Human Resources

Health and Safety

Portable Appliance Testing Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a Portable Appliance Testing related question you would like answered please email: HStraining@port.ac.uk, Put 'PAT FAQ' in the subject line.

 

 Equipment

  • What does the complete Seaward Portable Appliance Testing kit contain?

The Testing Kit contains 1x Tester, 1x Printer, 1x Bluetooth Barcode Scanner, 200 pass labels, 200 fail labels and a Travel Case.

  •  How difficult/time consuming is the new equipment?

You will need to identify the class of the equipment (please refer to the Portable Appliance Testing Policy) before you start. After selecting the correct class for the equipment, all information about the equipment needs to be entered and the test done. Once the barcode, with all the relevant information is set up, for each piece of equipment, it won’t need to be done again and the following test will just involve scanning the barcode.

 

  • Once new equipment is set up, will it hold all the relevant information?

Yes, all information recorded on the current test sheet will be tested by the equipment. The label printed for the device will be shortened, but all details will be uploaded and stored onto the software system.

 

  • Will new equipment give readings or a pass/fail status?

The new tester will record the actual readings from the equipment, which will be stored on the software allowing you to see all previous values and highlight any degrading equipment. The label printed will state a pass/fail status.

 

  • What is the storage memory of the new equipment?

The Seaward PrimeTest 350 tester has the memory to store roughly 8000 records.

 

  • Will our current Seaward testers be compatible with the new software system?

The software used in the University is compatible with all Seaward PAT Testers.

 

  • Who will have the testing equipment?

The Testers will be kept by the Departments. If you need to locate this equipment please contact the Health and Safety Office.

 

  • What’s the time frame for the delivery of the testers?

The delivery time for the testing equipment is within a week of order, if the item is in stock.

 

  • Where do we get more labels for our testing equipment?

It is the departments responsible to order extra labels. Please contact the Health and Safety Office for more information.

 

  • Do the labels faden or blacken when exposed to high or low temperatures?

The labels have been tested in various temperature conditions and did not fade or blacken when exposed to these temperatures

 

Software

  • Will all Fixed Wire testing results be placed on the same database?

No, the Fixed Wire Testing results are recorded by Estates.

 

  • Is the software compatible with Asset i?

The software is not compatible with Asset i.

 

Portable Appliance Testing Training

  • If I have been PAT Testing for years with no C&G, can I continue?

University Portable Appliance Testers are to be competent. The term ‘Competent’ as stated in the University’s Portable Appliance Testing Policy refers to a person who has undertaken and passed the City & Guild’s 2377-22 PAT course.

 
  • How different is the City & Guilds Course compared to the previous in-house training?

There is no massive differences between the courses in terms of difficultly and content, however with the change in government legislation we needed a course that set a baseline for all and covered the correct content.

 

 

Testing

  • What do we do with equipment that is due to be tested before the introduction of the new testers and software?

Carry on with the current testing procedure, to make sure we stay compliant. The system won’t just switch, it will be gradual and both methods will run parallel for a while.

 

  • If we come across faulty kit what do with it?

This equipment should be taken out of use immediately. Faulty equipment will need to be bought to the attention of your line manager

 

  • Where can I find information regarding Portable Appliance Testing?

Every tester will receive a copy of the IEE book when they attend the City & Guilds Course which contains the technical side to Portable Appliance Testing. Other resources available to you are the University’s Portable Appliance Testing Policy, the University’s Health and Safety website and the Health and Safety Executive (Please follow the links below).

Health and Safety Office:

http://www.port.ac.uk/departments/services/humanresources/healthandsafety/portableappliancetesting/

HSE:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/

 

  • Will we get paid for becoming PAT Testers?

No, Portable Appliance Testers will not receive an allowance for the role.

 

  • What procedure do I follow if I want to appoint an external contractor to carry out my department's portable appliance testing?

The department should produce a list of all the items they would like tested and the frequency they believe it should next be retested (according to the policy).  The department contacts the Estates Helpdesk with their budget code and say they would like to organise PAT testing by an external contractor.  The Estates Helpdesk liaise with the University Senior Operations Manager (Electrical Services) and the contractor is contacted and the list is forwarded to them.  A price is obtained from the contractor and Estates Helpdesk / Senior Operations Manager (Electrical Services) will advise the department and obtain the go ahead.  The order will then be placed with the contractor. A mutually convenient time agreed for the contractor to visit and carry out testing.  Contractor arrives and carries out tests, and puts stickers on as per our stated frequency for retest.  The contractor will submit records of the testing results in a format that is compatible with the University's system.  This needs to the be sent to the Health and Safety Office for recording on the central system.