Portable appliance testing Myth Busting!

Applicable regulation:

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

What the regulation says:

Any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury must be maintained in a safe condition. 

Where the confusion lies:

The Regulations don’t specify exactly what needs to be done (inspection and testing), by whom (competence not defined) or how often. Therefore, PA testing is not actually a legal requirement. However, by regularly testing your portable equipment, you are reducing the likelihood that the equipment is unsafe and therefore potentially reducing injuries to your employees/ the public.

What is classed as a portable appliance?

A portable appliance is any item that can be moved, either connected or disconnected from an electrical supply. Portable or movable items generally have a lead (cable) and a plug. Portable and movable equipment includes the following: 

• kettles, vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, portable heaters, fans, desk lamps, some TVs, radios, some small electric cookers, PC projectors, small appliances such as irons, hair dryers and kitchen equipment including food mixers, toasters etc

• larger items that are rarely moved eg water chillers, fridges, microwaves, photocopiers, vending machines, washing machines, electric cookers, fax machines, desktop computers, electric beds etc 

• mobile phone and other battery-charging equipment that is plugged into the mains (the phones themselves and any other battery-operated equipment is not included)

• extension leads, multi-way adaptors and connection leads.

I’m confused between Class II and Class II appliances?

Class I equipment has an earth connection. If there is a fault within the equipment there is a chance that the outside of the equipment could cause an electric shock if that earth connection isn’t functioning correctly. Therefore it is recommended that Class I equipment has a portable appliance test to ensure the earth connection is working correctly.

Class II equipment is also called ‘double insulated’ equipment. Quite simply it means that there is additional insulation within the equipment to prevent accidental contact with live parts, even if there is a fault. Class II equipment does not need an earth connection to maintain safety. It does not require a portable appliance test, but you should ensure that visual inspections are still carried out as the integrity of the equipment casing is a main safety feature. Class II equipment is marked like this: 

If you cannot see this symbol, you should assume that the item is a Class I appliance and carry out a portable appliance test. 

Frequency of inspection

How often you inspect, and test depends upon the type of equipment you have and the environment it is used in eg industrial, public spaces, office. 

HSE guidance document INDG236 rev 3 gives recommendations on testing intervals, however it should always be risk assessed and relevant to your own environment.

Visual checks

It’s important that users of portable appliance testing become familiar with regularly inspecting the power leads. Here is a list below that can be used as a guide to check:

• damage to the lead including fraying, scoring, 

• cuts or deep scuffing

• damage to the plug, eg to the cover or pins

• tape applied to the lead to join leads together

• coloured wires visible where the lead joins the plug 

• damage to the outer cover of the equipment itself, including loose parts or screws

• Signs of overheating, such as burn marks 

• equipment that has been used or stored in unsuitable conditions, such as wet or dusty environments or where water spills are possible

• cables trapped underneath furniture 

Recording Testing

You may find it useful to keep records of all inspections and tests, and to label equipment with the result and date of the test, but there is no legal requirement to do either of these things. However it’s a visual way to demonstrate to users that the appliance has been tested.

Competence

To carry out PA Testing you must be competent to do so. So what does that mean? Simply put it means you must have the knowledge, training or experience to be able to know what you are doing. They should have the right test equipment, know how to use and know how to interpret the results. 

If you are thinking about carrying out in-house testing this could be demonstrated by attending a specific PA Testing course or by previous/current industry experience and knowledge such as electrical engineers. Some businesses choose to outsource testing to external contractors due to lack of internal resources.

Summary

1. PA Testing is not a legal requirement.

2. PA Testing is additional due diligence to ensure your work equipment is safe.

3. PA Testing frequency guides are available but should always be tailored to your own business

4. Visual inspections are just as important - unsafe equipment will be noticed sooner

5. You do not need to label plugs with stickers/record test results- however it will be easier for users to see that equipment has been tested. 

6. PA testing can be outsourced to a contractor or completed in house by a competent person. A portable appliance test does not need to be carried out by an electrician