Inspection and Testing of

Electrical Equipment
(PAT)

STFC Safety Code No 17

Rev. 3.2.2, Issued on February 2022

Note - This document may have been superseded by a more recent version.
Please check on the SHE website for the most up-to-date version of this document.
 Note - This document may have been superseded by a more recent version.
Please check on the SHE website for the most up-to-date version of this document.

Revisions
1.0 Initial Launch June 2008
1.1 Minor changes to section 3.1, June 2009
Addition of ‘extension leads’ to Appendix
2
1.2 Amendments to audit checklist May 2013
1.3 Minor change to definition 3.1 March 2014
1.4 Add Document Retention appendix and January 2015
related changes to responsibilities.
2.0 General revision and inclusion of December 2015
Department based PAT testers and PAT
Liaison Officers
2.1 Minor change to Training Requirements February 2016
2.2 Minor change to Schedule A equipment March 2017
2.3 Minor change to reflect formation of UKRI October 2018
2.4 Major review of all sections, with May 2019
appendix 3, 4 and 5 added
3.0 STFC Electrical Safety committee July 2019
meeting review – minor changes to
scope, sections 4.1.1, Appendix 1 and
microwave ovens.
3.1 Minor change in terminology throughout January 2020
as per 4.3 and 4.7
3.2 Appendix 2 – Guidance on selection and March 2020
use of electrical equipment
3.2.1 Further clarification of changes to 4.3, 4.7 January 2022
and Appendix 2
3.2.2 Additional information for clarification in February 2022
4.5.3, Appendix 1 and Appendix 3

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Contents

1. PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
2. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
3. DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
4. RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1. RESPONSIBLE ESTATES SERVICES (OR EQUIVALENT PREMISES MANAGEMENT) ...................................................................... 6
4.2. AUTHORISING ENGINEERS (ELECTRICAL) ...................................................................................................................... 7
4.3. DEPARTMENTAL PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT TEST OPERATIVE (PAT TESTER) ........................................................... 7
4.4. MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS .................................................................................................................................. 7
4.5. STAFF, USERS, VISITORS, TENANTS AND CONTRACTORS.................................................................................................... 8
4.6. DIRECTORS ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
4.7. DEPARTMENTAL PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (PAT) LIAISON OFFICERS (PLO) .......................................................... 9
APPENDIX 1 INSPECTION AND TESTING PROCEDURE ................................................................................................. 10
APPENDIX 2 GUIDANCE ON THE SELECTION AND USE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (INCLUDING EXTENSION LEADS) ... 13
APPENDIX 3 TABLE OF USER CHECKS ......................................................................................................................... 15
APPENDIX 4 LABEL EXAMPLES ................................................................................................................................... 16
APPENDIX 5 FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT ............................................................................. 17
APPENDIX 6 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................... 18
APPENDIX 7 AUDIT CHECKLIST................................................................................................................................... 19
APPENDIX 8 RECORD RETENTION POLICY .................................................................................................................. 20

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Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

1. Purpose
Electrical equipment is used extensively throughout STFC and includes portable,
movable, stationary, hand held and built in appliances, along with extension leads and
multiway adaptors. The purpose of this code and electrical legislation is to minimise
possible hazards, such as electric shock, fire and electrical burns, arising from electrical
equipment.

Electrical equipment should only be used for the purpose for which it was intended and in
the environment for which it was designed and constructed. To comply with legislation
electrical equipment should be properly maintained, inspected and tested to prevent
danger.
Electrical maintenance is the subject of extensive and detailed legislation and guidance:

• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
• Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment Regulations 2006 (WEEE directive)
• BS7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations
• Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (IET)

This code outlines STFC policy for the periodic inspection and testing of electrical
equipment to determine whether it is fit for continued service or if maintenance or
replacement is necessary.

2. Scope

This policy is applicable to all staff, users, visitors, contractors and tenants at STFC sites
and for all electrical equipment used on these sites irrespective of its ownership, for
example equipment brought to STFC sites by facility users and contractors.

Contractors are responsible for ensuring that their electrical equipment is suitably
inspected and tested, presenting evidence as such prior to use on STFC sites.

