Temporary electrical installations on a site are tested every 3 months. As for 'normal' PAT frequency that's a new one on me :-) Lifting gear is one thing and on some sites some as ask for PAT but that is due to a little over-the-top actions by some of our gang. You can PAT every day but to be honest, the best thing is for the user to be trained in basic electrical awareness on the tools they are using and to visually inspect them before and during use. If you can see the inner cores, the loose plug, the damaged cable, then perhaps the unit is best left alone and reported? Use a RA to sort out formal inspection and testing times and, if think that 3 months test is required then off you go. But if you can get some good training sorted out (it really is easy to visually inspect electrical stuff just please don't poke about. Let the electricians do that bit). And on the subject of electricians , I'm not talking about the half-trained-five-week-wonders here.

I would not rely one jot on the information contained in the document from the link above. You really need to do better! Jon

Good Morning, I only posted the link to reference the table of frequencies, the source of which is stated as coming from the IEE Code of Practice. The table, with respect to construction sites, is pretty much the same as the one in the link posted by David published by the HSE. I understand the legal requirements and the fact that PAT is not a regulatory requirement. But if not a PAT, what, other than a visual inspection can be undertaken? Surly, just like any other electrical item a PAT is suitable? All I'm trying to establish is whether or not, forum users would expect the hire company to provide some certification, following a test (more than likely a PAT) to prove that the hoist is electrically safe and fit for use as I found their stance on the subject a little odd. Apologies if my original post wasn't clear and thanks to those that have contributed. Neil.

Thanks Bluefingers. LOLER RoTI was present & current but no mention of electrical testing.

I would like to throw my two pennies in and refer back to past experience (also ex electrician, elf an safety). You should refer to your rental agreement and look at the wording. If they're not supplying the equipment in a state that is fit for use then they may have broken their own rental agreement. Also, the supplier might be quite right in what they're saying TO SOME EXTENT. I used to install the temporary supplies to hoists and the supply side was the responsibility of the principal contractor (who instructed us carry out the works).