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PAT Test Labels
The PAT testing process doesn’t have to be complicated, but should be carried out methodically if you want your colleagues, management, and any third parties such as HSE inspectors to be able to see clear evidence of your compliance. Proper recording and documentation of PAT testing procedures can be even more complicated than the inspection procedure itself – unless you have the right stationary. With PAT Testing Labels and other stationary readily available from Label Bar, keeping a record of all your PAT Testing activities including inspection results and retest dates becomes a doddle. A crucial item for anyone involved in PAT test scheduling, a PAT Test log book is a single, centralized record of all portable appliance inspection activities for a single site. When all your results are written in a single, dedicated record, any and all information will be at your fingertips if you’re required to produce it. Such a level of organization is sure to impress any officials who encounter it. Sure, it’s possible to use a simple ring-bound note pad or jotter for the same purpose, but we recommend a dedicated record book for the level of professionalism it displays, and for your convenience as there is ample space for each item of information you may need. PAT Testing Labels are the bread-and-butter of your electrical appliance inspection programme. Affixing PAT test labels to devices in your workplace offers instant assurance that electrical safety guidelines have been adhered to, and that the particular item in question has received individual attention to ascertain its suitability. More specific information is available to those checking the PAT testing label more closely: the date the last inspection was conducted, the identity of the tester, and any notes about the results of the test should be recorded here. Just what form this PAT test label takes depends on many factors. By far and away the most common type of PAT test label is the standard self-adhesive sticker containing the above information, which can be attached to any flat surface of an appliance where it can easily be seen by the operator. But at Label Bar, we also produce several other types of PAT Test Labels for different situations. For example, a range of personalization options mean you can have your organization’s PAT test labels designed to suit your specific needs. Want your company name on there? No problem! Full colour logo? You got it! We can also produce runs of PAT testing labels with serial ID numbers for asset identification schemes, or with barcodes for companies who maintain database records of all their appliances. Other options include cable wrap PAT test labels, which can be attached to the power cords of devices with no convenient flat surfaces, and ‘tuff-tag’ versions fir use in especially demanding environments. Whatever applications you may have for PAT testing labels, we will have a product to match – get in touch with our team today, and they will help you find what you are looking for. Read Full Story -
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The procedure commonly known as PAT Testing has been a great success. The UK is one of the safest of all the developed nations in which to work, according to recent figures. Much of this is down to the thorough application of guidance which has made safe working practices part of daily life for millions of employees. While PAT testing and the use of PAT test labels as practiced at thousands of companies across a wide range of industries is not in itself a legal requirement, it is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways for companies to meet their responsibilities under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. These regulations state that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury must be maintained in a safe condition. There are a bewildering range of electrical and electronic products used in industry, with more coming along every day, and it will be impractical for the government guidelines to try to list them all. In the case of an incident, a particular type of equipment having been omitted from the list could cause confusion over whether that particular product was subject to the legislation or not. To make things simpler for everyone, the Health and Safety Executive have published guidance on which types of devices it would be wise to test (and label with PAT testing stickers) on a regular basis in order to demonstrate compliance. In order to differentiate between different types of appliances, the guidance specifies 7 different ‘categories’ of device based on how they operate. The ‘categories’ listed in the guidance are as follows: – Fixed appliances – Stationary appliances – IT appliances – Moveable appliances – Portable appliances – Cables and chargers – Hand Held appliances ‘Fixed appliances’ are devices which are fixed permanently in one position. Since these are usually part of the building infrastructure, they don’t fall within the remit of the PAT testing scheme, so don’t be surprised if you fail to find PAT stickers on these devices. It is recommended that most appliances which fall into the other categories be subjected to regular PAT testing, and have PAT test labels fitted. There are exemptions for certain products when used in low-risk