Electrical safety in the workplace is paramount, keeping your employees safe and also protecting your business. As a business owner you will know that you are legally responsible for ensuring that all of your electrical equipment is regularly tested to ensure it is safe to use.
PAT testing is critical in ensuring that none of your appliances (including computers, printers, kettles, microwaves etc.) are damaged or defective, making them unsafe to use. Whilst you can become qualified to test this equipment for yourself, a PAT tester will inspect the equipment to check it is fit for purpose.
There are several areas in which a business should be extra careful with electrical safety, and keep an eye on potential issues:
Computer areas – Computers can often be on all day (and sometimes all night), and can become a danger if they overheat. IT equipment should be PAT tested at least once a year, by a qualified professional.
Factories – Industrial sites should have portable and handheld equipment tested every six months, whilst stationery, IT and moveable equipment should be tested every 12. If any of this equipment is heavily used (for example, in use day-in day-out, this should be tested more regularly.
Shops – Till points are especially susceptible to damage, as they are continuously in use (especially in 24hr supermarkets etc.). The area around a till point should be kept clear, as build-up of paper or dust could lead to fire. PAT testing should be done regularly to ensure the safety of both staff and customers.
Kitchen appliances – Kitchen appliances can often be overlooked, yet they are used daily, and often staff will not take responsibility for doing the necessary cleaning or taking the necessary safety precautions. Accidents in commercial kitchens are common, but ensuring that electrical appliances are in safe working order will help to reduce the chances of a breach in electrical safety.
Eaton Electrical provide an efficient and thorough PAT testing services. We create an inventory of all appliances in use on your premises, and complete a visual inspection, check the fuse size, and test for earth function, insulation resistance, polarity, and function. We then create a PAT report, issue a PASS/FAIL label for each object, and provide you with a separate quotation for any possible repairs.
To find out more, call us on 01509 414222 today.
