By: Stephen Drommonsy
Submitted: 2010-07-23 04:08:32 | Word Count: 557
The Electricity at Work rules (1989) requires "All electrical systems shall be maintained so as to inhibit, as far as is reasonably practicable, any danger". This is read as covering the fixed electrical installation along with portable and transportable apparatus linked to it. The rules also state "It is the duty of every employer and self employed person to comply with the provision of these regs.."
Unsafe electrical appliances can bring about fires and personal injury. In fact in 2007 19%of house fires were triggered by electrical faults and a further 25% were caused by people not running electrical equipment and appliances properly.
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A PAT test or Portable Appliance Test is a test to make certain that any electrical portable appliances are safe. In reality this means electrical devices with a plug on the end. So not only laptops, computers and kettles but microwave ovens and even washing machines are included.
As you can see from the objects that require to be tested, it is the best idea for both employers and landlords to have this apparatus tested. The most universal PAT testing interval is once each 12 months. Suggested intervals do differ, and will depend on design, location and use of each piece of equipment.
It is a little recognized fact that it is not stated anywhere in the health and safety regs. that someone have to have any qualifications to PAT Test. It does say however, that it must be done by a competent person who has been given instruction. So, if you have a lot of appliances to test - or you work for a company or have numerous rented homes, it might be a cost effective proposal to get on a PAT testing education course.
You will also need to purchase some PAT testing equipment. This has come down in cost greatly over the last few years and is now fairly cheap.
When the device has been tested you will really need to display proof of testing. Make this noticeable by putting stickers to the appliance with the date and a message stating ''Tested For Electrical Safety' and ‘PASSED’ on them. Clearly remove or fix any items that fail the PAT test.
If you come to a decision to hire a professional electrician or electrical business to execute your PAT testing, the costs shall depend on the time taken to test all appliances meticulously.
The period taken will also depend on how easy it is to get to the equipment for testing, any household furniture that needs to be moved for example and of course the amount of appliances.
There are give or take a few 30 deaths and 4,000 accidents yearly in the UK involving electrics. It is imperative to ensure that any electrical equipment and fittings inside the building you lease out are safe and sound.
Conversely, unlike Gas Safe regs., there is no law that demands you have got to have an electrical safety certificate. But, if any electrical fittings or appliances within your rental building cause tangible harm to the tenant, you could be held liable.
Author Resource:-
I have always had my homes maintained by the same company, and over the years they have saved me a lot of money just by giving me some advise.
