PAT testing

Grizzly01

@copier_guy: the PAT company should have provided their customer with the full details of why any particular appliance has failed a combined inspection & test. "It failed a PAT test" is unacceptable unless much more detail is provided.
You were absolutely correct to refuse to confirm the appliance was OK, and your boss sounds like an idiot.

@ohreally: well said!
Lots of the hard-of-thinking have heard of the HSE's revised guidance, and for some reason have come to the conclusion that in-service inspection & testing isn't now required at all. Bless them.

Ectophile

It doesn't help that PAT testing these days is subcontracted to the lowest bidder, who will charge pennies per appliance tested.

Someone who is barely trained will be given the job of going round the office plugging each appliance into the tester. If it makes the right beep, the appliance gets a PASS sticker. Wrong beep and it fails.

ListysDad

The BS and myth I refer to are the fear uncertainty and doubt tactics employed by all to many companies with regards to PAT testing.

There is no doubt whatsoever that testing is required and has a valid place. Likewise, as the advice refers to, there is no doubt that individuals should take responsibility for assessing potential risks and visually inspecting when appropriate. Where kit is pretty much static it simply does not need an annual test by a button monkey. That very process lulls most people into a false sense of security.

Where people use kit in, e.g. a mobile environment, they should be giving it the common sense visual once over every time they use it. I sure as hell do when using any of my kit!

What I cannot and will not agree with is the "it's stickered so it's safe" salesman's/irresponsible employer pitch.

D