Why do I need my technical equipment inspected and tested regularly?
Inspection and Testing is a bit like an MOT for a car. It helps spot what may be right, wrong or even unsafe. The resulting reports help you understand what further actions may be required, such as repairs to remedy unsafe items or installations.
Electrical Inspection and Testing
Why do I need my performance lighting system electrically tested?
Electrical installations should have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in accordance with BS7671 The IET Wiring Regulations and be inspected periodically. Guidance suggests systems used for entertainment and performance have a regular inspection & testing programme. It’s likely licensing for entertainment purposes from your local authority and insurers will also require you to have your specialist systems regularly inspected and tested.
How often do I need to have my performance electrical system tested?
It’s good practice to have a periodic inspection approximately every twelve months. Licensing authorities, education authorities and insurance companies often stipulate how often they want a new periodic inspection certificate. Commonly, this is 12 months.
In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (formerly PAT testing)
Why do I have to have technical equipment inspected and tested?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (understandably second only in popularity to Fly Fishing by JR Hartley) require that any electrical equipment which has the potential to cause injury is maintained and kept in a safe condition. A good way to decide if your electrical equipment is safe or would benefit from maintenance is to have your equipment inspected and tested regularly.
As a Duty Holder, you have a responsibility to provide a safe environment within your venue.
In the United Kingdom, the safety of electrical equipment in the workplace, is governed, among other regulations, by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER 1998). These regulations place a legal duty on employers and venue operators to ensure that electrical equipment is safe to use and maintained in a safe condition.
How often should I get my electrical equipment inspected and tested? (PAT tested)
The frequency of ISITEE (formerly PAT Testing) for can vary depending on factors such as usage, environment, manufacturer recommendations and it’s for these reasons that the duty holder must determine what is appropriate for their specific context. Some things to consider as part of your decision making, it’s important to ensure that you are satisfying at least the following criteria:
- Appropriate & regular Visual Inspections are conducted by trained and competent personnel to identify signs of damage or wear which could result in unsafe conditions.
- Appropriate & regular Testing: For equipment used frequently or in harsh/demanding environments, the frequency of in-service Inspection & Testing may need to be more than annually.
Can the company that PAT tests my office equipment test my specialist equipment?
We’ll be honest – the test equipment used for the testing is pretty much the same. But testing is only one part of the work. Effective inspection plays a very significant part in the appropriate performance of ISITEE works (formerly PAT Testing). Not only is our test equipment in the hands of our specialist technicians with relevant sector specific knowledge, our technicians also carry out inspections appropriate to the equipment and know that an expensive piece of ‘event’ critical equipment needed for that night’s performance is different from checking the office toaster. Because our technicians spend much of their time working on specialist equipment, they can spot many of the issues before evening connecting it to the test equipment. We believe this inspection and testing, which forms part of your safety management regime, should be carried out by suitably experienced and competent people and, as the Law requires you to select appropriate providers, it’s why we provide this service for your specialist equipment.
Mechanical Inspection and Testing
What is PUWER?
PUWER, or more fully, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, as the name suggests, applies to all work equipment, electrical, mechanical and other. The PUWER regulations require equipment provided for use at work to be suitable, safe, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and isn’t deteriorating.
How does PUWER relate to me?
If you are a venue owner, operator, or manager you have responsibilities for the health and safety of your employees, venue users, visitors and members of the public. Every organisation has Duty Holder(s) as defined in the relevant laws. If you are a Duty Holder at a venue, you need to be aware of, and ensure compliance with, the PUWER regulations as well as all other relevant Health & Safety legislation.
What happens if, as a Duty Holder, you don’t carry out PUWER risk assessments?
Firstly, without appropriate risk assessments you can’t be certain that the work equipment is suitable for it’s intended task and can be used without putting persons at risk. Appropriately detailed and regular, inspection of work equipment by a suitably trained and competent person, is likely to be one of the measures your risk assessment identifies as essential in assisting you in your duty of care obligations.
It’s in everybody’s best interest to comply with PUWER and all other applicable Health & Safety regulations, not only as part of your safety management regime to keep employees and the general public safe from harm but also to avoid legal repercussions.
Heavy penalties, fines, civil claims cases, criminal charges, and even imprisonment can be associated with failing to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation.
How do I know if PUWER applies to my mechanical equipment?
Do you have equipment such as fixed overhead lighting rigs, suspension brackets/clamps, stage curtain tracks, stands etc? If so then it’s almost certain these items and aspects of your installed systems will be subject to the PUWER regulations. Below are some places you can find out more information about PUWER and related health and safety matters. To learn more about how this may apply to your venue and equipment or to discuss your requirements further simply call a member of our specialist inspection and testing team today on 03330 142 102
- HSE official website
- Gov.UK
- Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
- British Safety Council
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
Preventative Maintenance
Can you help with Preventative Maintenance?
Yes, we can. There’s nothing worse than equipment breaking down just before or, worse still, precisely when it’s needed. Preventative Maintenance is key to stopping your drama production turning into a crisis.
We have equipment that is used for lifting or lowering performance equipment. Does this need to be inspected and how often?
All lifting equipment needs to be inspected regularly. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 covers any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads. They stipulate several criteria must be met including the annual inspection of lifting and lowering equipment by “a competent person”. Very much like us.
LOLER regulations also apply to all lifting accessories and any attachments used for supporting the equipment/load. These accessories must also be inspected but, in the case of Lifting Accessories, it’s more frequent than for the Lifting Equipment itself. Lifting Accessories need to be inspected every six months.