Method Statement & RAMS for Portable Appliance Testing

Site Approach - Please see footnote on our Coronavirus Procedure & Covid Risk Assessment

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
IET Code of Practice for the in-service Inspection and Testing of Portable Electrical Equipment 5th Edition
PATTA working standards

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.

In addition to the above, we now have in place a control procedure to reduce cross contamination of biological health hazards

Procedure to reduce risk of cross contamination of viruses and bacteria.

PAT-iT and their employees are actively increasing their vigilance and bio security to protect not only ourselves but others. Our staff and engineers will follow this guidance when going about our daily work, this is not an exhaustive policy and a common-sense approach will be implemented. Any uncertainty, the office should be contacted immediately.

Letters that are sent out will have contact details for the tenants/businesses that have concerns of safety and will include guidance on what to do whilst PAT-iT are on site or before we enter a site.

Businesses may be required to submit a 'Covid Secure' Risk Assessment before work starts

Carry and use the following on a regular basis:

Hand sanitiser/wipes or gel – use be used often
Hygienic wipes – use on surfaces/tools/equipment
Disposable gloves – single use only
Small disposable bags (for disposing of the above items)

Before accessing a property or business:

Check that the occupier or people in the property do not have any signs or symptoms associated with Covid-19 or have returned from a visit abroad.
Check that they are not self-isolating. You can do this by either calling them beforehand or knocking on the door and stepping back before they answer or speak to them through the door.
If they answer yes to the above, inform them at this time you will not be able to complete the work and we will rebook the testing in at least 21 days later.

When you are in the property:

Ensure you have the correct PPE and wearing it before entry
Ask the occupiers to either remain in another room for the duration of your work or respect at least a 2-meter distance from you, ventilation should be requested.
Do not accept any offers of a drink/snack.
Use wipes on surfaces prior to working on or around them including the base and keyboard of your test equipment, tools & hands
When work is complete inform the tenant/occupier. Do not shake hands.
Immediately after you have left but before entering your vehicle, remove your gloves using the inside out method, place in your disposable bag ready for disposal. Then sanitise or wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Reporting:

If you have been refused entry to enter please advise the office as soon as possible.
If you have forgotten to carry out any of the above, please advise the office.
If you run out of gloves, hand sanitiser or wipes please pick and replenish from the office or store/supplier if you are near one.

RISK ASSESSMENT:

