Electrical equipment (portable electrical equipment)

Portable electrical equipment includes kettles, toasters, computers, printers, heaters, organs and radios.

The Health and Safety Executive has a guide to maintaining portable electrical equipment (INDG 236) Please read this fully to develop a system for the inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment, focusing upon the risk of injury.

Not all portable electrical equipment requires an annual Portable Appliance Test (PAT). However, it is necessary to ensure that any electrical equipment purchased or used within church properties is safe to use and suitable for the job intended.

The Church of Scotland General Trustees recommend implementing and recording regular professional PATs and a system of visual inspections of all portable electrical equipment. This should be combined with a formal inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment at an interval relevant to the risk involved. Further advice and guidance can be found by referring to the Health and Safety Executive's guide and from the Church of Scotland General Trustees.

Anyone who carries out PATs must be competent, suitably trained and have the confidence, knowledge and experience to do this safely. Whilst INDG 236 states that an electrician does not need to carry out PATs, the Charity Trustees must be assured that anyone undertaking PATs on their behalf can do so safely and without risk to themselves or anyone else.

It is important to keep suitable and sufficient records of any visual or physical inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment. These records must show who carried out the inspection or testing, as well as the date and location of testing and details of specific pieces of equipment tested and any faults identified. If any action is required – for example, replacing a fuse – this must also be documented and carried out by a competent person.