test-talk-banner

Question:

How often should I carry out PAT Testing?

Answer:

The underlying principle for frequency of testing is that the duty holder (i.e. the person with the equipment "within his control") with the advice of the competent test person when necessary must assess the need for testing the equipment against the following factors:

one-thumb

Type of equipment (portable, hand held, moveable, sationary, IT or fixed)

one-thumb

Style of use (continuous, infrequent, rough)

one-thumb

Age of the equipment

one-thumb

If regularly moved or transported and by what means

one-thumb

Type and competence of personnel using the equipment

one-thumb

Environment of usage (outdoors, construction sites, hazardous atmospheres etc).

one-thumb

Results of previous tests

one-thumb

Manufacturer's recommendations

one-thumb

Effect of any modifications or repairs to the equipment

one-thumb

The equipment construction ie. Class I earthed or Class II double insulated.

By carrying out a risk assessment using the factors above then a final decision can be made on the frequency of tests or inspections required. For example, a power tool used on a construction site should be examined more frequently than a computer in a office.