Responsibilities for Portable Appliance Testing within an organisation lie mostly with the employer or self-employed person, so far as the appliances used are their responsibility.
However the Electricity at Work Regulations recognises that both employers and employees both have responsibilities for electrical systems and for reporting or dealing with any appliances that may not be fit for their use or purpose. |
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The IEE Code of Practice states that:
“It shall be the duty of every employer and self-employed person to comply with the provisions of these Regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control."
It shall be the duty of every employee while at work:
• to co-operate with his employer so far as is necessary to enable any duty placed on that employer by the provisions of these Regulations to be complied with; and
• to comply with the provisions of these Regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his control”.
The right equipment for the right job
Employers should ensure that the equipment that they provide in the work place is the right equipment for the job in hand and that it is suitable for the use which it is provided. It must also be used only for its purpose.
All equipment should be in good condition and maintained to keep it in good order. This is where PAT testing comes in, as it must be regularly inspected to make sure that it is maintained in a safe condition.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 covers all of this area in detail. Visit : http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1998/19982306.htm
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