Rank: New forum user 
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We currently have two test bays at either end of our building. Both bays are enclosed areas, are restricted to authorised persons only and illuminate a red bulb whilst testing is in progress.
As part of a refurbishment project, I have been asked to find out whether we need to have this physical segregation from the workforce or can we just have a demarked area on the production floor.
Would anyone have any knowledge of test bays and the requirements?
Thanks
Danny
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Rank: Forum user
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Why are you 'flash' testing?
If you are a business that carry out repairs to gear that needs to be in-service testing fair enough BUT if you are so-called PAT testing as a matter of course (office or otherwise then please DO NOT use the Flash Tester!!!! That is only used if a reapir is made and needs to be proven and I would leave that to the repair people. Rob
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Rank: Super forum user 
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If flash testing is the determining hazard then you must design the work area on the basis of that risk. Both the tester and any passing person would be at potential risk if there was accidental contact or distraction.
PAT is relatively safe unless you have exposed live parts during load testing.
Flash testing area should have substantial rubber floor matting - a significant trip hazard.
Segregation could be achieved using semi-permanent barriers with adequate separation distance. The are need not be substantially enclosed.
The task can be designed to be part of a production line process.
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 1 user thanked Ron Hunter for this useful post.
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Rank: New forum user
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Thanks very much.
We are a manufacturer of air filtration systems and carry out these tests as part of our quality control and ce marking obligations.
Good to hear that we do not require an enclosed area as such and can use temporary guarding whilst testing is underway.
This will give us something to think about.
Thanks again
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Rank: Super forum user
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I'm sure you won't, but please don't go forward solely on the basis of information provided on this Forum. Do consider the risks associated with your work, workforce and location.
An added advantage to making this area more visible means that colleagues can readily see if the tester is in difficulty. That said, you must prevent well-meaning rescuers becoming the next person to suffer an electric shock. Those in the vicinity should have appropriate information, instruction and training in use of emergency isolators.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Check your flash tester as it may not even be referenced to true earth, it may be using an isolation Tx, to make it safer, in which case, the only risk is between the 2 connections of the test circuit, and there is no electrical potential between the test circuit & true earth. However, you may, have an earth free zone, in which case you need to consider the barriers and physical demarcation, as importing an earth potential into an earth free location, could prove lethal. I agree with Ron, about relying on our advice via the forum, we can't see your installation. I have a combined PAT & flash tester along side me as I type, I couldn't tell you without checking if it uses an isolation Tx, so I definitely can't tell anything about yours. You may need formal on site guidance if your own electrical engineers can't assist, I don't mean electricians either, I mean a propper Electrical Engineer, you probably need someone a bit more aware of the different design options than most electricians.
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Rank: Forum user
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If not a manufacture of the equipment and/or not autherised to 'Flash test and certify' repaired electrical equipment (P.A.T.) in-service please read 6.3 In-service inspection and Testing, the second paragraoph on page 47 of the in-service code of practice 4th edition regarding 'Flash Testing'. The bit wehere it says Dielectric streanth tests should not be used for in-service inspection and testing. If in doubt talk to the manufacture.
Cheers
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Rank: Forum user
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http://www.pat-testing-training.net/articles/fake-fuses.php
This may be useful to the PAT chaps
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