(Page 1 of website guidance)

Portable Appliance Testing

For Offices

Health and safety services

(Page 2 of website guidance)

Contents

Main guidance

Possible injuries from using electrical equipment
Inspecting and testing electrical equipment

Testing frequency for electrical equipment
Personal items and equipment from other organisations
Home working

Appendix 1 - User checks for electrical equipment
Appendix 2 - Formal visual inspections
Appendix 3 - Combined inspection and testing

How to carry out a PAT test

Formal visual inspection
Earth bond test
Insulation test

Additional considerations

IT equipment – summary
Resistance of supply cables
Extension leads and adaptors
110 Volt equipment
Microwave ovens

Appendix 4 - Single phase, 3-phase equipment and equipment permanently wired
into the mains
Appendix 5 - Disposing of waste electrical and electronic equipment

Forms

Record of formal visual inspections
Record of combined inspection and testing

Summary of codes to be used on form

(Page 3 of website guidance)

Electrical safety - main guidance

Possible injuries from using electrical equipment
Most staff and students in the University use electrical equipment, but if electrical
equipment is unsafe or in a poor condition it could cause personal injury, workplace
fires or even kill.

Electrical injury can arise from

 Electric shock

 Electric burns

 Fires of electrical origin

Inspecting and testing electrical equipment
Inspecting and testing equipment involves action at three levels:-



Checks by the user



Formal visual inspections

by an appointed competent person or competent

contractor



Combined inspection and tests

by an appointed, competent person or

competent contractor

Testing frequency for electrical equipment
Portable appliance testing (PAT testing) is usually carried out on any equipment that
has a plug, whether or not it is portable. Adaptors can also be used on some PAT
testing meters, to

test some items of single phase and 3-phase equipment.

Remember that portable hand-held equipment is likely to need more frequent PAT
testing than equipment that stays in the same place. In addition, university equipment
used by students or members of the public may need testing more frequently.

Over several years, the information obtained from PAT testing can be used to amend
the frequency of testing. For example a low failure rate would indicate the interval
between testing can be increased, and a high failure rate shows the interval should
be shortened.

The following table shows the suggested initial checking and testing intervals. For
further information, read the HSE publication “Maintaining portable electrical
equipment in offices and other low risk environments”

(Page 4 of website guidance)

Suggested initial checking and testing intervals*

Category of equipment

User
check

Formal visual
inspection

Combined inspection
and testing

Battery-operated:
(less than 20 volts)

No

No

No

Extra low voltage:
(less than 50 volts AC) eg.
telephone equipment, low
voltage desk lights

No

No

No

Information technology:
eg. desktop computers, VDU
screens

Yes

Yes - Every two
years

Power supply leads
every two years

- If equipment is double-
insulated then it does
not require testing.

- If it is not double-

insulated, test every five
years

(See IT equipment
summary for more
information)

Laptops (university and staff’s
used at work)

Yes

Yes - Annually

Power supply leads,
annually

Equipment that is not hand-
held and rarely moved -
Photocopiers, fax machines*

No

Yes - Every two
years

No if double insulated,
every four years if not
double insulated.

Double-insulated equipment;
whether hand held or not .

Yes

Yes - Every two
years

No**

Double-insulated equipment.
HANDHELD eg. some floor
cleaners

Yes

Yes - Every six
months to one year

No

Earthed equipment (class 1):
Eg. electric kettles

Yes

Yes - Every six
months to one year

Yes - Every one to two
years***

Extension cables, leads (for
mains voltage equipment)

Yes

Yes, annually

Every two years

Cables, leads and plugs
connected to the above

At the same frequency as the equipment

* Use experience of operating the system over a period of time, together with information on
any faults found, to review the frequency of formal visual inspection and combined
inspection/testing.
** For double-insulated equipment, breakdown is caused by physical damage 99 times out of
100, so visual inspections should identify this.
***If not in a high risk environment and not subject to abuse. If latter occurs then need to
carry out combined inspection and testing more frequently.

