1. ELECTRICITY AT WORK REGULATIONS 1989

2. THE REGULATIONS DICTATE THAT ALL PORTABLE EQUIPMENT MUST BE INSPECTED REGULARLY AND TESTED TO ENSURE THAT IT IS SAFE FOR USE. There are three parts to the testing:  visual inspection  earth continuity test  insulation test

3. Testing of electrical appliances should be carried out regularly (commonly every 12 months) and should be carried out by trained, authorised personnel. In a busy salon this may be every six months. In many cases third-party electrical contractors carry out PAT testing.

4. If electrical apparatus is found to be faulty, the equipment must be withdrawn from service and repaired immediately

5. To achieve compliance with the legal requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, it requires proof that an electrical system is safe, which involves amongst other things, such as proper inspection and testing of a system by competent people and the creation and maintenance of records. Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 is law in the United Kingdom

6. Around a 1000 electric shock accidents at work are reported to the HSE each year

7. WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT The visual inspection looks at damage to the cable, damage to the plug, damage to the case, loose components and also that the environment the device is used in is appropriate. The visual inspection also examines the plug for wiring or fuse problems such as an incorrect fuse or loose connections. The earth continuity test checks for earth continuity between the plug and the appropriate parts of the device. The insulation test checks the cable for weaknesses and unseen faults. In most workplaces you will see evidence of the testing through a small sticker placed on the device detailing, among other things, the date of inspection and details of who carried out the test.

8. What is PAT testing? PAT is the abbreviation for Portable Appliance Testing - an electrical device that tests appliances and equipment for electrical safety. Annual PAT testing helps to minimse the risk of electrical shock as well as fire hazard. Annual PAT testing is required on all electrical items including – Hair dryers Tongs Straightners Clippers Power leads

9. QUIZ TIME! Get into teams and grab a bell! Be the first to answer the questions by pressing the bell – team with the most questions answered correctly win a prizeeee!

10. Question 1. What does PAT stand for? A: Portable Appliance Testing

11. Question 2. Name 3 electrical items that must be PAT tested in a salon? A: Hair dryers, Tongs, Straighteners, Clippers, Power leads

12. Question 3. How many electrical shock accidents are reported to the HSE each year? A: 1000!

13. Question 4. What are the three parts to electrical testing? A:  visual inspection  earth continuity test  insulation test

14. Question 5. How often should electricity be tested in a busy salon? A: Every 6 months!

15. Thank you for listening and participating in my quiz!