PAT test training

[srochford]

The only Regulation that I can find at the moment (should be doing other stuff) relates more to "higher risk" scenarios but the gist is the same:-

 

Regulation 6 of PUWER

 

 

Is that the wrong set of regulations? This document says "What equipment is covered by the Regulations?

Generally, any equipment which is used by an employee at work is covered, for example hammers, knives, ladders, drilling machines, power presses, circular saws, photocopiers, lifting equipment (including lifts), dumper trucks and motor vehicles." and it stops there. I obviously can't second guess what was in the mind of the people who drafted it, but it doesn't look like it was intended to cover IT equipment.

 

This document on the IET web site says "There are no set statutory periods for formal visual inspection and test. The maintenance regime should be appropriate to the environment and duty for which the equipment is used. Electrical testing in a low risk area (eg in an office) would be less frequent than in a harsh industrial environment"

 

It also talks about the three kinds of check - user check, formal visual inspection and combined inspection and testing. It's the last of these that's generally referred to as "portable appliance testing"; for a computer in an office it's probably only needed every 4 years (so possibly never if you have a 4 year replacement cycle).

 

What would be appropriate with new equipment is a visual inspection - is anything damaged? Are wires sticking out? Is there any charring? The whole of health and safety law is about being reasonable - it is reasonable to assume that there are no safety faults in something like a PC but it's not reasonable to assume that it couldn't have been damaged during manufacture or delivery.

[Andrew_C]

Is that the wrong set of regulations? This document says "What equipment is covered by the Regulations?

Generally, any equipment which is used by an employee at work is covered, for example hammers, knives, ladders, drilling machines, power presses, circular saws, photocopiers, lifting equipment (including lifts), dumper trucks and motor vehicles." and it stops there. I obviously can't second guess what was in the mind of the people who drafted it, but it doesn't look like it was intended to cover IT equipment.

 

You don't need to second guess. Generally, any equipment which is used by an employee at work is covered That is pretty much "all inclusive" From a stapler to a 40T truck. It DOES include IT kit.

[SpuffMonkey]

You don't need to second guess. Generally, any equipment which is used by an employee at work is covered That is pretty much "all inclusive" From a stapler to a 40T truck. It DOES include IT kit.

 

With respect - that's nonsense - the regulations were put in place to protect people using portable equipment as part of their work - like builders using power drills on site, etc.

 

Static pieces of electrical equipment were never intended to be covered, and while a visual check once in a while is a good idea - full PAT testing annually is overkill (imho), and certainly didn't identify the (several) TFT monitors that have caught fire this year...

[Andrew_C]

With respect - that's nonsense - the regulations were put in place to protect people using portable equipment as part of their work - like builders using power drills on site, etc.

 

Static pieces of electrical equipment were never intended to be covered, and while a visual check once in a while is a good idea - full PAT testing annually is overkill (imho), and certainly didn't identify the (several) TFT monitors that have caught fire this year...

Sorry, but you've missed a slight drift OT. We were specifically referring to PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation).

 

If you read the IEE code of practice on PAT, you will find a table of recommended INITIAL test frequencies. If you don't find damaged equipment, you reduce the frequency. If however several TFTs start smoking each year, then it might be sage to be doing MORE testing to identify which are likely to fail and get them repaired BEFORE your school burns down!

[farmerste]

FFS

 

why don't you simply make some stickers that say :-

 

'ONLY risk aware adults should use this device '

 

obviously you will have to do it in braille as well, and probably ensure the adhesive on the stickers conform to some other regulation ( so they don't come off ) and then ensure that correct training on how to read notices id given to everyone at work, plus a complete schedule of induction for anyone who may visit the workplace or come into contact with any equipment, so that they can identify, read and then sign some sort of indemnity before they venture forth in to this highly hazardous area. Elecrically insulating boots/gloves must be worn at all time etc.

 

Meanwhile in the real world.........

 

[Andrew_C]

FFS

why don't you simply make some stickers that say :-

 

'ONLY risk aware adults should use this device '

Because we work with teachers? Seriously though, NONE of the Elf & Safety lark would be needed IF common sense was at all common.

[enjay]

Science Tech tests the Science equipment, I test the IT equipment as needed (noting all the above about visual inspections being sufficient, etc etc), site team do everything else.

 

You don't have to test new stuff, as it is tested in production, however our previous site manager liked to test them and put a sticker on them on Day 1 so he knew for definite how old they were - he found it the most effective way to keep track of exactly which vacuum cleaner was which, and therefore when each one's test was due.

[Andrew_C]

You don't have to test new stuff, as it is tested in production,

No. It MAY just be batch tested in production, or in the case of some CE stuff, just plain illegally marked. I have commented in the other PAT thread current at the moment on 13A plugs coming in from China that are unfused, unsleeved, physically small, and with substandard cable. This is why you need to check or test before taking into service.

 

It bears repeating here; Trading Standards are taking these dangerous connectors seriously. PLEASE let them know if you find them.

[thedarxide]

It's worth taking the course purely for the information you learn. Our external company tests *everything* (they are paid per test), and they always insist on taking our server/comms racks apart to test them. I am now qualified to remind them of what the actual requirements are.... Also, I found out just how dangerous my house is and that I didn't really understand wattage/fuse ratings and proper use of extension cables.

[CyberNerd]

The course you need is City and Guilds 2377-200

 

2377-200 - Google Search

[chrbb]

Just found this thread and have a general question. If I replace a PSU on a workstation with a brand new one, should that computer have to be PAT tested before going back into circulation?

[Andrew_C]

Yes. That way you could PROVE that it was "safe" when it went into use. It maybe that the PSU will have some form of individual manufacturers test pass sticker, by which you could avoid testing.

 

There are things out there like cables that are only batch tested.

[EduTech]

Boss / Myself and Technician will be having PAT Testing Training in the next few weeks as its not that expensive and the company will come on site nice qualification to have will always come in handy hehe

 

James.

[chrbb]

Well I hope I don't have to replace a PSU then, as our office manager refuses to have an individual item pat tested, so it could be out of commission for 11 months, that'll be interesting:confused:

[EduTech]

If it is a brand new PSU then you shouldn't have to test it thats what i was told when i asked (MUST BE BRAND NEW)

 

James.

[mrforgetful]

New equipment is tested at the factory so is classed as having been tested so will have 12/36 months till next one.

[Andrew_C]

New equipment is tested at the factory so is classed as having been tested so will have 12/36 months till next one.

 

I REALLY can't be bothered any more...

[MbroTech]

... don't forget the power lead will need it's own test too.