PlugTech – Method/Risk Statement for Portable Appliance Testing
Site Approach
Upon arrival on site our test engineer will introduce himself to the client’s representative and explain the purpose and nature of the work to be carried out.
This person will then be asked to accompany our engineer around the site to highlight out any sensitive areas and introduce the IT manager who should confirm any arrangements that have been made for shutting down any IT equipment and workstations if required.
Standards
The inspection and testing shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the following regulations and publications:
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 - Health & Safety at Work Act of 1974
IEE Code of Practice for the in-service Inspection and Testing of
Portable Electrical Equipment
Identification of equipment
Every piece of electrical equipment will be allocated a unique number.
This will be used to cross reference test results to the certificate supplied.
A register of equipment will then be produced to include the following details:
Item number
Location in which the appliance/asset is kept/used
Description of appliance
Date of test and retest date if applicable
Pass or Fail Results as applicable to the item
Testing Procedures as stated by the IEE Code of Practice for In-service
Inspection and Testing or Portable Electrical Equipment.
Visual Inspection
A visual inspection of the appliance shall be carried out prior to any testing.
The inspection includes the following:
Plug: is the flexible cable secure, are the pins insulated, is it free from
cracks, or damage and signs of overheating?
Flex is in good condition, free from cuts, fraying or damage?
Appliance: does it work?
Is it free from damage? Can it be used safely?
In addition, the visual inspection will check that the means of disconnection from the mains supply is also readily accessible and that wherever possible, flexible cords are positioned so that they do not present a hazard.
All minor faults identified during the visual inspection, such as incorrectly rated fuses and any loose connections will be rectified prior to the testing procedure.
(Where any appliance cannot be isolated from the mains supply, a thorough external visual inspection will be carried out)
Testing
Subject to a satisfactory visual inspection, the following sequences of test are carried out.
Earth continuity – Class 1 appliances only
Insulation resistance (where appropriate)
Polarity (where appropriate)
Earth leakage test
Failed Items
Any FAILED appliances are taken out of service and are immediately brought to the attention of the client representative on site.
Risk Assessment Levels and recommendations for safety
All appliance testing is conducted with low output battery operated equipment, therefore eliminating high voltage leakage and load test – load testes are performed at low amperage ratings, and calculated via the machine to produce a valid “load test” result.
Key: 2 points = High Risk, 1 points = Medium Risk, 0 points = Low Risk
Visual Inspection = 0 points (Low Risk)
Appliance testing :
Hazard Rating
Earth Leakage Possible - 1 point - Unlikely
High Voltage - 0 points - Low Risk
Higher internal voltages - 0 points - Low Risk
Burns Possible x Serious Injury -0 points - Low Risk
Safety Recommendations
Test apparatus must comply with BS EN 61010-1 and have been tested / calibrated within specified time limits.
Testing should be carried out away from other personnel under controlled conditions wherever possible.
The test kit and appliance under test must never be left unaccompanied while "live" and under test.
Other personnel in vicinity of tests must be informed of activity and notified re potential hazards.
Adequate First Aid cover in terms of facilities and trained personnel must be identified in case of emergency.
PlugTech – Prop J S Dawson
16 Daytona Drive, Northop Hall, CH7 6LP
01352 770933 - 07709912111
Site Approach
Upon arrival on site our test engineer will introduce himself to the client’s representative and explain the purpose and nature of the work to be carried out.
This person will then be asked to accompany our engineer around the site to highlight out any sensitive areas and introduce the IT manager who should confirm any arrangements that have been made for shutting down any IT equipment and workstations if required.
Standards
The inspection and testing shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the following regulations and publications:
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 - Health & Safety at Work Act of 1974
IEE Code of Practice for the in-service Inspection and Testing of
Portable Electrical Equipment
Identification of equipment
Every piece of electrical equipment will be allocated a unique number.
This will be used to cross reference test results to the certificate supplied.
A register of equipment will then be produced to include the following details:
Item number
Location in which the appliance/asset is kept/used
Description of appliance
Date of test and retest date if applicable
Pass or Fail Results as applicable to the item
Testing Procedures as stated by the IEE Code of Practice for In-service
Inspection and Testing or Portable Electrical Equipment.
Visual Inspection
A visual inspection of the appliance shall be carried out prior to any testing.
The inspection includes the following:
Plug: is the flexible cable secure, are the pins insulated, is it free from
cracks, or damage and signs of overheating?
Flex is in good condition, free from cuts, fraying or damage?
Appliance: does it work?
Is it free from damage? Can it be used safely?
In addition, the visual inspection will check that the means of disconnection from the mains supply is also readily accessible and that wherever possible, flexible cords are positioned so that they do not present a hazard.
All minor faults identified during the visual inspection, such as incorrectly rated fuses and any loose connections will be rectified prior to the testing procedure.
(Where any appliance cannot be isolated from the mains supply, a thorough external visual inspection will be carried out)
Testing
Subject to a satisfactory visual inspection, the following sequences of test are carried out.
Earth continuity – Class 1 appliances only
Insulation resistance (where appropriate)
Polarity (where appropriate)
Earth leakage test
Failed Items
Any FAILED appliances are taken out of service and are immediately brought to the attention of the client representative on site.
Risk Assessment Levels and recommendations for safety
All appliance testing is conducted with low output battery operated equipment, therefore eliminating high voltage leakage and load test – load testes are performed at low amperage ratings, and calculated via the machine to produce a valid “load test” result.
Key: 2 points = High Risk, 1 points = Medium Risk, 0 points = Low Risk
Visual Inspection = 0 points (Low Risk)
Appliance testing :
Hazard Rating
Earth Leakage Possible - 1 point - Unlikely
High Voltage - 0 points - Low Risk
Higher internal voltages - 0 points - Low Risk
Burns Possible x Serious Injury -0 points - Low Risk
Safety Recommendations
Test apparatus must comply with BS EN 61010-1 and have been tested / calibrated within specified time limits.
Testing should be carried out away from other personnel under controlled conditions wherever possible.
The test kit and appliance under test must never be left unaccompanied while "live" and under test.
Other personnel in vicinity of tests must be informed of activity and notified re potential hazards.
Adequate First Aid cover in terms of facilities and trained personnel must be identified in case of emergency.
PlugTech – Prop J S Dawson
16 Daytona Drive, Northop Hall, CH7 6LP
01352 770933 - 07709912111