Company name: PAT-iT

Assessment carried out by: Lee Turtle T/A PAT-iT

Date of next review: 01.02.2021

Date assessment was carried out: 01.01.2021

Hazard	Who might be harmed and how?	Current controls in place to reduce the Risks	Further actions to control the risks	Who	Reviewed	Done
Spread & Contamination of Covid-19 and other Virus related biological hazards	· Staff/Employees · Visitors to our office · Contractors ·Residents/Tenants · Vulnerable Groups such as – Elderly, Pregnant, with existing underlying health conditions, older males, high body mass index, health conditions such as diabetes, BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) groups · Anybody that comes within close contact or prolonged period of more than 1 minute in a limited ventilated area, such as a small domestic kitchen	Working within other businesses · PAT-iT communicates with the customer before work commences, this ensures any requirement the customer has and clarifies the requirement of PAT-iT and staff safety. Where necessary Risk Assessments are shared between all parties and the hazards highlighted. Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) · Site inductions/ to be given where needed by the customer to our employees. · Working in Rented/Tenanted Accommodation, HMOs, Housing Associations and Homes – Letters/Emails/Verbal requirements are made to allow Testing to be done as safely as possible in this type of environment. Specific requirements are requested such as – #Requests notification if in isolation, shielding, extremely venerable, Symptoms of COVID-19, waiting for test results, #ventilation (open windows/doors etc), #social distancing or to remain in another room whilst work is undertaken #Clean and tidy work surface for equipment to sit on #face covering if able Other people's homes - Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Hand Washing · Hand washing facilities with soap and water in place – Office · Hand washing in other places of work must be requested before work commences · Stringent hand washing taking place – use of Dettol wipes included in hand sanitising · See hand washing guidance. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/ · Drying of hands with disposable paper towels - Office. https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/research-and-innovation/paper-towels-much-more-effective-at-removing-viruses-than-hand-dryers-17-04-2020/ · Staff encouraged to protect the skin by applying emollient cream regularly https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/emollients/ · Dettol Surface wipes – for hands and equipment to be used regularly Cleaning Frequently · Cleaning and disinfecting tools & equipment and surfaces that are touched regularly particularly in areas of high use such as door handles, light switches, reception area using appropriate cleaning products and methods. This also includes Test Equipment, Tools, printers between (at the least but not limited to) each environment/locations (kitchens, offices, workshops)/vehicles etc. Social Distancing · Social Distancing -Reducing the number of persons in any work area to comply with the 2-metre (6.5 foot) gap recommended by the Public Health Agency · Where this cannot be achieved back to back working with a 1 meter distance is recommend. · Tools and equipment (including PPE) are NOT to be shared, if for any reason sharing equipment is necessary then sanitising must take place before and after use. · https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus ·Social distancing to make your workplace COVID-secure (hse.gov.uk) · https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people · Taking steps to review work schedules including start & finish times/shift patterns, workers on site at any one time. · Redesigning processes to ensure social distancing in place. · Conference calls to be used instead of face to face meetings where possible. · Ensuring sufficient rest breaks for staff. · Social distancing also to be adhered to in canteen area and smoking area. Wearing of Gloves · Where Risk Assessment identifies wearing of gloves as a requirement of the job, an adequate supply of these will be provided. Staff will be instructed on how to remove gloves carefully to reduce contamination and how to dispose of them safely. RPE & Face coverings · Public Health guidance on the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) to protect against COVID-19 · Where Face coverings/RPE is a requirement for risks associated with the work undertaken the following measures will be followed- · Tight-fitting respirators (such as disposable FFP3 masks and reusable half masks) rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face. A face fit test will be carried out to ensure the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can protect the wearer. Face coverings Must cover the mouth and nose, pinching the nose clip for a suitable fit around the face · Wearers must be clean shaven to use RPE effectively. This does not apply to face coverings · Face coverings are supplied by PAT-iT · RPE will be supplied as and when needed Face coverings and face masks during the coronavirus pandemic - HSE Symptoms of Covid-19 · If anyone becomes unwell with a new continuous cough or a high temperature in the workplace they will be sent home and advised to follow the stay at home guidance. · PAT-iT will maintain regular contact with staff members during this time. · If advised that a member of staff or public has developed Covid-19 and were recently on our premises (including where a member of staff has visited other work place premises such as domestic premises), PAT-iT will contact the Public Health Authority to discuss the case, identify people who have been in contact with them and will take advice on any actions or precautions that should be taken. https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/ Delivery’s/Post etc · Procedures in place for delivery & dispatch to ensure adequate pick-up & drop off facilities. · https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/drivers-transport-delivery-coronavirus.htm COVID-19-guidance on transport. · Staff should not share vehicles where suitable distancing cannot be achieved. Mental Health · Management will promote mental health & wellbeing awareness to staff during the Coronavirus outbreak and will offer whatever support they can to help · Reference - · https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/ · www.hseni.gov.uk/stress Further Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19) - NHS (www.nhs.uk) RIDDOR reporting of COVID-19 - HSE news	· Employees to contact PAT-iT immediately if showing symptoms of Covid-19, knowingly been in contact with or been notified through the Track & Trace App · PAT-iT monitors locations of work and will notify customers if our staff have symptoms or tested positive · Employees to adhere to wearing PPE including face coverings, half covered face is not acceptable (e.g nose not covered). · Employees to sanitise hands/equipment/tools as much as reasonably practicable · Employees to assess the hazards before entering premises, PAT-iT do not expect employees to put themselves into any environment where danger is obvious or suspected. · Tool box talks – where we exchange ideas on safety and how we can make our working day as safe as possible for us and our customers · Employees reminded on these actions regularly, such as cleanliness, hand washing, risk assessing, notifying · PAT-iT to monitor employees to ensure these steps are being adhered to · Employees to assess tenants before entering premises, PAT-iT to be notified immediately if the employee suspect tenant(s) is showing signs of covid-19 · Employees to assess if gloves are needed when working in different environments · Employees to communicate with PAT-iT where improvements could be made for safe working. · Employees should request ventilation, social distance, tidy work area, face covering whilst in properties or on site	· PAT-iT · Employees · Sub-contractors to PAT-iT	Reviewed monthly or if Government guidelines change	01.12.2020 01.01.2021 05.01.2021

Hazard

Who might be harmed and how?

Current controls in place to reduce the Risks

Further actions to control the risks

Who

Reviewed

Done

Spread & Contamination of Covid-19 and other Virus related biological hazards

· Staff/Employees

· Visitors to our office

· Contractors

·Residents/Tenants

· Vulnerable Groups such as – Elderly, Pregnant, with existing underlying health conditions, older males, high body mass index, health conditions such as diabetes, BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) groups

· Anybody that comes within close contact or prolonged period of more than 1 minute in a limited ventilated area, such as a small domestic kitchen

Working within other businesses

· PAT-iT communicates with the customer before work commences, this ensures any requirement the customer has and clarifies the requirement of PAT-iT and staff safety. Where necessary Risk Assessments are shared between all parties and the hazards highlighted.

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

· Site inductions/ to be given where needed by the customer to our employees.

· Working in Rented/Tenanted Accommodation, HMOs, Housing Associations and Homes – Letters/Emails/Verbal requirements are made to allow Testing to be done as safely as possible in this type of environment. Specific requirements are requested such as –

#Requests notification if in isolation, shielding, extremely venerable, Symptoms of COVID-19, waiting for test results, #ventilation (open windows/doors etc), #social distancing or to remain in another room whilst work is undertaken

#Clean and tidy work surface for equipment to sit on #face covering if able

Other people's homes - Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Hand Washing

· Hand washing facilities with soap and water in place – Office

· Hand washing in other places of work must be requested before work commences

· Stringent hand washing taking place – use of Dettol wipes included in hand sanitising

· See hand washing guidance.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/

· Drying of hands with disposable paper towels - Office.

https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/research-and-innovation/paper-towels-much-more-effective-at-removing-viruses-than-hand-dryers-17-04-2020/

· Staff encouraged to protect the skin by applying emollient cream regularly

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/emollients/

· Dettol Surface wipes – for hands and equipment to be used regularly

Cleaning Frequently

· Cleaning and disinfecting tools & equipment and surfaces that are touched regularly particularly in areas of high use such as door handles, light switches, reception area using appropriate cleaning products and methods.

