Recommended frequency of testing

The underlying principal for frequency of testing is that the duty holder (i.e. the person responsible for health and safety) when necessary must assess the need for testing the equipment against the following:

Type of equipment (portable, hand-held or transportable).
Style of use (continuous, infrequent, rough).
Age of the equipment.
If regularly moved or transported and by what means.
Type and competence of personnel using the equipment.
Environment of usage (outdoors, construction sites, hazardous atmospheres etc).
Results of previous tests.
Manufacturer's recommendations.
Effect of any modifications or repairs to the equipment.

Re-test frequency can be as long as 4 years and as little as 3 months and sometimes before use (hire equipment) the overwhelming majority of business's and organisations base there test regime on an annual test (depending on equipment requirements) as the most practical and safe approach to there testing program.

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Having your pat testing done on an anual basis not only proves due dilligents but also shows positive active measures towards Health and Safety. Insurance companies premiums can actually be lowered if this is implimented on an anual basis.

Equipment Clasifications

Class 1 equipment is dependant on an earth connection for its safety eg: toaster.

Class 2 equipment has no earth connection and relies on insulating materials for its safety commonly known as double insulated.eg of hair dryer. It can normally be identified by a square with-in a square symbol.

Class 3 equipment relies on a reduced voltage to protect eg: mobile phone charger.

Verification of equipment and environment, combined with the type of user will give an indication of how often equipment should be visually inspected and formerly inspected and tested.

Equipment and Appliance Types

Portable eg: toasters, kettles etc
Hand held eg: hair dryers,drills etc
Movable eg: tumble dryers, microwave ovens etc
Stationary eg: cookers, washing machines etc
Fixed eg: hand dryers, towel rails etc

The end user always has a part to play in the ware and tare or even criticlal damage to an appliance but dont always take responsibility for incorrect use of of them. It is our responsibility to ensure that the health and Safety of you and your Employees is looked after, and the legislations set out by the government under the HSWA and Electricity at Work regulations are maintained.