Blogs by DRA PAT testing Limited re portable appliance testing

Why choose us for your PAT testing?

Why choose us for your PAT Testing? I am Richard Ayre; I have traded as DRA PAT Testing since 2009; I established and have grown the business gradually over the past 10 years and I am very proud of my achievements. I am employ Kyle to help me and use some checked sub-contractors during busy periods, but most of the time it will be Kyle or I you meet on the job. I feel it is important that you, a client, or potential client know that I am the business, and who we are; we're not a [...]

By Richard Ayre +|2019-11-17T19:30:52+00:00November 17th, 2019|PAT Testing Info|Comments Off

Do you worry about important plugs being switched off by accident?

Everywhere we go there is at least one plug with a post it note taped to it with the big letters "DO NOT SWITCH OFF". Someone somewhere is terrified that the all important plug will be taken out and replaced by a hair drier or heater! But you need worry no more, for we have the solution! Not only does this simple solution massively reduce the chances of your plugs being disconnected when you don't want them too, but it can also totally prevent it. In addition to that the exact same system can protect younger users from the [...]

By Richard Ayre +|2019-10-30T17:54:08+00:00October 30th, 2019|PAT Testing Info|Comments Off

Benefits of using our service

When it comes to searching for a suitable PAT testing company they're ten a penny. Most likely offer a similar service; they all do pretty much the same thing. Each PAT company sends an engineer to your workplace to test all your portable appliances, put some labels on and then later sends you a report. So what makes us any different? Despite what you may think not all PAT testing companies have the skills, knowledge, experience and high standards that we do; not all put quality above quantity - whilst most PAT companies expect their engineers to test 300-500 [...]

By Richard Ayre +|2019-10-23T14:20:00+00:00October 23rd, 2019|PAT Testing Info|Comments Off

DIY WordPress Websites and Search Engine Optimisation

Since setting up as a self employed person in 2009 I have learnt a great deal of new things, and I like to think I have developed skills that others can learn from. I have spent some time with a few people who have wanted to learn how to develop their own websites and to optimise them, and from that I have set up a little sideline business venture; coaching. It's not something I have spent much time doing but you never know what the future holds. In the past 10 years 2 of the things I have spent [...]

By Richard Ayre +|2019-09-29T23:25:52+00:00September 29th, 2019|Business Tips|Comments Off

12 Reasons why electric shock accidents involve portable appliances so often (number 8 may shock you!)
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12 Reasons why electric shock accidents involve portable appliances so often (number 8 may shock you!)

PAT Testing Info

12 Reasons why electric shock accidents involve portable appliances so often (number 8 may shock you!)

One of the biggest problems in any workplace is the use of portable electrical equipment. Referred to as portable appliances, electrical equipment fitted with a plug presents a high risk of becoming damaged and thus dangerous. Portable appliances include any electrical appliances that can be plugged in and include computers, kettles, toasters, heaters, hair driers, power tools, etc. Considered the main problem with portable appliances is that they have a flexible insulated electric cable, which is used to connect it to the plug and aid its movement, that can easily become damaged. Additionally not all cables are secured to the [...]

By Richard Ayre +|2019-10-03T19:42:35+00:00September 19th, 2019|PAT Testing Info|Comments Off

You should read this before arranging for your office to be PAT tested
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You should read this before arranging for your office to be PAT tested

PAT Testing Info

You should read this before arranging for your office to be PAT tested

PAT tests in offices may not need doing as often as you may think. Many offices get their appliances tested every year but that may be too often. If you do a risk assessment you will find that most if not all appliances won't need doing that often. Stationery appliances such as fridges, photocopiers, even computers and monitors hardly ever move so do you really need to get them tested every year? If users check them periodically and inspections are carried out intermittently it should be perfectly acceptable to increase the interval between tests to 2 or 3 years. [...]

By Richard Ayre +|2019-10-01T21:02:35+00:00July 24th, 2019|PAT Testing Info|Comments Off

You should read this before getting new electrical equipment PAT tested
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You should read this before getting new electrical equipment PAT tested

PAT Testing Info

You should read this before getting new electrical equipment PAT tested

Do new electrical goods need PAT tested before using? They shouldn't. New equipment should be safe when manufactured, and are tested before leaving the factory, so there should be no need for you to have to PAT test them before using them. Assuming the new equipment has been bought from a bonafide retailer from the European Economic area. Be more aware if you buy new equipment from 'cheap' online sites, especially if the appliances are imported from non-European countries. However, some company policies do require new equipment to be tested before being put into service, so really it depends [...]

By Richard Ayre +|2019-10-01T20:41:08+00:00July 15th, 2019|PAT Testing Info|Comments Off

6 ways to avoid an electrical fire and to prevent your workplace burning down
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6 ways to avoid an electrical fire and to prevent your workplace burning down

PAT Testing Info

6 ways to avoid an electrical fire and to prevent your workplace burning down

Don't leave washing machines, tumble driers and dishwashers running when you're out or asleep Don't leave portable heaters switched on and unattended Don't overload sockets with too many plugs Register your electrical products and check for recalls Always follow the manufacturers guidance when using appliances Don't buy fake electrical goods or cheap imports Don't use damaged electrical appliances DRA PAT testing specialise in appliance testing; contact us today for a PAT Testing quote

By Richard Ayre +|2019-10-01T20:41:14+00:00May 19th, 2019|PAT Testing Info|Comments Off

FAQ: Will I get into trouble if I don’t get PAT done?
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FAQ: Will I get into trouble if I don’t get PAT done?

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Will I get into trouble if I don’t get PAT done?

Depending on how severe the situation is, the penalty for failure to meet legal obligations on electrical appliance safety can be as high as 2 year's imprisonment, as well as unlimited financial penalty. Of course, we are not judge or jury so these figures may have changed/may change. Don't take the risk to save a little bit of money, at the end of the day you are obligated as an employer or business owner to provide a duty of care to your employees and the public

By Richard Ayre +|2019-10-01T20:21:24+00:00April 23rd, 2019|Frequently Asked Questions|Comments Off

FAQ: How long does a PAT testing certificate last?
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FAQ: How long does a PAT testing certificate last?

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: How long does a PAT testing certificate last?

Realistically speaking a PAT certificate expires as soon as the test is over and someone starts using the appliance again, because the results obtained can't predict the future, but in reality most people consider a PAT testing certificate to last around one year. However, how long the time period should be until the appliances are tested again very much depends on a risk assessment. If you have electrical appliances in use at work you should carry out regular risk assessments to determine what is required to ensure they maintain safe standards; this could be annual PAT tests. Usually a PAT [...]

By Richard Ayre +|2019-10-01T20:41:34+00:00February 19th, 2019|Frequently Asked Questions|Comments Off

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