This is the 4th edition of the IET's Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
The book has been revised to take account of the PAT aspects of Professor Löfstedt's report and the HSE view that promotes a proportionate risk-based approach when assessing the safety of electrical equipment and appliances. This will help users, those responsible for the equipment and testers of the equipment to maintain safety.
HSE encourages the adoption of this approach.
The changes will also be reflected in the City & Guilds 2377 course.
The Code of Practice enables duty holders to understand the requirements placed on them in law to maintain electrical equipment, using correct documentation, that falls under their control and to understand what inspection and testing involves. It also gives guidance to those carrying out in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment (PAT).
Having undergone an extensive re-write The IET s new Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, fourth edition, has been ratified by its peer group review panel and is currently undergoing final production stages prior to publication in early November 2012. On The 28th November 2011 The Lofstedt report was published which highlighted a significant legislative over compliance by industry. From this, PAT testing was highlighted as a misunderstood requirement to carry out inspection and testing annually, regardless of equipment type, usage or environment. Inspecting or testing annually has never been a requirement and the new Code of Practice has been up dated to emphasise and expand on this. The fourth edition of the Code of Practice has been written to emphasise the need to risk assess the requirement for any inspections and tests. Risk assessments are vital to understanding the key influences that can affect the state of any electrical equipment in use and subsequently its continued safe use. Any risk assessment process must be carried out by the duty holder, as the duty holder or responsible person, is solely responsible for the safety and maintenance of equipment in their care. A duty holder may use an outside consultant to advise them of the type and frequency of any inspections or tests; however the duty holder is responsible in all cases regardless of any consultant s advice.