As warehouses comprise a number of appliances which are categorised as low, medium and high-risk throughout their diverse environments, PAT testing (portable appliance testing) is suggested at various intervals to meet the safety needs of the site and its equipment. Like with other professional sectors and spaces, warehouses are required to maintain routine testing (as noted in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the General Application Regulations 2007) which notes that all working equipment, like portable electrical appliances, must be maintained in a condition which does not present risks to safety or health.
PAT Testing Interval for Warehouses
While there is no legally mandated testing interval (although some insurers may require proof of regular testing for coverage), general risk-based assessment guidelines for each portable appliance and whether it is high, medium or low risk, will determine the frequency of testing, which should always be carried out by a registered electrician or certified PAT technician.
High Risk Appliances
High-risk appliances, like those found at some warehouses, are are subject to frequent movement, physical impact, or exposure to dust, moisture, or temperature changes, like portable tools and heaters, battery chargers and extension leads which typically require testing every 6 to 12 months due to their usage and environments. It is especially important for high-risk devices to receive routine maintenance for their longevity and safety and thoughtfully maintain their records from testing for insurance, audit or inspection purposes. However, testing services should also be complemented by regular visual inspections and risk assessment practices often undertaken monthly or quarterly by a qualified member of staff.
Medium Risk Appliances PAT Testing
Medium and low-risk appliances typically require inspections every 1-2 years depending on their function and usage. Appliances which are considered medium risk receive frequent use and may require occasional repositioning/moving and can include a variety of equipment such as hoovers, portable battery chargers, lighting sources and portable printers and scanners. Low-risk appliances would encompass equipment within clean and temperature-controlled space like offices, as stationary objects like computers, printers, and lamps, which are well-protected and are frequently subject to visual inspection due to their personal use by employees.
How Long Does PAT Testing in Warehouses Take?
The time it takes to complete PAT testing in warehouses can vary due to the size of the space, the number and type of appliances, in addition to the accessibility of electrical appliances. Smaller to medium sized warehouses can expect their testing completed within a 1-2 days, with smaller spaces typically taking around a half to one full day. However, for larger warehouses, testing can take a bit longer, sometimes upwards of one week, depending on the number and complexity of appliances to be tested, and for any inspections to be completed during operational downtime to avoid disrupting productivity.
Schedule Your Warehouse PAT Testing Now
Schedule your warehouse PAT Testing now to make sure your appliances are safe and performing optimally. Give us a call now on 01-9602636 or contact us online for more info.
If you found this post helpful make sure you check out our post about PAT Testing FAQ for Irish Businesses.