Portable Appliance Safety.pdf

Maintaining portable electric equipment in low-risk environments requires simple and sensible precautions to prevent danger. The law does not specify how or how often to maintain equipment, but rather to decide based on the risk of an item becoming faulty and its construction. Employers must maintain electrical equipment, including leased or contractor-provided equipment, and ensure employees use it correctly. A user check and visual inspection may be sufficient for some equipment, while others may require a portable appliance test (PAT). The frequency of checks depends on the type of equipment, with initial intervals ranging from six months to five years. Employers should review their maintenance system, keep records, and label equipment with test results and dates. User checks should be carried out before using equipment, looking for damage, signs of overheating, and other issues. Visual inspections should consider the equipment's usage, suitability, and any changes, and include internal checks where possible. PATs require greater knowledge and experience, and should be carried out by someone competent, with the right equipment, and who can interpret the results.