ELECTRICITY AT WORK REGULATIONS 1989

T H E R E G U L AT I O N S D I C TAT E T H AT A L L P O RTA B L E E Q U I P M E N T M U S T B E I N S P E C T E D R E G U L A R LY A N D

T E S T E D T O E N S U R E T H AT I T I S S A F E F O R U S E .

There are three parts to the testing:

visual inspection

earth continuity test

insulation test

Testing of electrical appliances should be carried out

regularly (commonly every 12 months) and should be

carried out by trained, authorised personnel. In a busy salon

this may be every six months. In many cases third-party

electrical contractors carry out PAT testing.

If electrical apparatus is found to be faulty,

the equipment must be withdrawn from

service and repaired immediately

To achieve compliance with the legal requirements of the

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, it requires proof that an

electrical system is safe, which involves amongst other things,

such as proper inspection and testing of a system by competent

people and the creation and maintenance of records.

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 is law in the United

Kingdom

Around a 1000 electric shock

accidents at work are reported

to the HSE each year

W H AT T O L O O K O U T F O R I N T H E W O R K P L A C E E N V I R O N M E N T

The visual inspection looks at damage to the cable, damage to the plug,

damage to the case, loose components and also that the environment the

device is used in is appropriate. The visual inspection also examines the plug

for wiring or fuse problems such as an incorrect fuse or loose connections.

The earth continuity test checks for earth continuity between the plug and

the appropriate parts of the device.

The insulation test checks the cable for weaknesses and unseen faults. In

most workplaces you will see evidence of the testing through a small sticker

placed on the device detailing, among other things, the date of inspection

and details of who carried out the test.

What is PAT testing?

PAT is the abbreviation for Portable Appliance Testing - an electrical

device that tests appliances and equipment for electrical safety.

Annual PAT testing helps to minimse the risk of electrical shock as

well as fire hazard.

Annual PAT testing is required on all electrical items including –

• Hair dryers

• Tongs

• Straightners

• Clippers

• Power leads

QUIZ TIME!

Get into teams and grab a bell! Be the

first to answer the questions by pressing

the bell – team with the most questions

answered correctly win a prizeeee!

Question 1.What does PAT stand for?

A: Portable Appliance Testing

Question 2.

Name 3 electrical items that must be PAT tested in a

salon?

A: Hair dryers, Tongs, Straighteners, Clippers, Power leads

Question 3.

How many electrical shock accidents are

reported to the HSE each year?

A: 1000!

Question 4.

What are the three parts to electrical testing?

A:

visual inspection

earth continuity test

insulation test

Question 5.

How often should electricity be tested in a busy

salon?

A: Every 6 months!

Thank you for listening and

participating in my quiz!