This code applies to purchased or hired electrical equipment and electrical equipment
constructed/manufactured in-house.

The electrical equipment covered by this code is supplied at 400, 230 or 110 volts via a
flexible lead fitted with a plug and socket connection, with construction classifications of
Class I and Class II. These include equipment types:

• Portable appliances or equipment

• Movable appliances or equipment
• Stationary appliances or equipment
• Hand-held appliances or equipment
• Built-in appliances or equipment (generally domestic or similar)
• IT equipment
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• Extension leads, RCD extension leads, multiway adapters, RCD adapters

The following electrical equipment and installations are exempt from this code:

• Battery operated equipment

• Class II equipment where the flexible cord supplies voltage ≤120VDC or ≤50VAC
• Class III equipment
• Fixed electrical installations (Appendix 5)

Examples include: battery powered drills; mobile device chargers; plug in AC adapters
and laptop power supplies with detachable mains leads (the mains lead still being subject
to inspection and testing as per section 3, schedule A & B).

The safety and proper functioning of appliances and items of electrical equipment
depend on the integrity of the fixed installation. A system for inspection and testing of the
fixed installation shall to be established, see Appendix 5 and should be verified in
accordance with BS7671.

Fixed electrical equipment and appliance directly coupled to the electrical system (such
as through a connection unit or spur) should be considered as part of the fixed
installation, see Appendix 5.

3. Definitions
3.1. Electrical Equipment or Appliance is defined as those items operated by an electrical
supply of 400, 230 or 110 volts via a flexible lead fitted with a plug and socket
connection, including flying leads and 3 phase plugged equipment.

3.2. Fixed Electrical Equipment or Appliance are designed to be fastened to a support or

otherwise secured in a specified location, e.g. hand dryers, water boilers, electric towel
rail, fixed air-conditioning units, instrumentation racks etc.

3.3. Fixed Electrical Installation is an assembly of fixed electrical equipment and / or

appliances used for generating, conversion, transmission or utilisation of electrical
energy, such as distribution transformers, fixed wiring, distribution boards, socket outlets
and fixed lighting circuits.

3.4. Classification of electrical equipment is classified in terms of the method of protection

the equipment construction provides against electric shock. Class I, II and III are common
equipment categories, see Appendix 2 for more detail. Examples include: computers,
extension leads, fans, electric heaters, kettles, microwaves, refrigerators, toasters,
battery chargers, 230 / 110 volt power tools and other similar equipment. This may also
include in-house designed and constructed electrical equipment such as electronic racks.

3.5. Inspection and Testing is a means of determining whether maintenance is required.

3.6. Frequency of Inspection and Testing depends on likelihood of maintenance being

required and the consequences of lack of maintenance. A robust risk assessment should
be carried out in all cases, to evaluate the frequencies between inspection and testing.
Risk encompasses many factors, such as environment, construction, equipment type
frequency of use and installation method.

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3.7. Test Operative is a person competent to inspect and test an electrical appliance and
based on the results; state that the equipment is safe or otherwise for continued use.
Training and experience will both be necessary.

3.8. Schedule A electrical appliances must be tested and inspected at least annually. In
general schedule A equipment are usually hand-held, portable or moveable appliances
that are operated in a arduous environment, frequently used and of class 1 or 11
construction, for example: extension leads; laptop power leads; kettles; refrigerators;
microwave ovens; vacuum cleaners; mobile water coolers; portable air conditioning units;
electric heaters; toasters; hand held electrical tools and equipment e.g. mains powered
drills; soldering irons, laboratory based equipment, etc.

3.9. Schedule B electrical appliances must be tested and inspected at least every four years.
In general schedule B equipment is usually stationary or built-in appliances used in
benign environments, frequency of use can vary and of class 1 or 11 construction,
including but not limited to ‘standard’ office equipment and their power leads, for
example: PCs; monitors; printers; plotters; photocopiers; scanners; fax machines; desk
lamps; fans; electric staplers; laminators; shredders; battery chargers; fixed electronics
racks.

3.10. Notes: Electrical power leads shall be tested to the schedule at which the equipment
they supply is tested. Power leads not connected to equipment at the time of testing must
be tested to Schedule A.

