should be securely isolated.

The measurements can be started during the same testing period as a CPC continuity check and should be taken using a low-resistance OhmMeter.

Earth Electrode Testing

Testing using earth loop impedance ensures that, in the event of an electrical installation malfunction, there will be sufficient current to run a fuse or circuit breaker, safeguarding the compromised circuit.

A specialised test instrument can be used to measure the resistance of an earth electrode in the majority of installations. Many different kinds of systems where high resistance values are expected can safely use it.

Prospective Fault Current Test

The maximum current that can flow between a phase and a neutral or between phase conductors is known as a prospective short circuit current. The maximum amount of current that can pass between live conductors and the earth is known as a prospective earth fault current. An installation’s prospective fault current will be determined by which of these numbers is the biggest.

Earth Electrode testing is typically conducted in conjunction with testing, and the results are measured and documented in kA (kilo Amps).

The testing is usually discovered by measuring, calculating, or consulting the supplier (who will provide you with the maximum PFC). It is administered between the phase and the neutral.

Functional Checks

Functional tests verify that the equipment is capable of operating; switches, isolators, and circuit breakers are the main focus of these tests. Together, these need to be inspected to make sure everything has been placed correctly and to make any necessary adjustments for optimal performance.

A residual current device, or RCD tester, is typically used for this type of testing. The duration required for an RCD to “interrupt” a current flow is measured, and a final result expressed in milliseconds or seconds is provided.

Several types of RCD may be encountered:

• Voltage Operated – Also known as Voltage Operated Earth
• Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs)
• BS 4293 General Device
• BS 4293 Type S
• BS EN 61008-1
• BS 7288
• BS EN 61009-1
• BS EN 61008 Type S

Certain RCDs (like ELCBs) are no longer in use and don’t adhere to the most recent BS guidelines. They don’t perform functional testing because, if discovered in a system, they ought to be changed.

Substitute Leakage Test

The Substitute Leakage test measures leakage current in earth conductors using low AC voltage to reduce electric shocks and avoid equipment operation. It delivers the worst leakage current at the highest operative voltage limit. 

Class I equipment uses phase conductors and 40V test voltage, while Class II equipment uses a probe and probe connected to the appliance. True voltage is measured, determining earth leakage current and technical issues.

Load Test

This process, which is sometimes referred to as the Operational or VA (Volts/Ampere) Test, measures the amount of energy that appliances or running equipment consume. Since the maximum VA Load provides a reliable indicator of an appliance’s efficiency level, this is frequently used to represent it.

It is important to remember that most appliances have a load VA limit when conducting tests. A load test conducted by a PAT tester will ascertain the equipment’s current VA rating and whether the assets are operating as intended.

Any upcoming or immediate problems, such as a worn belt on a washing machine, that will immediately impact a VA rating will usually be highlighted.

Flash Testing

Appliance leakage current is measured via flash testing, which use high voltage test levels (2500V to 3000V) to do this. Because it might damage equipment, it is usually reserved for use on “in-service” components and only applied following repair or during stress/safety testing.

Test Equipment

The appropriate equipment must be utilised for the appropriate electrical circuits and under the appropriate circumstances.

Because of this, certain electricians may prefer specialised tests, while others may employ multipurpose devices.

As long as the option is fully safe for its intended use and conforms with BS Standards, there is no problem. The most widely used testing apparatus will be shown on the slides that follow.

• Minimal Resistance OhmMeter: This device measures resistance and confirms that wires are continuous.
• Insulation Resistance Tester (High Resistance Tester): This device assesses the resistance to insulation between ground and live conductors.
• Earth Fault Loop Impedance Tester: This device measures the earth fault loop path’s resistance and current flow. 
• The Prospective Short Circuit Current Test Instrument is designed to measure the current that will flow in the event of an active short circuit between two live conductors.
• Earth Electrode Resistance Tester: Determines the precise earth electrode resistance readings in apparatus.
• Residual Current Device Tester: Determines how long it takes an RCD to trip
• Phase Rotation – Verifies the 3-phase supplies’ phase rotation

Every gadget needs to be calibrated accurately and on a frequent basis.

Testing Transformers

To ensure safety, different types of standalone transformers should be checked on a regular basis.

Step Up or Down Double Wound – The presence of high resistance should be verified using an ohmmeter with a low value. Between the linked ends and ground, an insulation resistance measure set to 500V DC should be utilised. Anything less than 0.5 M2 of insulation should raise red flags.

Isolation – Tests ought to be conducted using the same procedures and tools as the Down Double Wound transformation. The recommended insulation resistance remains at 0.5 MQ..

Separated Extra Low Voltage (SELV) – The insulating resistance should vary even though the tests should be carried out in accordance with the Step Up or Down transformers. Insulation resistance should be 0.25 MQ, and the test voltage should be 250 V DC. The insulation resistance should be between 0.5 MO and 5 MQ, and the test voltage should be raised to 0.5V between the windings.

Testing a 3 Phase Induction device

The operation and safety of these gadgets, particularly induction motors, should be routinely examined.

Every moving part (fan, rotor, etc.) should be able to move freely and not have any debris accumulated. An overload may be indicated by a burnt-like smell coming from the windings or varnish.

Since the three-phase motors consist of three independent windings, there are six terminals (W1, W2, U1, U2, V1, V2). Each winding’s resistance should be evaluated appropriately; if the insulating resistance is two MQ or above, the motor is fine, and the rotor should also undergo directional testing.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)

Under RIDDOR, it is legally required to document accidents and other risky events (such as illness and injury).

Anyone who is in control of workers and premises has to keep records and report:

• ‘Near miss’ incidents
• Serious injuries
• Diagnosed industrial diseases
• Work-related deaths

Anybody who has experienced an injury or accident at work that necessitates more than seven calendar days away from work is required by RIDDOR to file a report.

You should notify your manager, employer, line manager, or supervisor right once if you are involved in an accident or are injured at work.

Any injuries requiring hospitalisation that happen to someone and are related to their job must also be reported to RIDDOR.

Damaged or Faulty Equipment

When equipment is found faulty during an inspection, it must be promptly taken out of service. The Duty Holder should assess the reason for the failure to determine if it’s suitable for its intended use. This assessment is crucial as the same issue could reoccur if the equipment is put back into operation without proper attention.

It’s a good opportunity to review existing equipment and its suitability for the current work environment.

Labelling the equipment as “failed” is essential, making it easily noticeable from all angles. This prevents confusion and ensures it won’t be mistakenly returned to operation.

Documentation of the equipment’s removal should be detailed on the official register, aiding future replacements and maintenance schedules.

User Responsibilities

As users of equipment, individuals share responsibility for ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. This means they must promptly report any issues they notice and assist in maintenance efforts. To fulfil this responsibility effectively, users should be familiar with procedures outlined by duty holders or their line management.

To support this set of responsibilities for the user, they should be aware of the following procedures by the Duty Holder or their line management.

They should be encouraged to;

• Perform routine user audits, including for functional and visual aspects.
• Ensure that defective equipment is taken out of service and properly marked.
• Document and report the causes of equipment malfunctions.
• Determine if the equipment is appropriate for its current use and the cause of an inspection failure by consulting with the duty holder.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PAT testing stands as a critical component of ensuring electrical safety in various environments, from workplaces to public spaces and homes. By regularly inspecting and testing electrical appliances, businesses and individuals can mitigate the risk of electrical accidents, fires, and injuries.

Compliance with PAT testing regulations not only promotes safety but also fosters trust among stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a secure environment.