I work for a charitable organisation and we currently carry out some PAT testing, mainly on larger items or tools. Does anyone know where I can get some sensible guidance to identify "what" we really should be covering with PAT testing. We do not want to have to go down the route of testing all mobile phone chargers etc as we would not be able to operate, and it would probably be cheaper to replace them all every year which again seems completely unnecessary! Any sensible advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

There have been several threads on PATesting on the forum recently that you might like to browse through, but basically, test items that you think will give the greatest hazard. A visual inspection will uncover most obvious faults, (frayed or displaced cables, hot spots etc.). Reserve the testing device for items that need it.

Another good source of advice apart from the HSE site is the IET (IEE) document: Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (3rd edition) http://www.theiet.org/pu...ng/books/wir-reg/cop.cfm This is considered the "bible" in the industry and is the course book for both of the C&G qualifications in PAT. If you look at the info on the HSE site on this topic and cross reference this with the CoP from the IET you will see that things such as phone chargers do not necessarily need a full formal I&T on an annual basis. Again the key is to effectively risk assess the issue as has already been stated. HTH Paul