SUSIT

Well, thanks for all your comments. However, returning to the original point - there are two of us in the IT Dept. We are responsible for over 500 laptops/PCs between us plus 6 servers, many dozens of printers and data projectors, smartphones, video editing, graphics work, music technology, creation and maintenance of the website...I could go on. In short, we are very busy yet we are being forced into taking on PAT testing as well. Argue as we might, due to general ignorance of management regarding IT and technical issues, we are getting nowhere.

Well, I think you misunderstand. As an IT Dept we certainly did put PCs, printers and data projectors into service and we insured they were safe. However, no way did we put kettles, power tools, TVs, CCTV cameras etc. into servivce. The problems our IT Dept suffers from (as I'm sure others do) is that if an item bears even the slightest connection with computers (ie. plugs into a mains socket) then it's deemed our responsibility. It's a little like expecting our languages teacher, who teaches Spanish and French, to be expected to teach Chinese, Welsh and any other known language as well.

We, (the IT Dept) have just been informed that it is our responsibility to carry out PAT Testing. A few facts: There are 4000+ (estimate) items to be tested. We haven't the time. We haven't had (nor desire) any training. There is no mention of extra pay for this job. A few questions: What has the testing of kettles/microscopes/TVs etc got to do with the IT Dept? If an electrical item fails after testing, who is responsible? In the past PAT testing has been carried out by an external agency but in the current economic climate I guess that our school is on a money-saving excercise. When the outside agency did the testing they required that all testable items be laid out in an easy to access manner and were listed. However, I gather that this would not now go down well with all departments and the smooth running of the school; therefore I forsee that the job would entail crawling around under desks and benches etc. I have heard on the grapevine that it is bad practice for testing to be carried out internally since it's too easy to cheat and simply apply stickers without testing. Has any thoughts and/or advice on this?