(Page 5 of website guidance)

Personal items and equipment from other organisations

Wherever possible, only electrical equipment that belongs to the University should be
used for work or teaching activities. The school or service can allow staff or students
to bring in personal items of equipment for work or teaching activities, but only in
exceptional circumstances, and where it is essential to the running of the area.

It is at the discretion of the head of school or service to decide whether this
equipment is allowed, and this must be written into the school or service’s policy.

1 – If staff or students are permitted to use personal items of electrical equipment for
work-based activities or teaching activities:

 They must be told of the need to notify the school or service, so the electrical

equipment can be logged on the electrical equipment inventory and PAT
tested. (A charge may be made at the discretion of the head of school or
service.)

 Anyone using mains powered electrical items for work or teaching activities

without the knowledge of the University may be held personally liable in the
event of injury to another individual (eg. electric shock or electrocution) or in
the event of damage to equipment (eg. as the result of a fire).

2 – Where electrical equipment is brought into the University by students for their
personal use only, then these do not need to be PAT tested by the University. This
includes laptops and equipment brought by students and visitors into University
accommodation. It is, however, important that these personal items of electrical
equipment are in good condition and electrically safe. Students therefore need to be
made aware of this as part of their course and residential induction.

They also need to be made aware that they should not leave personal electrical
equipment in shared kitchens in University accommodation (as other people may use
it and, if this resulted in an accident, they may be held personally liable). Any
personal electrical equipment found by the University in shared kitchens must be
logged and PAT tested.

3 – Where equipment is loaned or provided by outside organisations, schools or
services must ensure the lender has tested the equipment and has a PAT testing
sticker indicating this.

4 – The school or service may forbid the use of personal and loaned electrical
equipment that:

 Has not been tested

 Is considered a hazard in the location or circumstances of use, or

 Is not considered to be essential to the running of the area

These steps must be taken to ensure that the University’s public liability insurance is
not invalidated.

(Please note that while the University's insurance normally covers the consequences
of an accident resulting from the use of equipment with its knowledge and consent,

(Page 6 of website guidance)

the loss of private equipment by fire or theft is not covered and requires private
insurance.)

Home working

Wherever possible, staff are encouraged to use University facilities, but some staff
carry out elements of their work away from the University - often at home.

In most cases, staff are likely to use their own equipment including computers and it
is in their own interests to ensure it is in a good, safe condition. They can do this by
carrying out

user checks

before they start work.

Occasionally equipment is bought by the University specifically for use at home. This
electrical equipment should be logged on the PAT testing inventory and inspected
and tested in accordance with the appropriate frequency intervals for other similar
equipment. This would usually only occur in very rare circumstances, if the University
has employed someone to work predominantly from home.

Heaters
It should be noted that use of portable heaters is usually only permitted as a
temporary measure, and open element and Calor gas fires are prohibited for fire
safety reasons. Any portable electrical heaters must have a thermostat and their use
must be kept to a minimum. Only heaters provided by the University should be used,
and then only after consultation with and agreement by Estate Services.

For

more information on heaters and fire safety

, read the fire safety guidelines.

(Page 7 of website guidance)

User checks for electrical equipment

The vast majority of faults on electrical equipment can be detected visually. The
University operates a system of PAT testing which includes both documented, formal
visual checks and electrical tests using a PAT testing meter.

PAT testing is carried out at specific intervals. Each piece of equipment will have a
sticker on it indicating the date it was last tested and the date that it is due for retest.
However, as a user of electrical equipment, it is also important that you visually check
the equipment is in good condition before using it.

1 - These checks should include the following:

 Has the equipment been PAT tested and is this test still current?

 Is there damage to the cable, such as cuts, fraying, taped joints?

 Is the plug damaged, is the casing cracked or the plug pins bent?

 Is the outer sheath of the cable effectively secured where it enters the plug

and the equipment? (If the coloured insulation of the internal cables are
showing, the equipment must not be used.)

