Portable Appliance
Inspection & Testing
Checking Electrical Appliances to protect human life and property
Business Challenge
What are the key benefits?
There are four main sets of legislation that are applicable to the inspection and
testing of Portable Appliances -
• Control of earthworks
• Compliance with regulatory requirements
• Lower company insurance premiums may be negotiated with documented proof of a
regular Portable Appliance Testing regime
• A reduction in failed appliances will result in fewer subsequent stoppages which will
save money
• Enhanced employee perception as a proactive and caring employer
• Minimised financial liabilities
1) The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
2) The Management of the Health & Safety at Work Act Regulations 1999
3) The Provision & use of work Equipment Regulations 1999
4) The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
In essence, the regulations place a duty of care upon all to ensure the safety of all
persons in the work premises.
Why choose Bureau Veritas?
Electricity kills and injures people with around 1000 electrical accidents at work reported
to HSE each year, of which about 25 people die of their injuries.
Many deaths and injuries arise from:
• Use of poorly maintained electrical equipment
• Mains electricity supplies
• Use of unsuitable electrical equipment in explosive areas such as car paint spraying
booths
• Fires started by poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances cause
many additional deaths and injuries
What is Portable Appliance Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing is the in-service inspection of any 240Volt Electrical
Appliance fitted with a 13amp plug or any 110Volt appliance to ensure compliance, as set
out in the IEE Regulations for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment .
Various tests are performed to measure compliance and will include a thorough visual
inspection, function test and if applicable an Earth Continuity, Insulation Resistance Test,
load and leakage and flash tests. Not all tests are required on all equipment.
Recognition
With a network of 700 offices, and over 26,000 employees in more than 140 countries,
Bureau Veritas is uniquely placed to supply its 280,000 customers worldwide. In the UK and
Ireland alone Bureau Veritas has over 30 offices and laboratories employing over 1500 staff.
Bureau Veritas is one of the UK's leading electrical inspection companies advising private
and public sector clients on electrical issues and as such is recognised by stakeholders
and client representatives alike as a key player in the electrical inspection sector.
Network
Bureau Veritas Electrical Inspection has a dedicated team of City & Guilds qualified Portable
Appliance Engineers providing coverage to the whole of the UK.
Our national coverage means we can respond quickly to emergency situations.
Personalised Services
Bureau Veritas Electrical Inspection has a proven track record in adapting its services
and designing bespoke solutions; we set industry standards within our field of work.
Experienced Project Managers will carry out a thorough appraisal of your needs. From
this we will build a step by step guide and a programme to compliance is devised to
ensure all regulatory requirements are considered.
The tested appliance will then be given its own unique label to show conformity.
On completion of the testing and inspection a comprehensive report will be provided
detailing the appliances inspected together with test results and details of items that
failed. This report will act as evidence to any interested party that you have endeavored
to meet your obligations for electrical safety as required by the law.
Bureau Veritas cover all aspects of electrical inspection and testing assessing risk and
danger within the system. A full report is produced highlighting the compliance and
non-compliance of the installation with the relevant electrical regulations to ensure the
continued safety of employee’s and members of the public.
Online Reporting
Bureau Veritas web based reporting system (BV Net) allows clients to view their reports
from any where in the world at any time. This has the advantage of generating
paperless reports, hence contributing to the well being of the environment.
PD48, 09/07
FAQ-Frequently asked questions
Contact
Do I have to have my appliances PAT Tested?
Yes, the Heath and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
puts a duty on the employer to provide a safe working environment for their employees.
Tel: +44 (0) 1279 634100
E-mail: inspsales@uk.bureauveritas.com
Web: www.bureauveritas.co.uk
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state that any electrical system must be
maintained and used in such a manner as to prevent danger. Portable Appliances are
classed as a part of any such system and as such are required to be inspected in order
to comply with the regulations.
The Institute of Electrical Engineers publish a code of practice “In-service Inspection and
Testing of Electrical Equipment” which is the industry standard in the UK.
How often must my appliances be tested?
The intervals between inspections must be kept under review and can be based upon the
type of appliance, its application and the environment in which the appliance is operated
in. Generally you will need testing carried out every year with levels of testing changing
based upon risks, results and local environment.
PD48, 09/07