PAT or Portable appliance testing is an essential safety measure for businesses that use portable electrical equipment. Electrical installation and construction sites often include the use of portable tools and devices that could cause harm if faulty. You can ensure safety on your work site by employing a member of Jim’s Test & Tag to perform PAT testing on all of your equipment.
Why do you need portable appliance testing?
Securing your workplace can help you avoid potential tragedy at work. As of December 2016, 175 Australian workers have been killed at work. 30 of those deaths were in the construction industry, and 7 were in the electricity, gas, water & waste services industry. It is clear that workplaces can be a dangerous place to be. You need to ensure you are protecting yourself and your staff physically, but also covering your workplace safety obligations.
For more information about the penalties associated with non-compliance to Australian workplace safety standards, see our blog about electrical shock in the workplace. The price to pay for negligence is steep – you could be fined up to 3 million dollars. You have a responsibility to yourself and your workers to create a safe working environment. Don’t be responsible for unnecessary harm. Have your portable equipment and tools tested today.
According to the AS/NZS 3012:2010 Electrical installations – Construction, electrical equipment needs to be inspected and tested in the following circumstances:
- New equipment must be tested prior to use.
- Any equipment that has been repaired or serviced must be tested.
- Hire equipment must be tested prior to each hire and at least once a month.
At Jim’s Test & Tag we have over 500 years of combined experience in the testing and tagging industry. Ask one of our technicians to be your portable appliance tester. You can have a member of our team test your equipment thoroughly, and notify you when your next test is due. Your equipment will be labelled and confirmed as safe for use on the day of testing, and you can rest assured you have elevated the safety of your workplace.
How often do I need PAT testing?
The frequency of testing will vary depending on the nature of your equipment, as well as the working environment. The following table from the AS/NZS 3012:2010 dictates the frequency requirements for portable appliances, as well as portable RCD switches (in electrical installation and construction sites).
It should be noted that hire equipment is not included under the title of portable equipment and have the following testing standard:
- Inspection prior to hire.
- Testing at not greater than monthly intervals.
- If hire equipment remains on site then table 3 applies.
After your PAT tester has checked your equipment, you should have them test your portable RCD switch. If you don’t have an RCD switch, you need to invest in one. All portable appliances should be accompanied by a safety switch for added protection against electrical shock.
Which appliances need testing?
You can ask one of our technicians to test the following types of appliances for safe use:
- Transportable equipment: Equipment that is usually stationary but can be moved around easily.
- Portable appliances.
- Hand-held appliances: power tools, hair dryers, etc. This is a high-risk category.
- Extension leads
- Cables
- RCDs: portable safety switch device. Should be used in tandem with equipment.
- Fixed equipment: this might be a small appliance that has been fastened to a support or permanently secured in one location, for example, a hand dryer.
If you’re still unsure about why you need PAT testing, take a look at this article listing Australia’s most dangerous jobs ranked according to fatalities and injuries.
If your industry makes the list, give us a call on 131 546 or fill in the free quote form online today.
Hire a portable appliance tester to ensure protection against faulty equipment and unsafe electrical currents.
