In November 2012, the Code of Practice for PAT Testing was revised in order to clarify the requirements for what should be tested and how often.
The emphasis is now on the duty holder assessing the risks and applying the legislation as required. Where the duty holder is uncertain of this, they should either attend a formal PAT training course or seek the advice of a reputable external PAT contractor.
The Code of Practice 4th Edition includes an updated table that provides guidance on the frequency of testing, duty holders and PAT test operatives should use this as a reference when carrying out the initial assessment in order to determine the test requirements.
These changes to the Code of Practice now mean that it is simply not enough to carry out testing of all appliances on an annual basis. Some appliances may not require any electrical testing at all, whereas others may need to be tested more regularly. Maintaining asset lists and details of test regimes can be a huge task, especially for larger sites. With this in mind, Seaward launched the Apollo 600, the first PAT tester that fully complies with the new Code of Practice and gives you the capability to record details of risk assessments, appliances to be tested and test frequency, all in a simple hand-held unit.
Seaward Apollo 600 – Making Testing Easier
For the in-house operative, this means you can carry out full assessments of all equipment and areas in the company (provided the operative has had the relevant training), recording the results and documenting everything.
For the PAT testing operative, you can now enhance your service and set yourself aside in order to offer your clients a more comprehensive service, advising them where required and again documenting the evidence.
- Electrical Appliance Tests
- Electrical Risk Assessment Tool Calculates Suggested Retest Period
- Traceability of Results with PATGuard 3 Software
- Built-in Digital Camera, Document Risk Assessments & Tests with Digital Photos
- Variety of Test & Inspection Certificates, including PAT, Emergency Lighting & Health & Safety Reports
- Field operatives can send test results, via a smart phone or tablet, directly to head office without the need for extra software
- PATGuard 3 Software, Health & Safety Edition, allows download and storage of client and test data, with report and certificate printing capability
The new Seaward Apollo 600 gives you more and is very reasonably priced. The unit can also be purchased as part of a kit, which includes a label printer and a barcode scanner. You can find out more about these products using the links below:
