PAT Testing
PAT testing from DS Direct
Research has shown that 25% of reported electrical accidents are due to portable appliances; when you consider the increasing number of portable appliances being used within the workplace - such as computer equipment, telephones, certain industrial equipment, etc. - it creates a picture of a workplace which is rather high- risk, even if it doesn't seem like it...
As well as this, it seems as time goes on, more and more positions within the workplace revolve around the constant use of portable electrical appliances; in this instance, the appliances in question should be subject to regular checks and testing, to ensure safety. However, a lot of people are often confused about what to look out for when checking their equipment to make sure it is safe to use.
As part of our mission to provide one-stop facility supplies and services, we here at DS Direct now offer an outstanding PAT Testing service, to give our customers peace of mind when using their electrical appliances in the workplace.
PAT Testing consists of a Formal Inspection; when inspecting an appliance, the signs we look out for include:
- Damage to power cable sheath.
- Damage to mains plug, for example cracking to the casing, or bent pins.
- Any taped joints to the cable.
- Inadequate strain relief.
- Signs that the equipment has been subject to conditions for which it is not suitable, e.g. wet or excessively rusty.
- Damage to external casing of the equipment, or loose parts or screws.
- Evidence of overheating.
The Formal Inspection should also include removal of the plug cover and checking that:
- That the correct value fuse is being used.
- That the cord grip is holding the outer part of the cable tightly.
- The Live, Neutral and earth wires are attached to the correct terminals.
- That no bare wires are visible, other than at the terminals.
- The terminal screws are tight.
- That there is no sign of internal damage, overheating or entry of liquid, dust or dirt.
If you have any queries regarding our PAT Testing service, please feel free to get in touch with us.