4. Responsibilities
4.1. Responsible Estates Services (or equivalent premises management) shall:

4.1.1. Organise and execute an inspection and testing programme for Schedule A and B
- electrical equipment, according to the schedule defined in 3.8 & 3.9 using
portable electrical equipment test operatives, see Appendix 1. Disposal or repair of
faulty electrical equipment is the responsibility of the Department / User in
consultation with Estates Services.

4.1.2. Ensure that all companies contracted to perform inspection and testing supply risk
assessment, method statements and staff competencies prior to work
commencing.

4.1.3. Based upon the results of the inspection and testing programme ensure that a
register of electrical equipment, its name and location, and a database of test
results is established and retained according to the schedule detailed in Appendix
8.

4.1.4. Provide an ad hoc inspection and testing service for electrical equipment from
departments where local test operatives have not been appointed, and provide
advice on electrical equipment safety as required.

4.1.5. Consult with the department portable electrical equipment liaison officers as
recorded on the SHE Directory.

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4.1.6. Produce an annual report summarising the results and recommendations from the
inspection and testing programme for review by the STFC electrical safety
committee.

4.2. Authorising Engineers (Electrical) shall:

4.2.1. Appoint in writing sufficient competent STFC staff or contractors as portable

electrical equipment test operatives within Estate Services to undertake site wide
inspection and testing programmes, see Appendix 6, ensuring that they are
suitably trained and experienced. The appointments should be recorded in SHE
Directory where the geographic/equipment scope of the appointments should be
defined.

4.2.2. Appoint, or nominate others to appoint in writing sufficient competent portable

electrical equipment test operatives within departments, see Appendix 6, to
compliment the annual site wide inspection and testing programmes ensuring that
they are suitably trained and experienced. The appointments should be recorded
in SHE Directory where the geographic/equipment scope of the appointments
should be defined.

Note: Departmental test operatives may be required in departments where:

• Large numbers of external/facility user equipment is receipted;

• Electrical equipment is in-house designed and constructed;
• Equipment cannot be made available for site annual inspectors due to operational
constraints for example within radiation areas.

4.3. Departmental Portable Electrical Equipment Test Operative (PAT tester) shall:

4.3.1. Complementing the site wide inspection and testing programme, undertake
inspection and test of electrical equipment as required by departmental staff, to the
schedule defined in 3.8 & 3.9.

4.3.2. Maintain a register of inspected and tested electrical equipment, recording the
date and results of the equipment tested, see Appendices 1 and 8.

4.3.3. Ensure that departmental electrical equipment test records are retained according
to the schedule detailed in Appendix 8 and are available for review.

4.3.4. Produce an annual report summarising the results and recommendations from the
inspection and testing records for review by the STFC electrical safety committee.

4.4. Managers and Supervisors shall:

4.4.1. As appropriate, through the annual site inspection and testing programmes or
departmental test operatives ensure that all electrical equipment is inspected and
tested after arrival or on construction and thereafter according to schedule defined
in 3.8 and 3.9.

4.4.2. Ensure that staff are aware of their responsibilities with regards to the selection
and use of electrical equipment, see 4.5, and that items of electrical equipment,
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including extension leads, are only used for the purpose for which they are
intended and in the environment for which it was designed and constructed, see
Appendix 2.

4.4.3. Ensure that all persons bringing electrical equipment onto STFC sites are able to
demonstrate that it has been inspected and tested prior to use. Including scientific
equipment and travel adapters.

4.4.4. Ensure, directly or through their staff, that all electrical equipment for which they
are responsible is safe to use, ensuring that when faults or defects are found, or
suspected, they are taken out of service, and as appropriate reported as a
Learning Opportunities (hazardous conditions/near misses), see SHE code 5,
“Incident Reporting and Investigation”.

4.5. Staff, users, visitors, tenants and contractors shall:

4.5.1. Ensure that items of electrical equipment are only used for the purpose for which it
was intended and in the environment for which it was designed and constructed,
see Appendix 2.

4.5.2. Ensure that all new portable electrical equipment is procured from a reputable
retailer / manufacturer with an approved quality certificate. E.g. BSI kite mark or
CE mark and is tested and inspected within 12 months of being purchased.

