Portable Appliance Testing is a common way of conducting regular and informal checks by users. The equipment undertakes a formal visual inspection in which the user uses the tester device for the PAT test in various environments like office-based industries, hotels, landlords, healthcare settings, and restaurants, followed by other sectors like manufacturing and construction.
Also, if you are a business professional, consider taking this test on your business equipment. The testing can be done in any environment, even at home. However, you should ensure that the testing is done in the proper setup and with the help of proper equipment.
About The Test And Equipment
PAT tests are recommended for different kinds of businesses, especially those that use portable electrical equipment such as CHK Power Quality. Whenever there is any electrical equipment at the workplace, it is important to maintain safety. Also, it needs to be seen that using any equipment does not pose any danger while it is being used. However, it would help if you did not rely on the test for the maintenance of the equipment for the standards and period for its service and maintenance.
Experts and professionals recommend the PAT testing process as it helps meet the safety and health obligations that ensure employee protection at the workplace. The testing is done with a tester, and often, many other kinds of equipment are combined to conduct the test to suit various needs.
Many incidents related to wiring or electrical equipment have resulted in shocks and burns. They cause damage to the infrastructure, health, and livelihood. Some laws and regulations help provide safety to employees from electric shocks, burns, and fires. Also, as an employer, certain safety and wellness duties must be performed. The welfare of the employees should be restored at all costs. Heath and wellness not only mean ensuring the availability of proper gear and an environmental setup but also ensuring that the equipment invested in is safe for use.
Further, many laws place a legal responsibility on the employer’s shoulder to ensure that the workplace with electrical equipment is maintained and safe for use by the employees at all shifts.
If any employer does not heed it and it is found that their attitude in catering to these measures is not right, legal action, followed by a fine, can be imposed. Such tests are simple and cost-effective. You need not make any particular investment or take any measures by going out of your lane. All you need to do is discharge your duties as an employer in the correct manner.
PAT Test Method And Equipment
Source: thecitigroup.co.uk
The advisory has been issued that the PAT testing method is complete when three steps are undertaken and completed. The basics revolve around user checks followed by a formal visual inspection. The test process is marked as ended after the PAT test is conducted using a portable appliance tester.
The test should be conducted only by a competent person with the right training and equipment. It is strongly advised that if you are employing a professional to conduct this test, they should have qualified for the tester to obtain the safest results.
The professional will carry out a visual inspection followed by a manual electrical examination, which is possible with the help of a portable appliance tester device only. The test will help test the appliance for earth continuity, insulation resistance, and other factors like lead polarity. Then the appliance will get a pass or fail tag. The employer should hold the results if they are to be referred in the future.
If any appliances used in the business obtain the fail tag, the employer must remove or replace it as soon as possible. There should be no delays. You can check if the repair will sort the issue. Once you think that the issue is resolved, the repaired machine or the new one should be tested again.
Can A Multimeter Be Used
Source: makeradvisor.com
PAT testing is possible with many appliances. The tools used in the testing process belong to specific purposes and combine to form the perfect testing kit. Hence, if you use them individually, they won’t serve the purpose.
One of the essentials of this testing kit is the multimeter. Let’s understand what it is. A multimeter is a device that helps measure electrical properties, which include the current, voltage, and resistance. It is considered to be an essential tool for an engineer or electrician. The main reason behind this is that the equipment helps in allowing the safety flow and ensures accuracy in the testing process of electrical systems.
The multimeter helps test the circuit continuity, further checks the issues related to a voltage drop, and helps measure the component resistance. When used along with a PAT tester, it helps ensure that the electrical system is safe to use and up to code. When you test the various elements of the electrical system, this equipment helps prevent fires and other kinds of potential hazards that can occur in the workplace.
PAT testing is complete once you have the right equipment on board. Hence, the multimeter should be used with the tester rather than individually. It would help if you were sure about the equipment and then thought of using it with the help of a tester.
However, if you need clarification about the tools related to which ones your need and the correct way of using them, you should let an expert intervene. When you are seeking someone with the right equipment and knowledge, you are not only ensuring the right tests but also that accuracy and employee safety standards are met. Also, you can know whether the appliances are safe on professional premises.
Source: makeradvisor.com
Conclusion
The employers and employees share a joint responsibility of maintaining the security standards of any equipment used at the workplace. Be it the items of first use or the leased ones, all should be tested to ensure that they are correct, meet the industry standards, and also whether they work with the deliverable requirements or not.
