Lets take some examples of the typical items that are likely to be used in your school and apply the guidance as follows:
Staff room – does it have a kettle? This is class 1 equipment and should be tested every 12 months. Does your staff room have a radio, TV or stereo? This is class 2 equipment and should be tested every 48 months.
Art Department – typical items may include glue guns which are class 1 items and should be tested every 12 months
IT Department – IT equipment used by pupils, such as computers, are worked on each day and therefore should be tested more frequently i.e. every 12-24 months
Office – photocopiers, IT equipment (PCs), monitors & double insulated equipment (not handheld or moved occasionally) – every 2-4 years
School Kitchen – catering equipment such as food mixers, toasters and electric weighing scales should be tested every 12 months as these items will be used daily and are situated in a more high risk environment.
Cleaning cupboards – Vacuum cleaners may need to be checked more frequently, simply because they are used more often.
Keeping a record of your PAT Testing is not required by law, but is good practice and essential for schools to have documented evidence of the completion of PAT and it is also useful to have an electrical asset list that normally is produced as a result of testing.
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