Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) an employer has a responsibility to maintain, in safe working order, all electrical equipment used in their business. All electrical items in school should have a portable appliance testing (PAT) done so everyone knows that they are safe to be used in school. The definition of portable equipment is that portable equipment consists of all equipment that is moveable and that when in use it is connected to an electricity source by means on flexible cable fitted with a plug. For example:
• Office equipment like photocopiers, typewriters, personal computers, desk lamp and shredders.
• Extension cables, transformers and battery chargers.
• Power tools like drills, grinders and saws.
• Catering appliances like kettles, mixers, blenders and toasters.
• Ventilation and heating appliances like fans, heaters and dehumidifiers.
The following guidance categories can be employed in ascertaining the frequency of …show more content…
• Is the wall/plug socket cracked or impended in any way from receiving the plug?
• Is the cable damaged, cut, discoloured or burnt in any way?
• Is there any damage to the equipment’s external casing?
• Does the equipment have any loose parts or screws?
• Has the equipment been subjected to moisture for example liquid has been spilt on it?
• Is there any evidence of overheating?
On discovery of any faults the teaching assistant must:
• Report the matter to the immediate supervisor as appropriate
• Remove unsafe equipment from use by switching off and disconnecting the power supply.
• Place a large WARNING LABEL on the equipment identifying the other members of staff that the equipment is unserviceable and not to be used. The label should be prominently displayed and large enough to be easily seen, stating FAULTY EQUIPMENT – DO NOT
• Office equipment like photocopiers, typewriters, personal computers, desk lamp and shredders.
• Extension cables, transformers and battery chargers.
• Power tools like drills, grinders and saws.
• Catering appliances like kettles, mixers, blenders and toasters.
• Ventilation and heating appliances like fans, heaters and dehumidifiers.
The following guidance categories can be employed in ascertaining the frequency of …show more content…
• Is the wall/plug socket cracked or impended in any way from receiving the plug?
• Is the cable damaged, cut, discoloured or burnt in any way?
• Is there any damage to the equipment’s external casing?
• Does the equipment have any loose parts or screws?
• Has the equipment been subjected to moisture for example liquid has been spilt on it?
• Is there any evidence of overheating?
On discovery of any faults the teaching assistant must:
• Report the matter to the immediate supervisor as appropriate
• Remove unsafe equipment from use by switching off and disconnecting the power supply.
• Place a large WARNING LABEL on the equipment identifying the other members of staff that the equipment is unserviceable and not to be used. The label should be prominently displayed and large enough to be easily seen, stating FAULTY EQUIPMENT – DO NOT