4.5.3. Any portable equipment brought onto site by contractors, tenants or visitors must
display a valid test label and have a recognised accreditation (i.e. CE mark/UK kite
mark), this equipment may be used without a further test being required. When
laptop PCs are brought to STFC sites for up to 2 days,a visual inspection of the
transformer and cable by the host is sufficient to allow the temporary use of the
laptop, see Appendix 2.

4.5.4. Check integrity of equipment, by visually inspecting all electrical equipment prior to
use, to check for damage, loose cables, etc. See Appendix 2.

4.5.5. Do not use electrical equipment without a test label verifying when the inspection /
test took place (for new equipment see 4.5.2). Each label will display the
recommended frequency of test; this will be either 1 Year or 4 Years. If this period
has expired then such equipment should be considered unsafe and reported to
line management.

4.5.6. Identify and report faulty electrical equipment and withdraw it from service, by
ensuring it cannot be used and/or is marked faulty, and as appropriate report it as
a Learning Opportunity (hazardous condition) see SHE code 5, “Incident Reporting
and Investigation”.

4.5.7. Where RCD’s are fitted to equipment (such as extension leads) it is the user’s
responsibility to test the device using the Test button (T) prior to each period of
use.

4.6. Directors shall:

4.6.1. As appropriate, ensure there are sufficient departmental portable electrical

equipment liaison officers to provide local contacts for the site wide electrical
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equipment inspection and testing programme. The appointments should be
recorded in SHE Directory where the geographic/equipment scope of the
appointments should be defined.

4.7. Departmental Portable Electrical Equipment (PAT) Liaison Officers (PLO) shall:

4.7.1. Establish a thorough understanding of the location of all electrical equipment

within the scope of their appointment, the constraints of such equipment’s
accessibility due to operational activities, and the location of particularly sensitive
electrical equipment for whom specific care needs to be observed when
undertaking inspection and testing.

4.7.2. Ensure Estates Services are informed of their appointment as an inspection and
testing liaison officers and areas of responsibilities.

4.7.3. Act as the primary contact for the locations defined in the scope of their
appointment, for site based test operatives managed by Estate Services, ensuring
that test operatives are directed to all locations where electrical equipment is
located, the location of sensitive equipment highlighted, and inspection / testing
undertaken.

4.7.4. Report to Estate Services the effective completion of inspection and testing within
their area of responsibility and as appropriate report to Estate Services instances
where the performance of site test operatives falls below contracted performance
or expectations.

4.7.5. Where local operational constraints have prevented the completion of inspection
and testing in all or part of their area of responsibility, make alternative
arrangements for inspection and testing to be completed by Estate Services, or
where appointed a departmental test operative.

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Appendix 1 Inspection and Testing Procedure

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), ‘Code of Practice for In-service
Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment’ establishes three categories of inspection
and testing:

(a) User checks: Faults are reported and logged and faulty equipment should be
removed from service. No record is required if no fault is found.
(b) Formal visual inspections: Inspections without tests, the results of which,
satisfactory or unsatisfactory, are recorded
(c) Combined inspections and tests: The results of which are recorded.

Inspection and testing are means of determining whether maintenance is required.

Frequency of inspection and testing will depend upon the likelihood of maintenance being
required and the consequences of lack of maintenance. To comply with legal requirements
a robust risk assessment should be carried out in all cases, to evaluate the frequencies
between inspections and testing.

User Checks

The most important check that can be carried out on a piece of equipment, particularly
hand-held tools and equipment that is exempt from formal inspection and testing is a
visual inspection carried out by the user, each and every time the equipment is used.

User checks are limited to an external visual inspection without dismantling equipment or
removing cover plates etc. User inspection, before use, should as a minimum focus on
looking for:

• No signs of overheating
• No damage to the cable and/or plug
• No damage to the body of the equipment
• No signs of exposed conductors.
• Not operated in a location that could cause damage to the equipment.
• Operation of RCD (where fitted) by using the in-built test facility.

Refer to Appendix 3 for a comprehensive check list.

Formal Inspections & Combined Inspections and Tests

All electrical inspection and testing should be performed by a person who is competent in
the safe use of the test equipment and who knows how to interpret the results obtained,
see Appendix 6 for training requirements.

