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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Portable appliance testing https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1333097246 Message started by young senior on Mar 30^th, 2012, 9:47am

Title: Portable appliance testing
Post by young senior on Mar 30^th, 2012, 9:47am

I am a volunteer for a charity,having completed a PAT distance learning course am now checking electrical goods eg hair dryers, table lamps, and other portable appliances. logging,and signing & applying test label to plug. Goods are sold in charity shops having been donated by general public.
I have been asked to PAT test their commercial offices following request from landlord.
Am I qualified to do this as a volunteer.

Title: Re: Portable appliance testing
Post by The_Trician on Mar 30^th, 2012, 9:59am

Do you have Pubic Liability insurance cover?

Should your activities result in any form of damage to the client's property you could be faced with a large claim - especially if it affects a computer full of valuable data.

Accidently knock a container full of liquid over, or even press the wrong 'Test' button at the wrong time and you could fry the pc.

If it were me, and I wasn't charging for doing it, I would have a good chat with the entity you will be doing the work for, and ensure that some form of written agreement is in place which indemnifies you against any form of claim for property damage.

Title: Re: Portable appliance testing
Post by Lectrician on Mar 30^th, 2012, 11:23am

As TT says, while you have the qualification, you need to ensure you are insured as required, even if carrying out the work volunantarily.

Title: Re: Portable appliance testing
Post by ElectricalTraining on Mar 30^th, 2012, 3:04pm

wrote on Mar 30^th, 2012, 9:47am:

I am a volunteer for a charity,having completed a PAT distance learning course am now checking electrical goods eg hair dryers, table lamps, and other portable appliances.

Was it a City&Guilds course?

Take a look at this Video ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UM3RUEUink

Title: Re: Portable appliance testing
Post by young senior on Mar 30^th, 2012, 8:32pm

Thanks for advice.
Volunteers are insured for Public Liability, and PAT will be carried out at the charity`s offices.
However I wiil check again with Director to make sure I`m not liable if accidental damage occurs.
A great forum, thanks again.

Title: Re: Portable appliance testing
Post by CWatters on Apr 1^st, 2012, 7:22pm

Not everything needs testing. For example you might only need to test PC's if they are over 5 years old. Table 1..

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg236.pdf

http://www.pattesters.co.uk/pat-testing-faqs/how-to-pat-test-computers

Title: Re: Portable appliance testing
Post by PATTesting on Apr 3^rd, 2012, 6:22pm

Hi, The IEE code of practice for in service inspection and testing of electrical equipment states that "This code does not deal with the legislation relating to the supply of equipment whether new or secondhand, to a third party by way of sale, hire or any other method. ;D