Method Statement for Portable Appliance Testing
Site Approach
The PAT-iT test engineer(s) will introduce herself/himself to the client /client’s representative, Sign visitors’ book /contractors log and explain the purpose and nature of the work to be carried out. This person will then be asked if they would like to accompany our engineer around there site to highlight out any sensitive areas and introduce the IT manager who should confirm any arrangements that have been made for shutting down any IT workstations as required by PAT-iT’s test engineer.
We request at this point any Health & Safety inductions should be given to our engineer(s)
Hazards should be pointed out to our engineer(s) and procedures given for any emergency’s such as fire/first aid etc
PAT-iT Standards
The inspection and testing shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the following regulations and publications:
·Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
·Health & Safety at Work Act of 1974
·Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
·IEE Code of Practice for the in-service Inspection and Testing of Portable Electrical Equipment 4th Edition
Identification of equipment
Every piece of electrical equipment will be allocated a unique Asset number. This will be used to cross reference test results to the certificate supplied. An asset register of equipment will then be produced to include the following details –
·asset number
·description
·make
·model (if available)
·location in which the appliance/asset is kept/used
·month & year of test
Visual Inspection
A visual inspection of the appliance shall be carried out prior to any testing. The inspection includes the following:
·Socket Outlet is there any evidence of overheating, cracks or damage?
·Plug, is the flexible cable secure, are the pins insulated, is it free from cracks, or damage and signs of overheating?
·Flex is in good condition, free from cuts, fraying or damage? Appliance does it work? (operators to disclose this information to our engineer(s) as they may not be trained to operate all types of equipment).
·Is it free from damage?
·Can it be used safely?
·In addition, the visual inspection will check that the means of disconnection from the mains supply is also readily accessible and that wherever possible, flexible cords are positioned so that they do not present a hazard.
·All minor faults identified during the visual inspection, such as incorrectly rated fuses, damaged 13amp plugs, loose connections will be rectified prior to the testing procedure. (Where any appliance cannot be isolated from the mains supply, a thorough visual inspection will be carried out).
Testing
Subject to a satisfactory visual inspection, the following sequences of test are carried out –
·Class I appliances only Earth Continuity & Insulation Resistance,
·Class II appliances Insulation Resistance
Report
Upon completion a report is produced usually within 7 working days listing the appliances tested, the results of the tests performed, and details of any remedial repairs necessary. [where necessary] We also provide the engineers observations on all failed equipment or areas for improvement.
UPDATED 17/01/2020