The following steps shall be undertaken:

Equipment being employed to undertake electrical equipment inspection and testing must
be suitably maintained and calibrated according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Before the equipment is tested it is subjected to a preliminary visual inspection. This

visual inspection is the most important activity carried out on a piece of equipment, see
Appendix 3
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In-service testing must be preceded by a preliminary inspection as described above.
Testing will involve the following:
• Earth continuity test (Class I – earthed equipment only)
• Insulation resistance test. (Class I and Class II with unearth metal)
• Protective conductor / touch current measurement (if required)
• Functional check.
• Operation of RCD (where fitted).

Special care must be taken not to damage sensitive equipment during testing. In these
cases ‘soft’ earth continuity test and a reduced voltage or ‘soft’ insulation resistance test
must be completed. Where possible, use labels as defined in Appendix 4, if not available a
test label complying with IET code of practice may be used

On completion of the equipment inspection and testing a durable, adhesive label of

sufficient size will be fixed preferably to the lead near the plug or on the equipment to
clearly indicate the date of test. All old labels must be removed from cables and
equipment.

All equipment and test results will be held on an electrical appliance register held by the
responsible Estate Services or departmental duty holder.

In the event of any item being found to be defective, it must be clearly marked with an
adhesive red label, with a white cross and the wording “FAIL” or “FAILED”. The equipment
shall be immediately withdrawn from use for repair or disposal, and the user informed of
the reason for its withdrawal. See appendix 4

Items that are purchased or manufactured in-house must be identified, registered and
inspected / tested as appropriate, BEFORE the item is used.

It is the duty of the user to ensure that these inspections or tests have been carried out
prior to use.

Some equipment may be difficult to inspect and test for operational reasons. Where this is
the case, special arrangements need to be made, with the responsible Estate Services, or
department test operative.
The frequency of inspection and testing will be determined through a risk based
assessment of each electrical item, but factors influencing the decision will include the
following:

(a) The environment: Equipment installed in a benign environment, such as offices, will
suffer less damage than equipment in an arduous environment, such as construction
sites;
(b) The users: If the users of equipment report damage as and when it becomes
evident, hazards will be avoided. Conversely, if equipment is likely to receive
unreported abuse, more frequent inspection and testing is required;
(c) Equipment type: An appliance that is hand held is more likely to be damaged than a
fixed appliance. If such an appliance is also Class 1 the risk of danger is increased
because safety depends upon the continuity of the protective conductor from the plug
to the appliance.

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(d) Equipment Construction: The safety of Class I equipment is dependent upon a
connection with earth of the fixed installation, where the safety of Class II equipment
is not dependent upon the integrity of the electrical installation.
(e) Frequency of Use: Frequency of use of an appliance is important, particularly where
portable, movable and hand-held appliances are concerned, because this may have
implications on service life and exposure to possible damage.
(f) Type of Installation: Installation methods should be taken into account especially
when assessing fixed equipment, because the isolator position and cable
management can be an important factor of inspection and testing.

More information on inspection and testing is available through the HSE publication,
INDG236, ‘Maintaining portable electrical equipment in low risk environments’.

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Appendix 2 Guidance on the selection and use of Electrical Equipment
(including extension leads)

There are a number of electrical equipment construction types that are referred to within
the Standards. These are important because they determine how the user is protected
against electric shock and describe tests appropriate to apply when assessing safety.

Reducing the voltage, using RCDs and selecting the appropriate equipment class (Class I,
II or III) taking the task and environment into account, are primary method of risk reduction.

The following points are listed in priority order and should be considered when procuring
and using electrical equipment:

• Battery operated and Class III equipment – should be used whenever possible, and
is exempt from electrical equipment inspection and testing.
• 110v equipment – is suitable for building and construction work, outdoor use in good
weather, and in workshop type environments.
• Class II 230V double insulated (and fully insulated) equipment - suitable for use in
benign, low risk areas should be employed in preference to Class I equipment.
• Class I 230v earthed equipment – only to be used if double insulated and 110V
equipment is not available, and to be used only in benign, low risk areas.
• Consideration should be given to the use of a Residual Current Device (RCD) with
30mA protection when the operating environment or task poses an elevated risk of
injury. Such as when using hand-held and portable equipment.
• All 230V electrical equipment, including extension leads, used outdoors must be
protected with a 30mA RCD.

