Posted By Bryn Maidment Gavin Have you got the HSE leaflet INDG 160L? Just read through it to confirm that what I advocate at my place of work is correct!! All computers are double insulated (sweeping statement??) and as such only require a formal visual inspection every 2-4 years, unless they are subject to some abuse (highly likely in FE)in which case make it sooner. No testing required if double insulated. My understanding of electrical PAT testers is that they introduce a high DC voltage which may damage sensitive components in PCs. Hope this helps

Posted By Laurie I'm also in FE, with 1,000+ computers. Agreed they are low risk, but just a note of caution - two years ago someone bypassed the IT section and bought some VDUs from their own, departmental, budget. All of the mains leads (moulded plugs) were wired incorrectly. This was only found by some of our electrical students doing some practical work! That is why I try to ensure that everything is tested, double insulated or not. The best sytem in the world is only as good as the people abusing it! Laurie

Posted By Martin J Morley I think that you need to go back to the beginning and do a Risk Assessment for your workplace. All guidance must be generalised, and may relate to different environments. My experience suggests that colleges are quite difficult environments, prone to many odd problems. Even in the most tightly controlled areas, peculiar things happen. This would suggest the need for a more regular inspection than outlined in HSE guidance. We bought a batch of new computers where the monitors had quite large holes in their casing - just where you might hold them for lifting or making major adjustments. Unfortunately one of the printed circuit boards was just inside! These holes were not on the original model, but were a 'modification'. Today I examined a brand new 'inspection light' where neither the cable grip nor the Neutral terminal were tight! I would suggest that all new equipment should be tested before being used, particularly where it is used by students, further examination and testing then following a locally determined pattern. (My copy of the Institution of Electrical Engineers "CoP for in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment" suggests an initial frequency of 12 months for IT equipment used by the public.) Looking at this in terms of Risk Management, the potential problems are significant, the cost of regular and recorded testing is not. martin j morley