1. This code should be read by:
All managers and staff
December 2015 Update
Key changes:
Introduction of two new roles:
Departmental PAT testers appointed by Electrical Authorising Engineers; and
Department PAT Liaison Officers to co-ordinate with Estates PAT testing programme, appointed by Directors

2. STFC Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Group
Introduction to
SHE Code 17
“Portable Electrical Equipment”

3. Why a Portable Electrical Equipment SHE Code?
Portable Electrical Equipment when not used, maintained and inspected properly can give rise to:
Electric shocks;
Fires; and/or
Electrical burns.
The STFC has over 60,000 items of Portable Electrical Equipment, ~30/person!
This code meets the provisions of the:
“Electricity at Work Regulations”,1989; and
“Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)”, 1998

4. Key points Read that part of the Code relevant to you.
Remember: - inspect visually all electrical equipment prior to use – “if it doesn’t look right it probably isn’t”; - do not use untested Portable Electrical Equipment or equipment outside its test date; and - withdraw and report all faulty electrical equipment.
As managers have you checked that electrical equipment in your offices, laboratories or workshops is registered and checked routinely.
Report all incidents or near misses involving Portable Electrical Equipment in SHE Enterprise.

5. PAT Testing frequency?
Schedule A equipment subject to routine physical handling and movement must be tested and inspected at least annually.
For example: extension leads; kettles; vacuum cleaners; water coolers; portable air conditioning units; electric heaters; toasters; hand held electrical tools etc.
Schedule B equipment not subject to routine physical handling and movement must be tested and inspected at least every four years.
For example: ‘standard’ office equipment (and their power leads) PCs; monitors; printers; plotters; photocopiers; scanners; fax machines; desk lamps etc.

6. PAT Testing
CSD Estates teams manage the annual site PAT test programmes
To support the site PAT test programmes Departmental PAT Liaison Officers can be appointed to co-ordinate PAT testing
If Departments need local PAT testers these can be appointed by Authorised Electrical Engineers to undertake PAT testing on:
transitory (facility user) electrical equipment;
in-house developed equipment; or
equipment that may have restricted access for example in radiation controlled areas.

7. SHE Training & Advice
1 day ‘Certificate In Portable Appliance Testing’ training is available for those appointed as Departmental PAT testers.
To book this training contact the SHE Training Administrator ext
Further questions should be directed to SHE Group.