With the newly published fourth edition of the IET Code of Practice now available, the IET hopes that millions of pounds could be saved by business over the next few years.
The new edition of the Code of Practice extends the scope of in-service inspection and testing (commonly referred to as PAT testing) and is designed to make clearer the rules and regulations of the PAT testing process in an effort to enhance communication and ensure organisations aren’t spending a fortune on unneeded testing procedures.
As it stands, many organisations carry out their PAT testing annually, as they believe this is needed. This is not the case – PAT testing has never been an annual legal requirement in a wide variety of environments, as the duration for PAT testing is assessed on the risk factor of an environment.
Firms across the UK are guilty of not communicating this to businesses, and it is believed that millions of pounds are spent every single year needlessly on PAT testing procedures when they aren’t needed. The new Code of Practice hopes to change this, and has modified the contents of the code to be more relevant to the modern PAT regulations.
The new Code of Practice 4th edition will give greater advice to individuals and organisations, allowing them to make informed decisions about PAT testing rather than being told that they need to do it every year. The new risk assessment by the guide takes into account the usage, type and environment of equipment that might be eligible for PAT testing.
Geoff Cronshaw, chief electrical engineer at the IET, said: “Misunderstandings around inspection and testing of electrical equipment have led to low-risk businesses paying unnecessarily for over-the-top maintenance regimes. The Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, fourth edition, incorporates major changes reflecting Professor Löfstedt’s report and the Health and Safety Executive’s view that promotes a proportionate risk-based approach when assessing the safety of electrical equipment and appliances, potentially saving businesses millions of pounds.”
The IET Code of Practice 4th Edition Main Changes
The new version of the Code of Practice is officially available now as both a book and an e-book. The book has had significant changes over previous versions of the book and has taken into account a large amount of research including the Löfstedt report which was carried out this year.
Inside the new guide’s preface, the IET outlines exactly what has changed:
“The main changes in this edition of the Code of Practice include clarification of which equipment is covered, the inclusion of hired and second-hand equipment and a change in the scope. In addition, there is an explanation of the risk assessment required to determine frequencies between inspection and testing, if it is required.”
The changes in the guide have also removed microwave leakage testing, which is no longer considered to be part of the In-Service Inspection. Similarly production testing has also been removed.
Risky Environment = More Regular Testing
Although this should be made clearer by the Code of Practice, we want to make it clear that PAT testing must be carried out more regularly where there is a higher risk of a portable appliance becoming damaged on a day to day basis.
In these cases, it may be plausible to carry out PAT testing regularly, and it is important that the organisation looking into PAT testing consults the new Code of Practice before going ahead and makes sure they have found out exactly how often they should be performing the tests.
For example, an area such as a construction site, which is deemed to be a more dangerous environment, than, for example, an office, would have to perform PAT testing more regularly because there is a greater likelihood of portable appliances being damaged. In an office, a portable appliance is unlikely to be damaged as many of them just sit under desks (such as computers) or remain in a fixed area.
The Effect on PAT Testing Companies
If you’re part of a firm that specialises in outsourcing to other firms and carrying out PAT testing inspections, it’s probably normal to be a bit concerned about the changes to the rulings.
There’s a fear amongst the PAT testing community that these regulations will have an extremely detrimental effect on the business of PAT testing companies, but Seaward Group, widely known for their range of PAT testing products, reckon that the change also brings about new opportunities for the PAT testing sector as well.
Jim Wallace, associate director of Seaward, said: “There is no doubt that the latest guidance on portable appliance testing will require a new approach to be taken by those involved in the industry.
“The clear message is that electrical equipment inspection and testing regimes should be based on a more focused and robust approach to assessing the safety risks posed by appliances.
“Those companies that can respond positively to the change in emphasis now have the opportunity to provide much more added value to their customers.
“This will mean moving away from a simple cost per test-driven service to the provision of more thorough support based on a more professional advisory, testing and record keeping service.”
“There is indisputable evidence that the periodic in-service testing of electrical equipment prevents injuries, saves lives and avoids workplace fires that would otherwise be devastating for those involved. This has not changed.
“In certain situations there has been a problem of an overzealous approach to testing and over compliance with the regulations. The new emphasis on risk assessment is designed to overcome this, but also reaffirms that duty holders can accept advice from the person doing the inspection and testing.
“This is the opportunity for contractors. The key is having a proper understanding of risk assessment – and being able to apply the same principle to other areas of workplace safety.
“If this new approach can be adopted, there is no reason why professional PAT firms should not continue to succeed.”
In other words, Seaward is advising PAT testing firms to develop and utilise a new risk-based assessment approach where they can be the bridge between customers, the IET Code of Practice and the PAT testing procedure.
By doing this, it is hoped that the changes to the Code of Practice coupled with a more helpful approach from PAT testing companies will usher in a new age of PAT testing where money can be saved, PAT testing businesses can pursue new avenues of interest and safety is enforced to a suitable level to make working environments suitable for use by humans.
