Portable Appliance Maintenance Advantages And Maintenance Options
Portable appliance testing, also called PAT, is an important step in inspecting appliances. It is also an important part of training when employees must work with portable appliances. It is the Electricity at Work Regulations introduced in 1989 that states that employers with portable appliances may require employees to attend health and safety classes so that they can learn proper appliance management and the regulations surrounding it.
However, when the equipment needs to have inspection and maintenance that goes beyond the basics, an outsourced technician may be needed. There are some companies that do have trained individuals within the company that can take care of more advanced tasks to make sure the equipment is functioning correctly.
While an outsourced technician may take care of the maintenance and the tests, employees must be aware of the basics. Knowledge of potential hazards are necessary to ensure the safety of all who come into contact with the equipment. Problems can be identified before they occur. There are also warning signs such as frayed or loose wiring. Knowing these signs can allow an employee to contact the proper member of the staff and have it rectified as soon as possible.
Having a steady testing and maintenance schedule means that potential problems can be taken care of before they become problems. Injuries can also be prevented amongst employees, as well as injuries involving any customers or visitors. The property itself is also protected due to a reduced risk of electrical fires. There is statistical proof that many accidents could have been reported with proper testing and maintenance.
It is ideal that employees are trained on the basics of PAT, while some can be trained on more complicated issues that come about so that those issues can be taken care of quickly. There are some cases in which an issue cannot wait for an off-site specialist to arrive, so it is good to have trained personnel on site. With trained personnel on site, scheduled testing can take place to avoid emergency issues.
Trained personnel is also important in that the employer is required by the Electricity at Work Regulations to take responsibility for the maintenance of their systems. This means either having trained staff or having an outsourced professional on call to take are of problems and to come and test appliances on a regular basis. Also, the types of tests conducted depend upon frequency of use as well.
For instance, a high frequency of use is going to result in an increased chance of the appliance faulting. One that is not used often, however, can still fall victim to dirt and dust. Even cleaning supplies when cleaning around the appliances can cause issues. That is why tests are necessary even when use is infrequent. Unique issues arise based upon how often the appliance is used.
It is simple to see the importance of portable appliance testing. It is through portable appliance testing that employees, customers and visitors are kept safe when in the presence of the appliances. The appliance itself, as well as surrounding property, is protected as well.
Portable appliance testing standards have been implemented to protect employees utilizing such equipment from malfunctions causing safety hazards. PAT testing can be done in house or by qualified technicians from a outsourced business.
Processing your request, Please wait....
