A question we get asked quite a lot! Christmas is now behind us and the ‘new year, new me’ is in full swing. But what about new things? How many of us got the latest gadgets over Christmas? Or a technology update? Perhaps your office has had a refurb over the festive period complete with fresh technology (typically new PCs)?
Do all new items need PAT testing?
If a client has purchased several new items between their scheduled PAT testing visits, do they have to arrange to get these items tested?
It is time consuming for the client. They don’t want to have to call someone in before they can use their item. Imagine having to wait to get someone in to PAT test before being able to get your hands on your shiny new laptop! However, clients should always refer to their corporate policy and risk assessment to see if they offer any specific guidance or request that you do so.
This being said, there is no specific requirement to carry out PAT testing before a new item goes into service. The Electricity at Work Regulations requires that, instead, reasonably practicable steps are taken to prevent danger.
Tip: if the item has a CE mark from the manufacturer, it indicates that it complies with all relevant EU Directives which include electrical safety.
So, if your new items are CE marked and you can satisfy yourself that it has not been damaged in transit/insulation then there should be no reason why it would not be electrically safe. We recommend always carrying out a visual inspection of any new it
ems before use just in case.
Regardless, some organisations still opt to carry out inspection and testing on all their new items. This has the advantage of giving the item an asset number straight away. Which means that it will be included onto their PAT testing database straight away. The organisation can then show that all items have been deemed safe from the very get go.
PAT Testing with Total Safe
Total Safe keep a record of every test and due date for all of our clients. We arrange re-tests before your certification elapses. In the meantime, should you acquire new items that you would feel more relaxed should they be tested before use, contact us and we can arrange a suitable test date before your next one is scheduled. With us, you’ll never have to worry about your appliances; we make sure they’re always tested and compliant.