This also includes Test Equipment, Tools, printers between (at the least but not limited to) each environment/locations (kitchens, offices, workshops)/vehicles etc.

Social Distancing

· Social Distancing -Reducing the number of persons in any work area to comply with the 2-metre (6.5 foot) gap recommended by the Public Health Agency

· Where this cannot be achieved back to back working with a 1 meter distance is recommend.

· Tools and equipment (including PPE) are NOT to be shared, if for any reason sharing equipment is necessary then sanitising must take place before and after use.

· https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus

·Social distancing to make your workplace COVID-secure (hse.gov.uk)

· https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people

· Taking steps to review work schedules including start & finish times/shift patterns, workers on site at any one time.

· Redesigning processes to ensure social distancing in place.

· Conference calls to be used instead of face to face meetings where possible.

· Ensuring sufficient rest breaks for staff.

· Social distancing also to be adhered to in canteen area and smoking area.

Wearing of Gloves

· Where Risk Assessment identifies wearing of gloves as a requirement of the job, an adequate supply of these will be provided. Staff will be instructed on how to remove gloves carefully to reduce contamination and how to dispose of them safely.

RPE & Face coverings

· Public Health guidance on the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) to protect against COVID-19

· Where Face coverings/RPE is a requirement for risks associated with the work undertaken the following measures will be followed-

· Tight-fitting respirators (such as disposable FFP3 masks and reusable half masks) rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face. A face fit test will be carried out to ensure the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can protect the wearer. Face coverings Must cover the mouth and nose, pinching the nose clip for a suitable fit around the face

· Wearers must be clean shaven to use RPE effectively. This does not apply to face coverings

· Face coverings are supplied by PAT-iT

· RPE will be supplied as and when needed

Face coverings and face masks during the coronavirus pandemic - HSE

Symptoms of Covid-19

· If anyone becomes unwell with a new continuous cough or a high temperature in the workplace they will be sent home and advised to follow the stay at home guidance.

· PAT-iT will maintain regular contact with staff members during this time.

· If advised that a member of staff or public has developed Covid-19 and were recently on our premises (including where a member of staff has visited other work place premises such as domestic premises), PAT-iT will contact the Public Health Authority to discuss the case, identify people who have been in contact with them and will take advice on any actions or precautions that should be taken. https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/

Delivery’s/Post etc

· Procedures in place for delivery & dispatch to ensure adequate pick-up & drop off facilities.

· https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/drivers-transport-delivery-coronavirus.htm

COVID-19-guidance on transport.

· Staff should not share vehicles where suitable distancing cannot be achieved.

Mental Health

· Management will promote mental health & wellbeing awareness to staff during the Coronavirus outbreak and will offer whatever support they can to help

· Reference -

· https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

· www.hseni.gov.uk/stress

Further Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

RIDDOR reporting of COVID-19 - HSE news

· Employees to contact PAT-iT immediately if showing symptoms of Covid-19, knowingly been in contact with or been notified through the Track & Trace App

· PAT-iT monitors locations of work and will notify customers if our staff have symptoms or tested positive

· Employees to adhere to wearing PPE including face coverings, half covered face is not acceptable (e.g nose not covered).

· Employees to sanitise hands/equipment/tools as much as reasonably practicable

· Employees to assess the hazards before entering premises, PAT-iT do not expect employees to put themselves into any environment where danger is obvious or suspected.

· Tool box talks – where we exchange ideas on safety and how we can make our working day as safe as possible for us and our customers

· Employees reminded on these actions regularly, such as cleanliness, hand washing, risk assessing, notifying

· PAT-iT to monitor employees to ensure these steps are being adhered to

· Employees to assess tenants before entering premises, PAT-iT to be notified immediately if the employee suspect tenant(s) is showing signs of covid-19

· Employees to assess if gloves are needed when working in different environments

· Employees to communicate with PAT-iT where improvements could be made for safe working.

· Employees should request ventilation, social distance, tidy work area, face covering whilst in properties or on site

· PAT-iT

· Employees

· Sub-contractors to PAT-iT

Reviewed monthly or if Government guidelines change

01.12.2020

01.01.2021

05.01.2021

Need a quote?

Need to know more?

For further information or to arrange an no-obligation quote, please call

Lincoln - 01522 246-728

Nottingham - 0115 824-8378 or

Mobile - 07780 976-909

Email - info@pat-it.co.uk

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Years ago my business was PAT tested by a local independent electrician. It took 3 days and was very costly. I met Lee from PAT-iT networking, so the next time it needed doing I asked him. Quick, efficient and cost effective. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Flower Shop owner

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