Class I electrical equipment includes appliances and tools, and for such equipment,
protection against electric shock is provided by both the provision of basic insulation, and
connecting metal parts to the protective conductor in the connecting cable and plug and
hence via the socket outlet to the fixed installation wiring and the means of earthing.

Class II electrical equipment is equipment in which protection against electric shock is

provided by basic insulation and an additional safety precaution such as supplementary
insulation, or reinforced insulation.

Class III electrical equipment relies for protection against electric shock on supply from a
Separated Extra-Low Voltage (SELV) source. However, SELV is also described as Safety
Extra-Low Voltage in appliance standards and Separated Extra-Low Voltage in installation
standards such as BS7671.

Class O and Class OI equipment is not allowed on STFC sites.

Extension Leads

The use of 230V extension leads should be avoided where ever possible – and they
should not be connected in series (“Daisy Chained”).

If used, they should be tested as portable appliances and have three core leads (including
a protective earthing conductor).
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The length of any extension lead should not exceed the following unless it is protected by
an RCD with a rated residual current not exceeding 30mA. The RCD should, preferably,
form part of the fixed installation:

Core area Maximum length

1.25 mm2 12 metres

1.5 mm2 15 metres
2.5mm2 25 meters

Care must be taken when using cable reels. For short period low load applications it is not
necessary to fully uncoil extension leads. However, where long period and/or high load
usage is required, leads should always be fully unwound. Some reels are protected with
thermal trips and may state a maximum load when coiled, however, if in doubt, always
uncoil the cable.

Microwave Ovens

Microwave leakage testing is excluded from this code, but should be included in the Estate
Services inspection and test programme. (See SC4 – Safety and the safe Use of Work
Equipment, for more details)

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Appendix 3 Table of User Checks

Plug Free from cracks or damage

Free from any sign of overheating
Flexible cable secure in its anchorage
If the plug is not re-wirable or moulded, the cable grip should be
checked by pulling and twisting. No movement should ensue
Pins not bent or damaged
Live pins should be sleeved
No paper label on the bottom
Plug does not rattle
The plug is not loose in the socket and can be easily removed
Flex or cable Is it in good condition
Does not show fraying, cuts and damage
Not in an area where it could be damaged
Not too long or short
No joints or connections
Only one flex connected to the plug
Not bent too tightly
Not a trip hazard
Not run under a carpet or floor covering
Unwind an extension lead fully to inspect its full length
Socket outlet Free from cracks or other damage.
or flex outlet No signs of overheating.
Pin shutter mechanism functions.
Socket is not loose.
If a switch is fitted, it operates correctly.
Adapter or Inspect device and make sure the operating current is not above 30mA.
extension lead Check the device by plugging in and pushing the test button, the RCD
fitted with RCD should operate and turn off.

Appliances or Free from cracks, chemical or corrosion damage to case or access to

items of live parts.
equipment Equipment is operated with protective covers in place and doors closed.
(includes ELV) Equipment can be used safely.
Equipment switches on and off correctly.
Equipment works properly.
There is sufficient space to allow cooling, not to close to walls to inhibit
good ventilation.
Not likely to overheat due to obstructions and items hanging over
equipment.
Correct lamp rating for luminaires.
No liquid items are placed on top of the equipment.
Environment Equipment suitable for its environment.
Extension leads and multi way adapters are not being used incorrectly.
Where possible, equipment is not left on overnight, should this be
necessary then suitable control measures must be identified and
implemented.
Suitability The equipment is suited to the work it is required to carry out (fit for
purpose)

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Appendix 4 Label Examples

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Appendix 5 Fixed Electrical Installations and Equipment
Every electrical installation, shall, during erection and on completion, before being put into
service, be inspected and tested to verify, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the
requirements of the Regulations have been met.

Fixed equipment or appliances are more difficult to inspect and test because of the nature
of their attachment to the building fabric and their connection to the fixed wiring of an
installation. However given the prominent nature of some of these equipment types, they
should receive a full combined inspection and test at relevant intervals.