environments, however many companies find that the consistent use of PAT testing stickers raises health and safety awareness among employees, so it may be worth checking these devices anyway. Health and safety executive has also issued guidance on the frequency with which these different categories of appliances should be tested, dependent on how and where they are used. However inconvenient it may be to maintain accurate records of equipment PAT testing and to arrange retesting when the time comes, it’s certainly easier than dealing with the fallout of an incident where an employee is injured by company equipment. Even if no-one is found to be at fault, simply setting up a testing program and ordering PAT stickers from Label Bar can save a whole lot of trouble. Contact us for more information about PAT testing stationary. Read Full Story -
PAT Test Labels
When we were at school, many of us were taught that we live in a Solar System of nine planets. But these days, astronomy textbooks tell us that our solar system has only eight planets. Has one of these heavenly bodies gone missing? Not at all, in fact the reason for the change is that the asteroid known as Pluto was found to lack key characteristics which would qualify it as a planet. If our children came to us for help with their homework, it would be all too easy for us to tell them that the Solar System has nine planets. But things change over time, as do people’s perceptions of them. Checking with trustworthy reference sources from time to time keeps our knowledge up-to-date and accurate. Regular checking is an underlying principle of the PAT Testing protocol. When any item, particularly an electrical appliance, is manufactured, it must comply with certain standards to ensure the safety of anyone who comes into contact with it. But as we have established, things change over time. The PAT testing process was conceived with the aim of creating a framework for the frequent testing of portable electrical equipment, with the aim of identifying faulty or damaged appliances and withdrawing them from use before they could hurt anyone. The condition of any manufactured item will deteriorate over time, whether as a result of breakdown of materials, accidental damage, or general wear and tear. By affixing PAT testing stickers to appliances, engineers can reassure personnel in a work environment that their equipment has been inspected and deemed safe to use. Or by using ‘Failed’ PAT stickers, defective items can be marked out for repair or disposal. One of the key items of information which appears on all PAT testing stickers is the date on which the inspection was conducted. A product which was only recently approved for use is likely still in good condition, but if an appliance has not been checked for a while, bits may have fallen off in the meantime – like Pluto. This, of course, leads us to ask, How often should PAT testing be conducted? How often is it required by law? The simple answer is, UK law does not specify how frequently PAT test labels must be renewed. What the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 do say is that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury must be maintained in a safe condition. They don’t say what maintenance must be done, who can do it, or how frequently it must occur. However, the PAT testing process is widely regarded as one of the best ways companies can demonstrate reasonable compliance with these regulations and meet their responsibilities. If a tragic accident were to occur involving a piece of equipment which bore no trace of PAT test labels, questions would rightly be asked. On their website, the Health and Safety Executive make suggestions on inspection frequencies for various types of equipment. In the meantime, make sure all your appliances are thoroughly tested and labelled with PAT stickers from Label Bar. Read Full Story -
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Just a few short decades ago, no one would have imagined that it would soon be possible to order products from the other side of the globe and have to arrive at your doorstep within a matter of hours. But thanks to the phenomenon of internet shopping, combined with a revolution in the shipping and delivery industries, consumer culture has reached a state of near utopia in which it is possible to order items from far-flung lands and take delivery of those same items before you had even forgotten you ordered them! The international infrastructure which has made this state of affairs possible is mind-boggling to say the least, and every aspect of commercial supply chains has come under scrutiny. From the hi-tech elements such as the search engines and online payment intermediaries which make such purchases possible, to the far more down-to-earth but none the less vital considerations such as packing and shipping labels, everything must be optimised if the system is to work efficiently. For those who use these facilities in the course of their work, or just for consumers who are curious about the stickers affixed to packages which arrive at their doors, here are some of the standard packing labels available from online signage and sticker supplier Label Bar: Fragile Sticker Probably the most common and widely recognized type of shipping label is the ubiquitous fragile label. Every year, millions of pounds’ worth of goods is damaged in