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Did You Know?
That by Law under the Health and Safety Act 1974, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) puts the duty of care upon the employer, the self-employed and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises including customers. So this makes it a legal requirement for your portable appliance tests to be kept up to date. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to £20,000 and in some cases could carry a custodial sentence. Also your Insurance Company could refuse to pay out for any damages.
Do I Need My Portable Appliances Tested?
To comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 all portable electrical appliances should be routinely inspected and tested by a qualified person. The regulations apply equally to small companies and the self-employed as to the larger organisations. PAT Testing should be carried out if any appliances are used by any employees, and where the public may be in contact with appliances in establishments such as: pubs, offices, factories, hotels, B&B’s, hairdressers, shops etc. Here are a few examples of portable appliances: Kettles, lamps, radio, T.V. toasters, I.T. equipment, food mixers, heaters, fans, hairdryers, straighteners, tongues, grinders, drills, tills, welders, sewing machines etc.
PAT Test Reasons:
There are many practical, moral and legal reasons why you should have your appliances tested. Listed below are a few of the more obvious ones:
1. Electricity can KILL!!! Each year about 1000 accidents at work involving electric are reported to the Health and Safety Executive. Approx 30 of these accidents are FATAL.
Even non-fatal shocks can cause severe permanent injury. Shocks from faulty equipment may lead to falls from ladders, scaffolds and other work platforms. Those using electricity may not be the only ones at risk: Faulty electrical appliances can lead to fires which may also cause death or injury to others. Most of these accidents can be avoided by careful planning and straight forward precautions.
2. Faulty electrical appliances and leads are the main cause of accidental fires representing a quarter of all such fires.
3. It is your responsibility as an employer to provide a safe working environment.
4. The majority of Insurance Companies now make a stipulation of your insurance terms and conditions.
Your local Fire Officer will insist on seeing an up to date list of your companies testing policy, with this in mind, we strongly recommend that ALL electrical appliances and leads are tested regulary.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires every employer to ensure that work equipment is suitable for the purpose for which it is provided, only used in the place and under the provisions for which it is provided. It also requires every employer to ensure work equipment be efficiently maintained and kept fit and suitable for its intended purpose. It must not be allowed to deteriorate in function or performance to such a level it puts people at risk. This means that regular, routine and planned maintenance regimes must be considered if hazardous problems can arise.
That by Law under the Health and Safety Act 1974, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) puts the duty of care upon the employer, the self-employed and the employee to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises including customers. So this makes it a legal requirement for your portable appliance tests to be kept up to date. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to £20,000 and in some cases could carry a custodial sentence. Also your Insurance Company could refuse to pay out for any damages.
Do I Need My Portable Appliances Tested?
To comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 all portable electrical appliances should be routinely inspected and tested by a qualified person. The regulations apply equally to small companies and the self-employed as to the larger organisations. PAT Testing should be carried out if any appliances are used by any employees, and where the public may be in contact with appliances in establishments such as: pubs, offices, factories, hotels, B&B’s, hairdressers, shops etc. Here are a few examples of portable appliances: Kettles, lamps, radio, T.V. toasters, I.T. equipment, food mixers, heaters, fans, hairdryers, straighteners, tongues, grinders, drills, tills, welders, sewing machines etc.
PAT Test Reasons:
There are many practical, moral and legal reasons why you should have your appliances tested. Listed below are a few of the more obvious ones:
1. Electricity can KILL!!! Each year about 1000 accidents at work involving electric are reported to the Health and Safety Executive. Approx 30 of these accidents are FATAL.
Even non-fatal shocks can cause severe permanent injury. Shocks from faulty equipment may lead to falls from ladders, scaffolds and other work platforms. Those using electricity may not be the only ones at risk: Faulty electrical appliances can lead to fires which may also cause death or injury to others. Most of these accidents can be avoided by careful planning and straight forward precautions.
2. Faulty electrical appliances and leads are the main cause of accidental fires representing a quarter of all such fires.
3. It is your responsibility as an employer to provide a safe working environment.
4. The majority of Insurance Companies now make a stipulation of your insurance terms and conditions.
Your local Fire Officer will insist on seeing an up to date list of your companies testing policy, with this in mind, we strongly recommend that ALL electrical appliances and leads are tested regulary.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires every employer to ensure that work equipment is suitable for the purpose for which it is provided, only used in the place and under the provisions for which it is provided. It also requires every employer to ensure work equipment be efficiently maintained and kept fit and suitable for its intended purpose. It must not be allowed to deteriorate in function or performance to such a level it puts people at risk. This means that regular, routine and planned maintenance regimes must be considered if hazardous problems can arise.