Are you an employer or employee working in an environment with portable electrical appliances? Our government wants to  reduce electricity-related accidents and damage to property. Did you know that if the appliances are not tagged and (PAT)tested, the appliances can be considered unsafe and it may be considered reckless in the event of an accident? 

If any appliance that is untested / considered unsafe causes a fire, did you also know that an insurance claim could be denied on the grounds that you did not take “reasonable care”  to prevent loss to your property.

Work Safe New Zealand and electrical regulations or legislation requires employers to provide an electrically safe workplace and if there is an accident with an untagged appliance it will most likely result in a prosecution unless you can prove it was tested to an approved standard.

To ensure your work environment and employees are safe, in addition to making sure your company is compliant for insurance cover, you need to complete regular PAT (Portable Appliance) testing.

Although you may be unfamiliar with what PAT testing is, if your workplace has small appliances it’s a necessary requirement for businesses to have your appliances tested – but don’t worry, Comply Guy make it easy for you with minimum disruption to staff and business.

Our trained technicians make the testing of your portable electronic appliances a convenient and cost effective task, tailored to your specific requirements.

Unsure what’s required to comply? Ensure you and your business understand what’s required for compliance and how Comply Guy can help you  with our quick and easy 7 point guide to ensuring the safety of your business, employees and customers.

PAT testing – What Is It?

Portable appliance testing (also known as “PAT“, “PAT Inspection” or “PAT Testing“) is the process by which electrical appliances and equipment are routinely tested, tagged and documented to ensure safety.

What Devices Need PAT Testing?

Any appliance or equipment that plugs into a normal power point or three phase outlet, such as industrial/commercial use equipment, computers, extension leads, power packs, and staff kitchen appliances requires PAT testing.

What Are Portable Appliances?

Examples of electrical appliances classed as portable or transportable, i.e. any equipment that has a flexible cable and/or plug fitted for mains operation, requires a periodic safety check. For example…

• Photocopiers
• Computers, printers etc.
• Handheld power tools
• Bench and free standing equipment
• Vacuum cleaners
• Microwaves, kettles, toasters
• Extension leads, power boards
• Power packs, chargers
• Heaters, fans, table lamps
• 3-phase equipment

What PAT Testing Checks Are Needed?

When PAT testing appliances or devices, the function is to ensure that any unsafe equipment is removed from service immediately, and ensure that your company, customers and staff are protected from possible electrical hazards.

The checks are for:

• Equipment suitability for the environment
• Plug, Socket and lead condition
• Insulation tests
• Equipment casing damage
• Signs of overheating
• Polarity (Class 1 and 2) tests
• Earth Bond test (Class 1 only)
• Identification of all units tested
• Identification, recording, labelling and removal from service of any failed appliance.

PAT Testing Labels and Tags

Comply Guy offer fully comprehensive PAT tests to ensure your business is compliant with OSH and electrical regulations.  Our technicians provide visual inspections, electrical tests with PAT tester equipment and tag all of your appliances or small devices with durable tags or labels that state our company name and the test date. If any of your devices fail the required tests, we will have them appropriately labelled and  have them withdrawn from service while we either arrange repair or dispose of them if required.

How Frequently is PAT Testing Needed?

How often does portable appliance testing need to be carried out? Before using All NEW appliances for the first time, they must be tested and tagged. The frequencies for retesting depends on the type of equipment or appliance and the environment in which it is used.  The construction industry, for example, requires mandatory testing every 3 months (to learn more about them here) – and without appropriate testing and tagging, you may be either denied entry to or ordered off a site.

 PAT Testing in NZ – where is it available?

Comply Guy offers local PAT Testing services across New Zealand – we have specialist technicians  in 14 centres large and small offering testing, documentation and ongoing testing for workplace portable appliances or equipment.

Locations:

• Auckland
• Hamilton
• Tauranga
• Rotorua
• Gisborne
• Napier
• New Plymouth
• Palmerston North
• Wellington
• Nelson
• Christchurch

Comply Guy can help you ensure the safety of your business, employees and customers and keep you legally compliant. Our qualified , highly experienced staff will not only ensure your entire business meets Pat testing requirements, but we can provide after-hours testing to you at no extra cost  to ensure minimum disruption to your daily business. And we provide all your needed documentation and reminders , so you’ll always remain up to date.

Still needing to know more about PAT testing? Contact us now and we’ll ensure you have everything you need to know before becoming compliant.