 Is there evidence of overheating (burn marks or discoloration)?

 Is there any damage to the external casing of the equipment or are there

some loose parts or screws?

 Does the appliance work and switch on/off properly?

 Is the equipment suitable for the job and the environment?

These checks also apply to extension leads and sockets.

Any faults should be reported to your line manager, supervisor or lecturer. The
equipment must be taken out of use immediately; and labelled as faulty. If considered
necessary the plug should also be removed. The equipment should not be used until
it is repaired and then tested by a competent person.

Ensure cables are not squashed under furniture or boxes, and do not put cables
underneath carpets or rugs.

Where extension cables or extensions in drum reels are in use, ensure the
equipment is not overloaded - check the information on the extension cable and
ensure the required current in amps does not exceed the quoted figures.

Appendix 1

(Page 8 of website guidance)

Formal visual inspections

Some equipment requires formal, documented visual inspections. These can be
carried out by an appointed, competent, internal person or by competent contractors
(as part of the PAT testing program). Since most potentially dangerous faults can be
picked up by such inspections, they are an important part of the inspection and
testing regime.

1 - An inventory of all electrical equipment within the school or service should be
available. (This could be obtained from the inventory which is required to be kept for
all University equipment.)

2 - These inspections include the range of

visual checks outlined for the user

, but

with the addition of

several more detailed checks

.

3 - If these checks are to be carried out by an appointed, competent internal member
of staff then they will need to have attended an appropriate PAT testing training
course organised by the University.

In order to avoid danger, appointed, competent people should know when the limit of
their knowledge and experience has been reached. They should then seek further
advice from the health and safety coordinator in their school or service, or the health
and safety manager

4 - It is important to keep a

formal record of the visual checks carried out

.

5 - In the case of equipment being considered unsatisfactory, defective equipment
should be taken out of service, labelled as “Unsafe, Do Not Use” and scrapped or
repaired. Schools and services will need to refer repair work to Estate Services or to
suitable external contractors.

Following repair, equipment should be PAT tested, where appropriate.

6 - The inspections should be carried out at regular intervals. The period between
inspections can vary considerably depending on the type of equipment and the
conditions of use. In all cases, the period between inspections should be reviewed in
the light of experience. For more information,

read the suggested initial checking and

testing periods

earlier in this guidance

Appendix 2

(Page 9 of website guidance)

Additional checks for formal visual inspection

Suitability

 Is the equipment suitable for its use?

 Is it suitable for the task, the workplace and the environment?

 If the equipment is found to be damaged, an assessment should be made to

determine the suitability of the equipment for that particular use or location.

Housekeeping

 Are the cables located so they will not be damaged or cause a trip hazard?

 Is the plug accessible so it can be easily unplugged?

 Are extension leads (if used) used safely?

 Is there enough space around the equipment for ventilation and to prevent

cords being bent tightly?

 Is the equipment well away from cups, food and contamination?

Plug - Remove the plug cover (unless it is a moulded type)

 Is it a shrouded plug, which prevents someone inadvertently touching metal on

pins when pulling the plug out? If not, replace it with a suitable shrouded plug.

 Are the top and bottom half different colours (originally from two different

plugs)?

 Are there any signs of overheating (charring or black marks) or corrosion

inside the plug?

 If the appliance is Class 1, is an earth connection present?

 Is it wired correctly and are the wires secure? (see the plug diagram for more

information). Check for loose strands of wire and ensure only a small amount
of copper wire is visible, and the insulation cable has not been removed too
far.

 Are the terminal screws tight?

 Does it have a fuse of the correct fuse rating?

 Is the fuse securely gripped?

 Is the cable clamp grip to the outer sheath?

 Are the terminal screws tight?

Refit the plug cover securely.

Moulded plugs:

 Does it have a fuse of the correct fuse rating?

(See table 1: fuse ratings

)

 Is the fuse securely gripped?

