The Importance of Visual Inspection when PAT testing

Visual inspection is an important function carried out during portable appliance testing (PAT) in order to ensure personal safety in the workplace. As a consequence, visual inspection should only be carried out by a qualified tester, someone trained in PAT testing, and who has gained a recognised certificate of competence.

Industry is often a harsh environment. Damage to equipment can occur at any time and often unnoticed, even minutes after an annual inspection. Many electrical appliance defects are identified by a quick visual inspection, but not all. Other types of defect can only be found by testing.

The first step in assessing the integrity of a portable electrical appliance is checking its suitability for the environment and its use. Further, when equipment is used for purposes other than for which it was designed, consideration should be given to the frequency of testing.

When visually checking an electrical appliance it is important to ensure that the user can readily isolate the appliance from the electrical source when in general operation. Further visual checks of equipment will typically include;

• A through visual check of electrical cables to identify any faults or damage.
• The body of the appliance itself for signs of mechanical damage or excessive wear.
• Signs of overheating when in use.
• That the correct fuse is fitted, displaying a BS mark and ASTA mark
• Cord security, polarity and terminal connections internally.
• A check that operational controls are functioning correctly.
• Safety guards are fitted and functional, where applicable.

Visual inspection of electrical appliances is an essential part of the process of ensuring personal safety. But is only part of the examination. If the appliance fails any part of the visual inspection the technician must ensure the equipment cannot be used before it is made safe. The appliance should be removed from the work area, preferably segregated and a red ‘fail’ identification label affixed and clearly visible. No electrical testing is carried out to appliances that fail visual inspection.

When the appliance passes all parts of the examination, including the various electrical tests such as earth resistance and continuity, insulation resistance and polarity checks, the appliance is affixed with a dated pass label, indicating its safe condition at time of test. PAT results are recorded by the technician and employer for reference and safety purposes.

Formal testing and inspection of portable electrical appliances is usually carried out annually. However, many employers operate a more frequent visual check of equipment carried out by team leaders, supervisors, or the equipment user. This is often weekly, with a simple tick check list to indicate the areas for inspection.

Twelve months in between inspections might be thought a long time considering the mishaps and equipment damage that can occur during normal everyday usage – and accidents do happen. But a few minutes spent checking an item can save personal injury, downtime, and prevent further damage to equipment when identified and reported early.

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