Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Chris Galloway on December 06, 2008, 05:05:23 pm
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Pat testing or portable appliance testing is an important part of any health & safety policy. This site is intended as a guide to both the legal implications and to the technical requirements.
The Health & Safety Executive states that 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances. The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and self-employed persons to comply with the provisions of the regulations and take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of such equipment. This in effect requires the implementation of a systematic and regular program of maintenance, inspection and testing. The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) places such an obligation in the following circumstances:
* 1. Where appliances are used by employees.
* 2. Where the public may use appliances in establishments such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shops etc.
* 3. Where appliances are supplied or hired.
* 4. Where appliances are repaired or serviced.
The level of inspection and testing required is dependant upon the risk of the appliance becoming faulty, which is in turn dependant upon the type of appliance, the nature of its use and the environment in which it is used.
Obviously there are many guys on here that use electrical systems such as pressure washers, vacs, etc..
Even if you dont employ people, you still have that requirement due to using them in a public place or in the vicinity of private clients property.
Considering getting my own training.. however i do know a family sparky, so could save my money in the long run.
Do you get your appliances PAT tested?
Have you had your own PAT testing training, or do you get a local sparky to do it?
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What 240v/120v portable appliance would you suggest I get tested?
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Well I also run a mobile disco business and everything electrical has to be tested. It's pretty much standard in the industry. The main reason we do it is to prove the equipment is in good working order and had no known faults at the time of testing, which is great as with the discos you are always plugging in to the clients (or venues) supply and if there is a fault with their electric you are always first to get the blame. PAT testing helps in this respect as the equipment was tested for safe use and it is therefore unlikely to be the cause. The other advantage of PAT testing is that it gives the operator peace of mind regarding the item being used rather than using something thats a bit of an unknown regarding if its safe to use or not and also in the unlikely event something did go wrong and your kit electrocuted someone you could show that you took reasonable steps to avoid this kind of accident. I suppose what I am saying is is that in window cleaning there is not really anything to test but if you were eg a general cleaner using a Vacuum Cleaner at different premises then I would get that tested and likewise if I was employing people I would get the equipment tested (where applicable) as part of my duty of care for the employee. Thats my take on it anyway.
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Chris Galloway
it is not that dear to have them tesed
£2.90 per hoover i had 19 henrys tested
jerry
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Chris Galloway
it is not that dear to have them tesed
£2.90 per hoover i had 19 henrys tested
jerry
Is that at once?
I can get it done for free :P
Although my local college does training for £150. Over a period of time if you have multiple appliances that need testing you can get yourself trained and save money in the long run. Not only that you can test your own appliances on a more regular basis.
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yes cris all at once
i was told the testing unit was £3000.+ vat
so i thought it was cheap
jerry