Environment Check
This piece of PAT Testing Basic Information is to do with the safety of everyone. Whether you are the PAT Tester or the equipment user. Upon entering the room, a PAT Tester should have a good look around at the overall safety of the environment. For example, is the equipment being used for its designed purpose? A good example of this is a domestic kettle being used in a busy workplace. Is the user using it safely? Are there trip hazards? Is there a moisture problem (dry appliances being used in a wet environment)? Does the PAT Tester have sufficient space to carry out their role safely? What about excessive use of trailing sockets and extension leads? Is there a high concentration of people? Are there any potential hot spots or fire hazards? ……I’m sure you get the point.
It is good practice for the PAT Tester to carry out a Risk Assessment before they start work. Their findings should be reported to the Responsible Person or Duty Holder of the site.