Older equipment and some imported equipment:
Some older appliances may be fitted with output sockets that do not conform to
current safety standards. These must be made safe either by disconnecting them or
by preventing access to the socket. The law requires that all equipment is safe and
this may mean that older equipment needs to be modified. For further advice, talk to
the health and safety coordinator in your school or service, or contact your health and
safety manager

Similarly check that any imported equipment meets UK safety legislation.

Ensure the

supply cable is the correct thickness

for both old and imported equipment.

(Page 10 of website guidance)

Terminal connections 3 pin plug

Table 1: fuse ratings

Three standard fuse ratings are available, and this table shows the corresponding
power ratings for these fuses.

Ensure the right fuse is fitted – too low and the fuse will blow, too high and it can
damage the equipment and create a fire risk.

Fuse rating
(in amps)

Power of equipment
(in watts)

3A

Up to 700W

5A

between 700W and 1200W

13A

Over 1200W

(Page 11 of website guidance)

Record of formal visual inspections

Location

Equipment

Equipment

code ID

Date of

formal

visual

inspection

(FVI)

Pass (P)

or

Fail (F)

If failed*

Scrapped (S),

Repaired &

Retested (R),

Passed (P)

Date of

next formal

visual

inspection

Date of next

combined

inspection

and testing

(if applicable)

* If put in temporary storage, remove the plug. This category also includes items that have been repaired and then failed a combined inspection and test

(Page 12 of website guidance)

Combined inspection and testing

1 - The ‘user checks’ and ‘formal visual inspections’ will reveal most potential faults if
carried out properly, but they may miss deteriorating cables, terminals and problems
within the equipment itself which can occur after significant use.

Testing combined with a thorough visual inspection is the only reliable way of detecting
faults such as loss of earth integrity (broken earth wire within a flexible cable),
deteriorating insulation integrity or contamination of internal and external surfaces.

2 – A combined inspection and test includes a formal visual inspection followed by
electrical tests using a PAT testing meter. (Some equipment will only require a formal
visual check -

see the table of checking and testing intervals for more information

These checks can be carried out by a competent, internal person or competent
contractors.

For an internal employee to carry out the tests, they must have attended an appropriate
PAT testing training course organised by the University

For an external contractor to carry out the tests, checks should be made to ensure they
are competent (eg. membership of National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation
Contracting (NICEIC) or approved by the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)).
They will also need to provide evidence of adequate insurance, risk assessments and
other health and safety arrangements. The University already has several approved
contractors for this work.

3 - If external contractors are used, make spot checks on some of their work to ensure
they are carrying it out correctly in line with the University's requirements. For example,
check they are not putting stickers on the equipment without actually testing it.

4 - The recommended testing regime includes:

1. Formal visual inspection,
2. Earth bond test,
3. Insulation test.

The tests should always be carried out in this order, however, depending on the type of
equipment it may not be appropriate to carry out all three tests (see how to carry out a
PAT test). If equipment is not tested appropriately, damage may occur.

Some PAT testers can carry out other tests such as earth leakage tests or load tests,
but it is not necessary to carry out these additional tests and they may cause damage to
certain types of equipment. Because of this, additional training to the normal PAT
testing course, and testing expertise would be required if these tests were to be carried
out.

Appendix 3

(Page 13 of website guidance)

5 – Once equipment has passed the test, it should be labelled with a test sticker. This
label should indicate:

1. School or service identification number
2. Date of test
3. Date when next test is due
4. Initials of person carrying out test.

The recommended test sticker is green and white.

6 - The results of the tests should be recorded, whether carried out internally or by an
external provider. Details should include those listed in the

record of combined

inspection and testing table

. The more sophisticated PAT testers can download data

electronically.

7 - It is not essential to PAT test new equipment if it is bought from a reputable supplier
but this practice is recommended. If the decision is taken not to PAT test new
equipment it is important to log the equipment on the inventory, including the date it was
bought.

Ideally put a sticker on the equipment to show it is new and the date the first PAT test is
due - This is so users and people inspecting the equipment don’t assume it has not
been PAT tested and could be unsafe to use.

(Page 14 of website guidance)

Record of combined inspection and testing

See the summary of codes on next page

School / service:

Location:

Date:

ID
code

Appliance

Class
1, 2 or 3

Plug
code*

Earth

Ins

Leak

Fault
code*

Repair
code*

Comments

Completed by _________________________________________________

*

See the summary of codes on next page

(Page 15 of website guidance)

PAT testing - plug codes, repair codes and fault codes

Plug

codes

Plug types

A

BS1363 13A Standard Plug (Moulded)

B

BS1363 13A Standard Plug (Rewireable)

C

All in one plug (as in wall wart power supply)

D

Detachable Mains Lead Connector

E

110V 16A connector (Yellow)

F

110V 32A connector (Yellow)

G

230V 16A connector (Blue)

H

230V 32A connector (Blue)

I

3 phase plug (Red)

J

15A Round Pin Plug

K

5A Round Pin Plug

L

2A Round Pin Plug

M

Other Type

Fault

Codes

Faults

Plug

Codes

Repairs

A

Plug damaged

A

Replace plug

B

Plug wired incorrectly

B

Rewire plug

C

Incorrect fuse fitted

C

Replace plug fuse

D

Cable damaged or split

D

Shorten mains cable (remove
damaged portion)

E

Cable unsuitable (too thin etc)

E

Replace mains cable

F

Case or body damaged

F

Repair body or case

G

Cable inlet or connector
damaged

G

Other repair or multiple repairs

H

Not working or malfunction

H

Repaired by supplier and
retested

I

Overheating

J

Earth fault

K

Insulation fault

L

Run or leakage fault

M

Other fault or multiple faults

(Page 16 of website guidance)

How to carry out a PAT test

1.

PAT tests

a)

Formal visual inspection –

more information is available earlier in this guidance

b)

Earth bond test (if class 1 appliance):
The test current should be at least 1.5 times the plug fuse rating.
Pass value is 0.1 ohm or less

If a value of greater than 0.1 ohm is found, the

resistance of the supply cable

can

be deducted from the value.

If you suspect the equipment could be damaged by passing a high current
through the earthing circuit, carry out the test on the lowest amperage possible
on the PAT testing meter or use the 100mA setting for sensitive equipment. (This
lower amperage test is recommended if the appliance has an insulated, plastic
case and the only exposed metal parts are data or video connections.)

Kettles - When testing kettles, ensure there is no water in the kettle for the earth
bond and insulation test.

c)

Insulation test

This test should be carried out on class 1 appliances and class 2 appliances if
they have exposed metal parts.

Pass values (where 1 mega ohm = 1 million ohms)

Class 1

1 mega ohms or greater

Class 2

2 mega ohms or greater

Some appliances have power supplies that can be damaged by the high voltage
DC insulation test. There is now a modern standard (BS EN 60 950) which ICT
manufacturers are encouraged to conform to when producing equipment

In some cases, the equipment will be marked to indicate that it conforms,
although you can expect that new equipment from a reputable source will
conform.

If the equipment is more than five years old, seek advice from the manufacturer
to determine whether it conforms.

Do not carry out the insulation test on ICT equipment (such as computers, fax
machines, TVs or videos) unless you are sure it conforms to the BS EN 60 950
Standard.

(Page 17 of website guidance)

Additional considerations

1- IT equipment – summary

Class 1 IT appliance:

Earth bond test:

 If the equipment has a metal case, carry out normal earth bond test.

 If the equipment has a plastic case and the only exposed metal parts are

connectors, carry out a low current earth bond test

 If the equipment has no exposed metal parts, there is no need to carry

out the earth bond test.

Insulation test:

 This test should only be carried out if the appliance conforms to BS EN

60 950.

Class 2 IT appliance:

Earth bond test:

 This test should not be used on class 2 appliances.

