Hi everybody, quick question, we are a medium size fabrication facility and use an external contractor for our PAT testing, now because of cost cuts they are thinking about bringing this in-house using one of our maintenance techs, is this a wise move.
Thanks

Its a great idea.

We did it here and saved thousands.

As Invictus has said- get the schedule from the HSE website and use that. You may find that things have been tested annually that need not.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg107.pdf

Andy

Just a few observations.

YES do your own PAT, just make sure the people doing it are competent.
That may mean qualifications, it may not.
The IET Code Of Practice, does have some good pictures and examples of what things are.
Plus, if you get it and learn it it’s pretty much with the HSE guidance what the C&G exams are based on.

Don’t try to PAT everything to the same standard.
Know the limits of your capabilities.
If you are going to do any repairs, then make sure that they are done right.
Test the appliance again after repair.
I have one customer organisation who does a lot of their own PAT, their PAT guy insists on wiring EN 60309 sockets incorrectly because they look bad if done right, only on the inside, and the design thing that makes them look messy is a safety feature that he negates.
Make sure you are insured to sell the service if you do.
Make sure that your kit is calibrated or verified in accordance with acceptable practice.
Do the assessment of time between tests based on sound engineering judgement.
Remember a PAT regime is NOT just a one off inspection & test by a “competent person” say, once a year.
It is CONTINUOUS user checks, a reporting and immobilisation/quarantine procedure as well.
Record keeping is very useful. Obviously! ;)
Inspect & test new equipment as it’s bought, it gives you the opportunity to capture the data needed to verify the device when it’s new, then you also have a baseline to work from for historical data.
Analyse trends and act on them.
Keep up to date with electrical safety recalls and the reasons for them happening.

Get up to speed with the typical electrical safety issues that can save the organisation lots of problems.

Get rid of socket covers, it will save your organisation money, binning them may well also save a life or prevent your place of employment from burning down.
Check that your multi-way extension leads are safe.

Try inserting a plug upside down.
If it can be done they are unsafe.
Try it, look at it think about it and you’ll see what I mean.