All fixed electrical installations and equipment should be verified in accordance with BS
7671.
Periodic inspection and testing is necessary because all electrical installations deteriorate
due to a number of factors such as damage, wear, tear, corrosion, excessive electrical
loading, ageing and environmental influences

Periodic inspection and testing of every electrical installation must be carried out in order
to determine, as far as reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in a satisfactory
condition for continued service. Wherever possible, the documentation arising from the
initial certification and any previous periodic inspection and testing shall be taken into
account. Where no previous documentation is available, investigation of the electrical
installation shall be undertaken prior to carrying out the periodic inspection and testing.

Guidance on the initial frequency and subsequent frequencies at which periodic

inspections should be performed are given in the IET’s Guidance Note: 3 (GN3) Inspection
and Testing. It also provides information on the necessary competence of those carrying
out the inspections and any testing.
A number of factors need to be considered when determining the time interval between
periodic inspection and testing of an electrical installation. These include the type of
installation and equipment, its use and operation, any known maintenance and the
external influences to which it is subjected.

GN3 recommends a maximum initial period between inspection and testing of 3 years for
industrial installations and 5 years for offices / laboratories, with an annual routine check of
all installations. These periods can be amended by the Authorising Engineer after a risk
assessment of the electrical installation (specified on their letter of appointment) has been
completed.

Issue Number:
Issue Date: 15/02/2022 Author: Electrical Safety Committee Page 17 of 20
3.2.2
 Note - This document may have been superseded by a more recent version.
Please check on the SHE website for the most up-to-date version of this document.
Appendix 6 Training Requirements
Role Initial Training Refresher Frequency

Portable Electrical 1 day 1 day Every 5 years

Equipment test operative

Suitable course: Certificate In Electrical Equipment Maintenance - City & Guilds

2377-22 or a course recommended by STFC SHE Group

Departmental Portable No specific training required for this role except a thorough
Electrical Equipment Liaison understanding of this SHE Code and completion of the Code’s
Officer BiteSize SHE training.

Issue Number:
Issue Date: 15/02/2022 Author: Electrical Safety Committee Page 18 of 20
3.2.2
 Note - This document may have been superseded by a more recent version.
Please check on the SHE website for the most up-to-date version of this document.
Appendix 7 Audit Checklist
Ref Item Rating Comments

1 Does all electrical equipment have

(Section 4.3.2) dated test labels?

2 Are Estates Services portable

(Section 4.1.1) electrical equipment test operatives
suitably qualified and competent?
3 Does the SHE Directory contain the
(Section 4.1.2) names and appointment letters for
Departmental test operatives and
inspection and test Liaison Officers.
Are the PAT testers suitably qualified
and competent?
4 Is site register of electrical equipment
(Section 4.1.4) up to date?

5 Has annual Schedule A test been

(Section 4.1.3) undertaken?

6 Has 4 yearly Schedule B test been

(Section 4.1.3) undertaken?

7 Has faulty or unsuitable portable

(Section 4.3.4) electrical equipment been removed
from use to a secure location awaiting
repair or disposal?
8 In discussion with Estate Services
(Section 4.6.1) have sufficient inspection and test
Liaison Officers been appointed to
cover the scope of the Department’s
electrical equipment.

Issue Number:
Issue Date: 15/02/2022 Author: Electrical Safety Committee Page 19 of 20
3.2.2
 Note - This document may have been superseded by a more recent version.
Please check on the SHE website for the most up-to-date version of this document.
Appendix 8 Record Retention Policy
Records Minimum Responsible Location of Comments/Justification
Established Retention record keeper Records
Period
Site inspection Current + 8 Estate Services Local records A copy of test records
and testing years Duty Holder systems must be held by STFC
records
Local Current + 8 Department Local records
inspection and years Duty Holder systems
testing records
Appointments:
PAT Test Most recent Electrical SHE Appointment letter
Operative Authorising Directory
Engineers
Portable Most Recent Director SHE
electrical Directory
equipment
Liaison Officer

Issue Number:
Issue Date: 15/02/2022 Author: Electrical Safety Committee Page 20 of 20
3.2.2