It’s good practice to have as much information to hand as possible. In case a health and safety inspector, insurer or loss adjuster needs to look at appliances in your workplace after an incident or claim.
Attaching labels to all appliances and cables after they’ve been PAT tested is the easiest way to monitor each item. Labels ideally should be stuck onto the plug of the appliance. Sticking an identical label on detachable plugs or cords alongside the main body of the appliance is good practice in case these become detached. Labels should include:
You can purchase additional Pass and Fail stickers HERE.
Make separate records of any PAT testing that has been carried out. This is especially useful in the event that a label falls off an appliance. To keep everything organised it might be beneficial to use Maintenance Record Folders. Find out more about them HERE. Get additional register, test and maintenance record sheets HERE. More importantly, recommend you keep these records in a safe or fireproof box to avoid loss or damage.
It is the responsibility of the appliance-user to perform a regular user check. Report any damage or wear and tear to the line manager because these appliances should be replaced or removed. If an appliance fails a PAT test then a red FAIL plug top label will clearly indicate if it’s unfit for use subsequently it should be removed or repaired. If you fail an appliance, please don’t leave it in place. Remove it so it can’t be used.
Another good practice which will speed up future PAT testing is to use fuse rating labels. Attach one of these stickers to the plug of an appliance. The future PAT tester will instantly know whether the appliance uses a 3 or 13 amp fuse. It’s surprising how quickly you go through these stickers. If you need any additional you can purchase them HERE.
Ultimately it benefits you and any future PAT tester to label appliances after PAT testing them!