transit and must be replaced. While most deliveries are covered by some form of insurance or guarantee, the cost of breakages inevitably mount up and effect the global economy. Fragile stickers warn handlers which packages are susceptible to damage, or just remind them to take extra care, thereby reducing the inconvenience and cost resulting from damaged shipments. Handle With Care Sticker With a similar purpose to fragile labels, Handle With Care labels can be used to remind delivery personnel to treat the goods in their care with consideration. Anything from a Ming vase to a Country & Western guitar can be labelled ‘Handle With Care’, and will hopefully arrive at its destination in one piece. Handle With Care stickers can also be used to draw attention to other postage labels, such as Fragile labels. Centre of Gravity Sticker Some packaging labels are used for a purpose which is a little less obvious to the general public. Shipping stickers like ‘Centre of Gravity’ are mainly to inform, not the recipient, but those who handle the item along the way. If a package is particularly heavy at one end, a handlers natural instinct to lift the object from the middle may result in an accident and possible injury. For very large objects, a Centre of Gravity label can indicate where a crane or sling should be attached. Besides packing stickers, Label Bar produce a wide range of labels and stickers for various applications such as PAT testing and Health & Safety. Contact us if you can’t find what you need. Read Full Story -
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If your job involves packing products and shipping them to customers or colleagues, it’s good to keep up-to-date on the resources available to help you to complete the task successfully. At Label Bar, we keep a stock of common packing labels and shipping stickers for immediate dispatch to those who rely on product shipping processes for their livelihoods. Whether you typically ship one item at a time or thousands every day – and whether you handle the packing process yourself, or have a whole factory department to do it for you – we can supply the warning and information shipping labels you need to ensure each delivery gets to where it needs to go, in the same condition as when it was dispatched. If there’s anything else you need, such as Health & Safety labels or ID products, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Fragile Stickers Most likely every one of us has, at some time in our lives, taken delivery of a package bearing a fragile sticker. Fragile labels are there to tell delivery personnel that there is a breakable item inside. Take care! Keep Dry Stickers A label especially for items which could easily be ruined by rain or moisture. Paper products like books, and cooking ingredients such as herbs and spices are two which spring immediately to mind. This Way Up Stickers Opening a package upside down can result in the contents spilling all over the floor and getting lost. By indicating which is the top of the box, such mishaps can largely be avoided. Open This End / Open Other End For the best protection and security, most parcels are taped shut at both ends when they leave the factory or depot. Usually, taking the item out of the box the same way it went in will keep it in top condition. Simple information packaging labels like these shouldn’t be underestimated when it comes to reducing losses due to damage in transit. Use Cutter / Do Not Use Cutter The first thing most of us do when we receive a parcel in the post is to reach for a knife. But these postage labels can help you to avoid damaging the product inside by telling you when it’s safe to cut into the packaging, and when it isn’t. Do Not Litter Stickers Businesses are now more environmentally conscious than ever! This is to remind your customers to clean up after themselves and dispose of product packaging in a responsible way. Recycled Package Stickers Likewise, you can publicise your eco-credentials with this shipping label, which also explains to customers that there is a good reason the packaging they have received may look a little dog-eared. From a basic Fragile label to more complicated handling instructions, find all the packing stickers you need at Label Bar. We can also help with barcodes, PAT testing labels, health and safety signage, product and asset ID, and much more. What’s more, for those in a rush we can now offer guaranteed next day delivery. Read Full Story -
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Here at Label Bar, we have all the different labels your business could need. Whilst we specialise in providing our customers with high quality test labels, being concerned with health and safety, we are pleased to offer a range of labels related to fire safety. Whether you require fire safety labels for fire alarm call points, fire hose reels or fire points, we have the right labels for you. Each of our fire safety labels are available in a range of quantities, from as little as six, to as many as five hundred, saving you more when you buy in bulk. They measure in at 100mm by 100mm, forming a square design in red and white, in order to draw attention. They are made from a thick and highly durable self-adhesive polyolefin. They are packed in oversized A4 sheets, enabling us to fit six labels on each sheet. Fire Alarm Call Point Fire alarm call points can