Insulation test:

 All insulated appliance (no exposed metal parts) - no test necessary

 Double insulated appliance (some exposed metal parts) – carry out the

insulation test only if the appliance conforms to BS EN 60 950

Laptops (University and staff-owned used at work)
The power supply should be PAT tested but the laptop itself should not be PAT tested
and just needs a formal, logged visual inspection every year. (Annual inspections are
recommended for laptops because they are portable.)

2 - Resistance of supply cables

(Based on T2 Technical Services’ Ltd, Hull, Portable Appliance Testing Course Manual).

The following table gives figures for the nominal resistance of the protective conductor
per metre. These figures are for cables which meet BS6500 or BS6360.

Nominal conductor CSA
(mm

2

)

Max current carrying
capacity (A)

Resistance per metre at
20

°

C (m

Ω)

0.5

3

39

0.75

6

26

1.0

10

19.5

1.25

13

15.6

1.5

15

13.3

2.5

20

8

4.0

25

5

Once an earth bond test has been carried out, the approximate resistance of the
protective conductor can be found, and a more accurate figure for the resistance of
the earth bond can be calculated.

(Page 18 of website guidance)

For example
An appliance is fitted with 3 metres of 0.75mm

2

cable.

A reading of 158 m

Ω is recorded for the earth bond test. This is higher than the

maximum allowed (100 m

Ω) so would otherwise result in a fail. However, the table

shows the resistance of the 0.75mm

2

supply cable is 26 m

Ω per metre, so the total

resistance for the 3 metre cable is 78 m

Ω.

If the resistance of the cable (78 m

Ω) is deducted from the total reading (158 mΩ) then

a more accurate figure of 80 m

Ω is given, which is within the pass band.

How to check the thickness of cables,
If PAT testing is to be carried out internally, then in order to check the thickness of
cables, it is recommended you buy several short lengths of cable of varying thickness
and mark them up accordingly.

These can then be used to compare with the cables found on equipment. This will
help to check that the correct thickness has been used for the current capacity and
also enable calculation of the resistance of cables, where necessary.

3 - Extension leads and adaptors

(Based on T2 Technical Services’ Ltd Portable Appliance Testing Course Manual)

Multi-adaptor plugs should not be used within the University because they can cause
damage to sockets and also present a potential fire risk if overloaded.

Using extension leads should be avoided if possible, and additional permanent
sockets provided instead. Where extension leads are unavoidable, or are used
temporarily until additional sockets are fitted, in order to prevent trip hazards, do not
use an extension lead any longer than necessary. They are available as 2 or 4 way
adaptors and must be the type that require a suitable fuse to be fitted.

Coiled drum extension leads should not be used because they need to be fully
unwound to prevent overheating and this can create trip hazards.

Extension leads must never be daisy-chained (one extension lead plugged into
another).

When inspecting and testing leads for PAT testing, they should be regarded as a class
1 appliance and tested in the same way. Various devices are available to help with
testing extension leads, but the best method is to find a suitable class 1 appliance that
has already passed the tests, and then repeat the tests with the appliance plugged
into the extension lead.

Only extension leads that consist of 3-core cable should be used, even if it is being
used with a class 2 appliance. This is to prevent possible danger if the extension lead
is ever used for a class 1 appliance in the future. Any extension leads found without
an earth wire should be marked as defective and removed from service.

(Page 19 of website guidance)

Maximum length of leads
The length of the extension lead should not exceed the following (based on guidance
from the IEE):

Core Area

Maximum Length

1.25 mm

2

12 metres

1.5 mm

2

15 metres

2.5 mm

2

25 metres

2.5 mm2 cables are usually too large to fit in standard 13A plugs, but they may be
used with BS4343 (BS EN 60309-2) industrial plugs.

If extension leads longer than the above are used, the IEE recommend they must be
protected by a 30mA residual current device (RCD). A lead of this length will possibly
make controlling trip hazards more difficult, but if it is essential to use one then contact
Estate Services be to check whether RCDs are already fitted at the main switchboard
for the building you want to use it in.

