frequency of PAT

[telectrix]

as title. i don't do a lot of PAT, got 2377 years ago and have recently come across a few sites ( offices ) where previous testers have stipulated next test due in 12 months on everything. now, iv'e lost my notes, but seem to remember that frequently moved items ( kettles, vacs., etc.),are generally OK for annual tests, due to the nature of their use, but items like PC's etc., that hardly ever get disturbed would only warrant 2 yearly or even 5 yearly intervals between tests. IMO blanketing all items as annual reeks of work creation. can anyone confirm if i am correct or not? bearing in mind that frequency of testing is, IMO, down to the tester's judgement.

 

[needasparks]

I only remember it as class1 12 months and class2 24 months but that was an old book i read once.

 

[Engineer54]

From long distant memory, i think it was 2 years for everything. Can't remember seeing anything as annual or 5 years, Just the 2 years is sticking in the memory box. But ...I could be wrong!!!

 

[needasparks]

Lot of good we are that can't answer a simple question. i feel the shame.

 

[telectrix]

not truly bad is it you are. may the force be with you.

 

[micknew]

Sure the required interval is 1 year, as required by insurance companies.

 

[Richard Burns]

OK i think they are doing work creation, PCs / IT equipment are definitely on about 2yr inspection /4yrs for visual inspection and test. Hand held could be every 6months for inspection but hardly worth it so shift it to 12months if not abused.

 

[cbw]

Thing is with items that are every 2 years if it ends up only being less than 50 items for both class 1 and 2 items every other year and I charge a certain price that actually ends up making it more expensive to do it that way, therefore blanket annual is actually cheaper for client.

 

[Richard Burns]

But it is is up to the inspector to decide!!! since they are suitably qualified!

 

[GLENNSPARK]

i think for building sites its every three months.....

 

[MarkieSparkie]

COP, 3rd Edition, Table 7.1, states initial frequency of combined inspection and testing for offices:
Class 1, Stationary and IT equipment, 48 months. (Visual inspection 24 months).
Class 1, Movable and portable equipment, 24 months. (Visual inspection 12 months).
Class 1, Hand-held equipment, 12 months. (Visual inspection 6 months).
Class 2, All types of equipment are in a low risk environment so combined inspection and testing may be omitted at the discretion of the tester. (Visual inspection of stationary, IT, movable and portable equipment, 24 months. Hand-held equipment 6 months).

 

[cbw]

.........

 

[telectrix]

thanks, both to markie and cbw. my thoughts were similar. will print a guide to show clients.

 

[Engineer54]

Haha, looks like they have totally revamped the whole thing!! still it was an awful long time ago, and i was more conserned with the commercial/industrial side of things even then...

That format certainly looks as if they have complicated things!! lol!! When PAT first came about, it was all 12 months, then got changed and now, ...well now you need a sheet of paper just to see what applies where...

 

[cbw]

Still works out cheaper for the average office to do all items once a year

They end up paying minimum charge or inflated prices otherwise