be used in conjunction with automated systems within the premises. They allow people to signal a fire or an emergency situation exists, alerting those who are inside to evacuate. They will often start an alarm signal at the touch of a button or when glass is broken. The fire alarm call point label allows for a clear visual signpost so that the call point may be located easily. Fire Hose Reel A fire hose reel is the piece of fire-fighting equipment that can be used upon first finding a fire. It is designed as a quick-response method that can be used by anyone for fighting fires at the initial stage. However, these usually can’t be used on electrical fires due to the fact that water conducts electricity, so they are best suited to Class A fires, which include those with paper, textiles, wood, most plastics and rubber. Fire hose reels are easily used as they are connected to a main water supply through the use of a control nozzle. Fire hose reel labels enable the user to react quickly when fast action is needed to prevent fire from spreading. Fire Point A fire point label is usually used to show the location of fire-fighting equipment in general, so this may be fire hose reels as well as fire extinguisher. As such equipment may be stored in cupboards or hidden areas, the use of fire point labels indicates where this equipment is, so that it is possible to easily find it if needed in an emergency situation. They should be visible across the room. Contact Us For more information about our fire safety labels, or any other products, please visit our contact page and complete the online form, or email us at Sales@LabelBar.co.uk. You can also find out more about fire safety in general on our website by reviewing fire statistics and reading our guide to fire safety in the UK. Alternatively, you can call us on 01325 525 675 to speak to a member of the team directly. We will be happy to help you with your purchase. Read Full Story -
PAT Test Labels
All Passed Pat Test or Failed Pat Test Labels should contain the date the inspection was carried out. These two items of information together will allow employees to decide if a piece of equipment is likely to be safe to use. The third vital piece of information on Pat Test stickers is the identity of the inspector. This is usually a space for initials or a small signature to be entered, however in cases of personalised Pat Testing labels) the name of the technician may be printed on the label. Recording the identity of the personnel involved makes it easier to clear up any questions or issues later on, and provides for accountability if something goes wrong. It is features like this which have made the voluntary procedure of Pat Test labels UK businesses’ preferred way of monitoring their electrical maintenance. Another item of information which is optional, but highly recommended, is a description or alpha-numeric code identifying the device in question. This helps to avoid confusion if an organization maintains several examples of one type of appliance. Some companies use sequentially printed and numbered custom Pat Test labels for this purpose. This practice assists with record keeping, not only of the dates and details of Pat inspections, but also of maintenance, repairs, and so on. Uniquely identifying an item of equipment can also be achieved by the use of barcode Pat Testing labels. By using a barcode scanner, engineers can easily single out an appliance among many similar items for testing. Modern Pat Test labels are offered with various other features and in other formats to make engineers’ lives easier. At Label Bar, we sell various colours of Pat Labels online to make it easier to identify them at a glance. Meanwhile, Pat Testing visual inspection labels cater for devices which are checked externally for damage but not tested. Sometimes visual inspection Pat Labels are all that is required. Another new type is cable wrap Pat Testing labels. Cable wrap Pat Test labels are designed to attach to power flexes, mounting frames, and other parts of devices which do not present a convenient flat surface for the attachment of a traditional sticker. In this way all devices can be labelled regardless of their shape or size. Likewise, Pat Testing Tuff Tags are an especially tough type of Pat Test sticker, for equipment which may be subjected to rough treatment, such as heavy lifting or being left out in the rain. Tuff Tag Pat Labels will remain securely attached and fully legible under all kinds of conditions. If none of the above stickers meet your needs, it is possible to have personalised Pat Stickers produced to your specification and sent to your business. Personalised Pat Labels can be made up to include various information including your contact details and business logo. To buy Pat Test labels online, or to find out more about personalised Pat Test label options, contact Label Bar today. Read Full Story -
PAT Test Labels
