PAT Testing

[acat]

Hi Folks

Im pretty sure I have it right but wanted some feedback to reassure me Went to PAT test a pub today and everything was going fine until we hit the kitchen. 2 microwaves failed the emmisssions test one read 6.15 the other 8.13. The client tried to say that industrial microwaves are allowed a higher rating I said no anything over 5 is a fail. Then he said that my tester was not calibrated and wanted it calibrated. I said it does not need a certificate its calibrated when I press the zero button and either works or it dont.

A few other things were wrong and he got rather annoyed, as such testing was suspended if he is not going to accept results what is the point and I got the impression I wasnt going to get paid.

So am I correct about microwaves and leakage tester and what would you suggest I do next. I wonder how many will recommend a full report to HSA.


Chris

 

[mogga]

sounds like he just wanted stickers what a Plonker hope you didnt buy a pint if his hygine is like he wants your testing to be

 

[cbw]

I am lead to believe that leakage testing of microwaves is a nightmare and most will fail with the basic kit "we" use?????

I will not test them due to this

Was told also on the 2377 that leakage testing was a big headache as all microwaves fail and we need really expensive kit to do it properly?????

 

[acat]

Thats news to me so thanks for the feed back problem is my equipment works perfectly well on our own microwave which I use as a control before any tests that day and as a control at the end of the day. Our microwave 2.32 his microwaves 6.19 and 8.83 back to mine 2.32 so readings are consistant.

Still its worth bearing in mind


Chris

 

[Graeme Harrold]

I use a £100 digital and yes regardless its max 5mW/cm2 at a distance of about 10cm from the microwave. Readings will decrease exponentially with distance. Chances are with it being a catering establishment, the doors take a good hammering.

Recently did an office and failed an A4 laminator, reading on IR was only 378 ohms. Placed a fail sticker next to the on/off switch, and it was still being used 4 days later!!!!! only a slight risk of fire............

 

[acat]

Know what you mean called and seen this bloke before formal testing and among other things pointed out a cable to deep fat fryer cable joined and the join was on the floor soaking up the grease etc said it was a definite fire hazard returned today to find nothing had changed guess they will wait until they have a fire then blame me so to cover my own back put all my findings in writing and sent it recorded delivery (with invoice).

Watch this space


Chris

 

[pennywise]

At my dads work they failed a couple of portable air con units as they were being overworked and not being used in the correct way. The onsite sparks just curled up the cable put do not use signs on them. The fire caused £3 million pounds worth of damage dad sat on the inquest panel, the electrical contractor got the blame they should have cut the plugs off immediately and removed the units according to the HSE. Still some idiot in the office had to move the unit and take the dirty great big sign off it and plug it in, so what chance have you got with a tiny fail sticker. I say we should be alowed to remove faulty equipment from site or remove the appliance lead to prevent use.

 

[lee sandland]

Know what you mean called and seen this bloke before formal testing and among other things pointed out a cable to deep fat fryer cable joined and the join was on the floor soaking up the grease etc said it was a definite fire hazard returned today to find nothing had changed guess they will wait until they have a fire then blame me so to cover my own back put all my findings in writing and sent it recorded delivery (with invoice).

Watch this space


Chris

hi chris , i think a phone called to your local EHO ,will help with your findings they love things like this

 

[Graeme Harrold]

At my dads work they failed a couple of portable air con units as they were being overworked and not being used in the correct way. The onsite sparks just curled up the cable put do not use signs on them. The fire caused £3 million pounds worth of damage dad sat on the inquest panel, the electrical contractor got the blame they should have cut the plugs off immediately and removed the units according to the HSE. Still some idiot in the office had to move the unit and take the dirty great big sign off it and plug it in, so what chance have you got with a tiny fail sticker. I say we should be alowed to remove faulty equipment from site or remove the appliance lead to prevent use.

This is the massive grey area that winds up so many sparks. There is no hard and fast LEGAL guidelines as to what you can and cant do in the event of a dangerous situation. As it stands, remove an item of failled kit and you could be done for theft Give us the legal power of the gas fitters

 

[pennywise]

Think the only thing you could do in a situation like that is to issue a danger notice on that item of equipment and get the manager or the person with the duty of care to counter sign it, time date etc then cut the plug off

 

[acat]

Thanks Guys I thought I was correct the very man I was speaking to was the manager and owner of the public house. So yes I am awaiting his response to my letter and then it will more than likely be onto health and safety no doubt it will save his life and that of his family and customers. I doubt however he will appreciate that fact


Chris

 

[sparkdog]

I do a lot of microwaves and have the tester calibrated each year so it always has a valid certificate and Celtek (microwave equipment calibrators) say the test results are not valid without it.Nowadays I just don't get any leakage at all even on commercial ones so I would suspect door damage.

 

[R.Sparky]

When i P.A.T test with my emission tester, (Green to Red Gauge Dial) If there is any emissions at all, i fail it.
To me, there is no safe level of exposure to emissions, surely if it's barely under the pass bracket, it'd slowly deteriorate anyway.

 

[acat]

Well the saga continues they are now trying to tell me that the microwaves are over two years old and with all the abuse and fair wear and tear both microwaves have been checked by the owners and have zero emmissions.

Ithen informed them which microwave they used the most and as I was never in the kitchen before how would I know that (a long silence ensued) so I broke the silence and said Im correct am I not reply "yes you are" to which I took great pleasure informing them I knew that from the emmisssions that the other people say do not exist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Chris

 

[R.Sparky]

Well the saga continues they are now trying to tell me that the microwaves are over two years old and with all the abuse and fair wear and tear both microwaves have been checked by the owners and have zero emmissions.

Ithen informed them which microwave they used the most and as I was never in the kitchen before how would I know that (a long silence ensued) so I broke the silence and said Im correct am I not reply "yes you are" to which I took great pleasure informing them I knew that from the emmisssions that the other people say do not exist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Chris

Some people just don't realise how important P.A.T testing is, i've spoke to new build shops etc and when i mention P.A.T testing they look dumbfounded.

There should be some sort of enforcement instead of just stating the law, because hardly anyone enforces it.