Please note - Long extension leads designed for the home rather than the workplace
are sold very cheaply through DIY stores, and can find their way into workplaces.

These may not meet the criteria given in the above table (eg. 30 metres of 1.25 mm

2

cable, 0.75 mm

2

(6 Amp) cable. These are sold legally in the UK as they are being

sold for a consumer market, rather than an industrial one.

If extension leads are found in the University that do not meet the criteria shown in the
previous table, they must be taken out of use immediately and replaced with ones that
do comply.

See the suggestion for checking the thickness of extension leads.

4 - 110 Volt equipment

Ensure the PAT testing equipment used is supplied with a 110 Volt socket. Carry out a
formal visual inspection, followed by an earth bond test at its highest setting because
there is no fuse in the equipment – it is normally carried out at a setting at least 1.5
times the plug fuse rating. Finally carry out the insulation test.

5 - Microwave ovens

When inspecting and testing microwave ovens, if there are any signs of damage,
distortion or corrosion they should not be passed. Damaged ovens must only be
repaired by specialist repairers.

Carry out a functional check to ensure that opening the door results in a reliable
interruption to the oven power.

(Page 20 of website guidance)

Testing and maintaining single phase, 3-phase equipment and equipment
permanently wired into the mains

Machinery and equipment must be maintained in efficient working order, so it is in
good repair and kept safe - This is required by Regulation 5, of the Provision and Use
of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

Ensure machinery and equipment is serviced and maintained regularly in accordance
with manufacturer's recommendations. It is good practice to keep a written record of
any maintenance or servicing carried out, but if there is a maintenance log it is a legal
requirement to keep this up-to-date.

A formal system of planned preventative or condition-based maintenance will probably
be needed, where safety-critical parts could fail and cause the equipment, guards or
other protection devices to fail and lead to potential risks. This type of maintenance
involves replacing parts and consumables or making necessary adjustments at preset
intervals, so that risks do not occur as a result of the deterioration of failure of the
equipment.

Remember that the importance of some parts, with regards to safety, may not be
obvious. For example, failure to lubricate bearings or replace clogged filters might lead
to danger because of seized parts or overheating.

Arrangements for making checks

Estate Services arrange for the fixed electrical installations (fixed electrical wiring
systems) to be tested every five years. As part of this procedure they will check that
any 3-phase equipment or equipment which is permanently wired into the mains
(without a plug) is adequately earthed. However they will not carry out the equivalent
of a PAT test on this type of equipment, and so will not check the electrical integrity of
the equipment

It is therefore recommended that for both 3-phase equipment and equipment
permanently wired into the mains, this type of check is requested as part of the routine
servicing of the machine.

This needs to be carried out by an external, competent company (such as the
machine manufacturer or recognised service company). If it is impossible to arrange
this as part of the service, then the checks on the electrical integrity of the machine
must be carried out by a qualified electrician who is competent and has the
appropriate expertise in this area. (External contractors employed to carry out PAT
testing may provide this test as an additional service.)

Advice from the University’s external PAT testing trainer has indicated that for small to
medium sized 3-phase appliances and single phase appliances, it is possible to buy
an adaptor for the PAT testing meter. Inspection and testing can, however, only be
carried out on 16 Amp and 32 Amp plug supplies.

A formal visual inspection, an earth bond test (which should be carried out at 26 amp)
and the insulation test should be carried out. Machinery with a 63 Amp or 125 Amp 3-

Appendix 4

(Page 21 of website guidance)

phase plug must be tested by a qualified electrician, as discussed above.

(The University’s external PAT Testing trainer is currently preparing detailed guidance
regarding testing of 3- phase equipment. This guidance will then be amended where
necessary, and key information circulated to relevant people.)

