I am embarrassed to ask this question but here it is. There is an old fridge which is being used to store samples. A recent PAT test established that the electrical flex had been extended by having a new length spliced onto it. I condemned the fridge and told the users to get the cable replaced pronto. I have just been told (I have only been in this job for two months) that our in-house sparkies only deal with the electrical system upto the socket. The equipment itself including the flex is the local’s responsibility. I am concerned that we might find a ‘talented’ volunteer who will have a go at this.  So the question is what sort of qualifications would be required for someone to do a simple replacement cable?

What do you mean by "spliced"? Wires simply twisted together and covered with sellotape or electrical tape or just connected by means of a "chocolate block" type connector perhaps?  If the cables involved are/can be connected by a proper cable connector (i.e. one which incorporates clamps to grip the outer sheath of each cable) and the live, neutral and earth wires are correctly matched inside it, what is the problem?

Considering that the appliance involved is a fridge and presumably is rarely ever moved, I can't envisage any problem with incorporating a proper connector to extend its cable as required. This is surely simpler and quicker than fitting a new longer cable to the fridge and without compromising electrical safety!

Graham B