The principal purpose of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is to ensure that portable electrical appliances are safe to use, thus minimising accidents and injuries in the workplace. All items brought onto site should be tested before they are used.
Contact safety-office@eng.cam.ac.uk to arrange a PAT.
The PAT requirement also applies to in-house built equipment. Modified equipment will require a PAT retest. Users of electrical equipment should visually check that there are no signs of damage or interference with that equipment before it is used and, also, when it is moved to a new location.
A simple visual check can detect potential problems:
✓ Check that the equipment has an up-to-date ‘PAT’ test label
✓ Check for damage (apart from very light scuffing) to the cable sheath
✓ Check for damage to the plug or socket
✓ Check for any inadequate or non-standard joint(s), including taped joint(s) in the cable
✓ Check that the outer sheath of the cable is effectively secured where it enters the plug or the equipment
✓ Check for any damage to the external casing of the equipment or any loose parts or screws
✓ Check for any panels or covers missing, ensure any live parts can’t be easily accessed
✓ Check for evidence of overheating (burn marks or discolouration) If a faulty item causes a fire it might not just be equipment and research that is lost, but the whole lab, office, building or life may be lost too!
For more information see the Guidance for Working Safely with Electricity visit https://www.safety.admin.cam.ac.uk/system/files/hsd001p.pdf