Posted By jmc
Hi

Ive been told i can buy a pat-testing machine watch the dvd and I can test all electrical equipment within the company.

Which consists of 110v cables(lots), drills, jigsaws, Also 240v computers etc in office

I Know You can go on a course for pat-testing which im sure a cert would be issued

All comments Appriciated

jmc

Posted By D H
"Ive been told i can buy a pat-testing machine watch the dvd and I can test all electrical equipment within the company"

Told by whom?
Most companies require someone with a bit of knowledge on electrics - earthing etc as well as the ability to repair some faults found.

I would certainly not allow you to carry out testing in my company!

Dave

Posted By Pete48
JMC, it is not possible to answer the question you ask since:
..we have no idea of the working environment, although reference to 110v supplies suggests a construction or harsh/high risk environment,
..and we have no idea what the DVD contains
..and we have no idea what electrical skills or background you have personally.
So, at worst you should not be doing it at all, there is a bit where you need skill and training to interpret the results of more complex testing and a huge chunk where you could do it with just the DVD and your employer checking that you have understood the DVD contents and messages.
However, I don't want to appear negative in my response so I hope the following will help you to see a little further into this subject and maybe return with further questions if you need.

The IEE/IET guidance which is used by the HSE in its guidance can be found at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/el.../maintenance/safety.htm. There is a paragraph in that guidance that covers the question about training for PAT.
The basic knowledge levels required are:
..an understanding of how to carry out PAT and how it fits into an electrical safety management programme,
..that you should be able to avoid danger to yourself and others, and
..have basic electrical knowledge together with common sense, eg switch off and unplug the equipment first!

A suitable “off the Shelf” PAT tester can be used by someone who isn't an electrician and who doesn't need any accredited or certificated training. Howvere, in higher risk areas (e.g construction or haz environments), a more highly trained person may be needed to perform the combined inspection and testing regime and to interpret the results in order to prevent danger.
You may want to ask your employer who has defined this system of work. If that person is qualified/competent to make judgements about electrical safety for your employer, then you should feel comfortable with that judgement. If not, keep asking the questions.

Posted By MP Grayson
An interesting question which has already been asked on this forum this year, with two very good answers from Pete and Clair. I support what they say and I will add this:

The course for PAT testers is not too hard, but it’s also not easy either. I don’t believe that you need to be an electrician to do the one day course and I would say that your average person could buy a PAT machine and crack on. But only after undertaking the one day course (as a very minimum), if not would you know: -

1. Why you test class 1 equipment differently to class 2?
2. Why you don’t flash test?
3. What would happen if you got a PAT on a computer wrong?
4. What to do next if you get a failure?
5. Is it a failure of the equipment or have you got your class 1s and 2s mixed up?

The answer to 2 and 3 is that you will need a new equipment/computer if you get it wrong.

Some may argue and say well I can read the book, sure, but most people only see what they want to see and they sometimes speed read. Ever seen this sentence before?

“You should always read everything twice as you you may miss something the first time”.

Missed it? Read the sentence again, slowly.

Also a PAT is like an MOT, it just states that at that time there were no problems APPARENT. If it all goes wrong how do you prove competency. “YES M’LORD I READ THE BOOK” doesn’t cut much ice with me. But show them a nice little City and Guilds certificate, it says a little bit more.

Also beware the salesman. They really don’t give a monkey about you, all they see is a sale and after sale opportunities. Before going ahead I would ask these questions.

1. Could the person pass the test and BE CONFIDANT to actually do the job.
2. Can you afford the cost of the course, the test, any resits (I had to resit my exam once and I used to fix electrical equipment on aircraft for a living AND the three guys with me were all electricians).
3. Can you afford re-certifications three years later.
4. Buy the kit sure, but can you keep it calibrated and repair it (that is where many companies make the big bucks). You may find that the cost of a recalibration is actually more than bringing in a contractor to do your PATs.
5. Also, do you have the time to actually do the PATs.

If you can answer yes to the above, fine, you do not (in my opinion) need to be an electrician, do the course (as a minimum), consider your unique circumstances and crack on.

If not, don’t bother, buy a copy of the ACoP and read it. Chapter 7 is great, it gives details of recommended time intervals for equipment dependant on class and use. It varies from three months to never ever. ClairL is correct, annual PATs are not always necessary. Do that and the next time you contract out PATs you will be forewarned, in control and ready to get the best deal for your organisation.

Crack on.

Posted By jmc
Hi All

Thank You for All You Responce`s

The dvd is to show You how to work the machine.

The industry is construction, drills, cables, jigsaws 110v as i stated

I also belive the testing on this equipment is every 6 mnths and not every year

I also belive that every company should have a machine as this can cost upto £5 per item tested

The person who offered this advise is a training instructor with citb

I was looking for Your points of view on weather other companys had done the same it looks like most have went to a training provider and done a 1 day course which is just giving them money (like the electricians)

Thanks again All I think I will buy the machine and dvd then train all My supervisors on how to use it.

Posted By MickN
jmc,

I really don't see that there is an arguement against your purchase of a PAT tester and performing the tests yourself.

Having said that, it would be preferable to do the course first or have a suitable qualified electrician conduct the tests (and repairs where necessary).

In the end it's a matter of balancing what you need versus your budget.

Mick

Posted By Steve Cartwright
jmc

Yes you can.

I did a City & Guilds PAT testing course a couple of years ago. Attended a 1 day course and then sat the exam, which was an open book exam. Quite straight forward.

Steve