(Page 22 of website guidance)

Disposing of waste electrical and electronic equipment

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2006 relate to
buying and disposing (collection, treatment and recycling) of all electrical equipment.

Before replacing electrical equipment

 Think about the environmental consequences before deciding to replace

equipment.

 Is it essential to buy a new product or can the equipment be upgraded by a

reputable company?

 Can a suitable, safe refurbished product be purchased from a reputable

supplier instead?

 If the equipment is in good, safe working order, can it be used by anyone else

in the University instead of throwing it away?

 If equipment is sold or given away, it is important to ensure that it is in a good,

safe condition. This is because the University will have a duty of care and there
could be liability implications if an accident was to occur as a result of an
existing, fault on this equipment. Consequently, any operating manuals must
also be passed on and copies of maintenance and service logs. A copy of this
information should also be kept by the school or service, as evidence.)

Responsibilities for schools, services and faculties

WEEE should be separated from the main waste stream and not combined with the
general waste in bins or skips. The duty of care for waste including safe storage and
disposal also extends to WEEE.)

If the electrical equipment was bought before 13 August 2005 and is replaced with
new equipment fulfilling the same function, then the producer of the new equipment is
responsible for collecting, treating and recycling the old equipment, regardless of
whether they were the original manufacturer.

The equipment need not be identical and can be equipment that fulfils the same
function, taking account of technological developments and improvements in
functionality, such as replacing a video player with a DVD player.

The University must be able to show evidence that the equipment was sent to an
accredited re-processor.

Producer compliance schemes

should provide the University

with this evidence - see the following section for details.

Appendix 5

(Page 23 of website guidance)

Equipment bought before 13 August 2005
Where the electrical equipment was bought before 13 August 2005 and no similar
product is bought to replace it, contact the Estate Services helpdesk. Cleaning
services will then recycle it appropriately (in accordance with the WEEE Regulations
and existing waste management legislation, including the duty of care and the
Hazardous Waste Regulations.)
The University must be able to show evidence that the equipment was sent to an
accredited re-processor, such as via the system of transfer notes required under the
duty of care.

Equipment bought after 13 August 2005
When electrical equipment bought after 13 August 2005 is no longer needed, the
producer of the equipment is responsible for collecting, treating and recycling it, unless
the University agrees to take on this responsibility at the time of the sale.

The Regulations allow producers and the University to agree 'alternative
arrangements', where the University may agree to take on some or all of the future
costs of the end-of-life treatment of the equipment. This is a commercial decision and
is likely to form part of the normal negotiating processes for supply contracts in the
future - See collection arrangements below for further information

If electrical products are bought from a distributor or other intermediary, ensure you
get and keep the producer’s registration number for the equipment, as this will be
required to arrange disposal at the end of its life. Suppliers of electronic and electrical
equipment should always be able to provide this on behalf of the producers.

If the producer is responsible for WEEE disposal, establish whether it is the producer
or the producer's compliance scheme who will be arranging disposal and how this will
take place.

Where equipment is leased or rented, the producer is usually responsible for its
disposal.

Collection arrangements

WEEE from the University may be collected by the obligated producer or the
compliance scheme working on its behalf. WEEE may either be collected directly from
the University premises or the University may be asked to take it to a local collection
facility, which should be easily accessible.

If the producer goes out of business
Current guidance is that if the producer goes out of business during a compliance
period for which they have paid the fee to the compliance scheme, the scheme has a
responsibility for taking the WEEE. However, if the producer has gone out of business
and it is in another compliance period for which no fee has been paid then the
responsibility will fall on the University.

(Page 24 of website guidance)

Producer compliance schemes

The Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) requires all producers to be registered
with a WEEE compliance scheme. A list of producer compliance schemes is available
on the Environment Agency website

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/weee

Each compliance scheme will register its members with the Environment Agency.
Compliance schemes carry out physical recovery and recycling activities, and
discharge these obligations on behalf of their members by sending WEEE to approved
authorised treatment facilities (AATFs) or to authorised exporters (AEs).