If you work in an office or any facility where electrical appliances are used you will doubtless have seen the Pat Test tags which are commonly used to monitor the maintenance of electrical devices in the workplace. But how is the information on these Pat Testing Stickers labels to be understood, and how do they benefit everyone in the environment? First of all, let’s clear up a few misconceptions. The Portable Appliance Testing, or ‘PAT’ scheme, is not a legal requirement rand firms to not have to display Passed Pat Test labels on all their office devices before they can be used. The Pat protocol is a voluntary way companies can display that they are taking necessary steps to maintain their equipment in a safe condition, which is a legal requirement. Another mistaken belief is that Pat inspections can only be undertaken by qualified electrical engineers. While many firms do employ electrical professionals to perform inspections for them as a convenient way of fulfilling their obligations, in fact anyone who understands the operation of the equipment in question and has a sound attitude toward health and safety can conduct the test and issue Pat Test Pass labels when appropriate. Finally, we should never make the assumption that just because certain items have Pat Test Passed labels that they are safe to use and cannot pose a danger. We all have a responsibility to our colleagues and to ourselves, so if you spot a fault of potential hazard effecting a device don’t ignore it, even if it has a current Pat label. Report all faults immediately. Pat Testing Labels come in many shapes and sizes, but all must contain certain basic items of information if they are to be useful in maintaining the records necessary for a complete and comprehensive company-wide testing program. The first piece of information is whether the device has been deemed safe to use. If any appliance fails a Pat test, it is wise to clearly label it with a Failed Pat Test tag, to warn all personnel of its condition. Ideally, the item should be locked away or made completely inoperable, so as to prevent accidental operation. The next piece of information which should appear on all Pat Test labels is the date the inspection took place. It is wise to re-examine most devices at least once per year, at which time the Pat Stickers should be updated or replaced. If you notice when using an item that it has not been submitted for a Pat inspection for several years, there is a good chance the appliance has not been thoroughly maintained and you should report the issue to a manager. For this purpose, some Pat Labels also contain a field for a re-test date, to ensure regular examinations are carried out. To learn more about Pat Testing appliances and the labelling used in the process, read Part 2 or contact Label Bar directly today. Read Full Story -
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As a business owner or manager of a space with hazards present, it is crucial that you take the proper measures to ensure your employees and guests are safe. While there are multiple health and safety measures to assist building owners and entrepreneurs in securing the safety of those on the premises, one of the easiest and simplest ways of doing so is through health and safety signs. While these should be used complementary to other measures, you can send a message loud and clear to passers-by that there is a potential risk to be wary of, holding off a variety of accidents and keeping people safe. Today, we will be taking a look at the health and safety stickers and labels available here at Label Bar, why they are so important, and their useful features as warning signs. Our range of safety stickers Our safety stickers range from warning against the extremely hazardous and dangerous risks, to encouraging your visitors and employees to comply with standards set on your premises. These serve a variety of purposes and can fully equip your building or work environment to communicate all the present risks, big or small. For example, the no smoking sign is a simple yet obvious warning against the prohibition of smoking cigarettes in that area. The red and white background of the sign contrasts strongly with the black graphic, making it crystal clear to anyone nearby that smoking is not allowed. Alternatively, you may require health and safety stickers for more extreme and dangerous risks. For example, our range of electrical safety labels will send a clear warning where complex electrical wiring is present, with high voltages posing a risk to the safety and even survival of personnel. With the electrical health and safety signage, you can communicate the presence of high voltage, multiple electricity supplies, the need to isolate before opening, and the presence of a mains switch, to name a few. How can they help you in protecting yourselves, your employees, and your guests? Our health & safety labels are designed with high-quality and longevity in mind. The bright and saturated colours are hard to miss, even for distracted employees busy at work. The non-rip, polypropylene material is extremely tough, with a self-adhesive backing that ensures once the label is stuck, it stays there for a significant period of time. This also means you can keep them outside, where their waterproof material will withstand even the rainiest of weather. They are available as stick on labels and as wrap-around signs. This multi-purpose design ensures there is something suited to everyone’s needs. Get in touch For more information on our safety stickers, please do not hesitate to contact us. Someone from our team will be happy to answer any remaining questions you may have. You can reach us by sending us an email at Sales@LabelBar.co.uk, or if you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call us on 01325 525 675. Read Full Story
