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PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESING As an employer you are required under the 1989 Electricity at Work Regulations to ensure that your portable electrical equipment (lamps, computers, kettles, etc…) are inspected and tested regularly. |
| Types of business | Formal visual inspection |
Combined inspection and electrical tests |
| Equipment Hire | Before issue / after return |
Before issue |
| Construction | Before intial use - 1 month |
3 months |
| Industrial | Before initial use - 3 months |
6 - 12 months |
| Offices and other low risk environments |
See other table | See other table |
HSE suggested intervals for offices and other low risk environments
| Equipment / Enviroment |
User checks |
Formal visual inspection |
Combined inspection and testing |
| Battery Operated (less than 20 Volts) |
No | No | No |
| Extra low voltage (less than 50 Vac) e.g. telephone equipment, low voltage desl lights |
No | No | No |
| Information technology: e.g. desktop computers, VDU screens |
No | Yes. 2 -4 years |
No if double insulated - otherwise up to 5 years |
| Photocopiers, fax machines: NOT hand-held. Rarely moved |
No | Yes. 2 -4 years |
No if double insulated - otherwise up to 5 years |
| Double insulated equipment:NOT hand-held. Moved occasionally, e.g. fans, table lamps, slide projectors |
No | Yes. 2 -4 years |
No |
| Double insulated equipment: HAND-HELD e.g. some floor cleaners |
Yes | Yes. 6 months - 1 year |
No |
| Earthed equipment (Class 1): e.g. electric kettles, some floor cleaners |
Yes | Yes. 6 months - 1 year |
Yes, 1 - 2 years |
| Cables (leads) and plugs connected to the above. Extension leads mains voltage |
Yes | Yes. 6 months - 4 years depending on the type of equipment it is connected to |
Yes, 1 - 5 years depending on the type of equipment it is connected to |