Electrical safety

including Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Standard

Important information for students: Electrical safety advice for students

Quick Link: Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Standard

Watch our "How To" (.ppsx) presentation for a quick overview of what you need to do to implement the PAT standard. (NB: This should open as a slide show. If it doesn't select "slide show" and "from beginning" from the toolbar menu).

Electrical Safety

Electricity represents a genuine risk in the workplace. According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about 1,000 accidents at work involving electric shock or burns are reported to them each year. Around 30 of these are fatal.  The dangers from electricity should never be underestimated. Equipment that is poorly maintained or used unsafely can present a serious risk of harm through electrocution or fire. 

The University has a legal obligation under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition. Regular inspection and, in some cases, testing is necessary to ensure equipment is safe to use. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) helps to achieve this aim.

Electricity can kill.  Do not take unnecessary chances.

Even non-fatal electric shocks can lead to severe and permanent injury.  Faulty electrical equipment can also lead to fires which may cause death, injury to others or damage to property as shown in Electrical fires real life examples.   It is therefore vital that equipment is regularly maintained so that it is safe to use. 

Simple visual checks can identify the majority of potentially dangerous electrical equipment; everyone is encouraged to check the equipment they use.  A guide on how to carry out simple visual checks has been produced to help you identify common faults.

Where there are any concerns, do not use the equipment; switch it off if safe to do so and immediately contact the person responsible for electrical safety in that area or for that activity.

In the event of contact with electricity, it is essential that prompt action is taken without also becoming a casualty yourself.  Guidance is given on action to take in an emergency and how to report concerns or any incidents involving electricity.

Points of contact for any issues related to electrical safety including emergency contacts are given for staff, students, contractors, tenants and visitors.

Electrical equipment which is prohibited by the University or which is dangerous will be removed where it is safe to do so.  Reasonable attempts will be made to contact the owner.  Prohibited or dangerous electrical equipment gives further details.

Work with electrical mains systems, or on equipment which may be live for the purposes of diagnostic testing, is not covered here.  Where this type of activity is required, you should refer to the Head of Department, Section or Business Unit for local rules which should cover risk assessment, safe methods of working and whether a permit to work is required.

Surplus electrical equipment must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner and in accordance with consumer protection requirements.   Further guidance on the purchase, use and disposal of work equipment, whether electrical or not, is available on the University's Work Equipment Safety webpage.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Standard

Watch our "How To" (.ppsx) presentation for a quick overview of what you need to do to implement the PAT standard. (NB: This should open as a slide show. If it doesn't select "slide show" and "from beginning" from the toolbar menu).

Whether you are a Head of Department / Section / Business Unit, a member of staff, a student, a tenant or a contractor, you need to be aware of what you need to do in relation to PAT and the electrical equipment you are responsible for.  This is because PAT covers everyday items such as kettles, computer hardware and extension leads as well as that used in laboratories, theatres, catering and hospitality establishments.

The University's PAT Standard gives information and guidance on what PAT includes, who is responsible, how to arrange PAT, whether costs might apply and other relevant points.  The draft PAT Standard is the minimum standard to apply across the University (including University of Essex Campus Services (UECS) and Wivenhoe House Hotel (WHH)), whether you are an employee, contractor, student or visitor.  To help you find the information you need, click on the relevant section/s below:

Arranging PAT: Flowchart (.pdf) Refer to this flowchart for an overview of the PAT process.

PAT explained (applicable to all) (.pdf) (Updated 13/8/13 - Clarified whether  mobile phone / I-Pad chargers require PAT)

Low risk environments (.pdf) (Updated 13/8/13 - Fans and mobile phone / I-Pad chargers added to frequency table)

Higher risk environments or activities (.pdf)

Contractors or third parties wishing to use electrical equipment on University premises (.pdf)

Personally owned electrical equipment (.pdf)

University approved facilities management provider (.pdf)

Contractors wishing to provide PAT services (.pdf)

Tenants under a lease agreement (.pdf)

Safety Alert: Lloytron A134 Travel Adaptor (See Bulletin)

This adaptor has been withdrawn from sale in the Students Union retail outlets due to safety concerns. There is a risk of electric shock through contact with the pins. As certain two pin plugs are inserted into the adaptor, the pins become live before the plug is fully inserted.

Trading Standards have confirmed that the adaptor does not meet current UK safety standards and so it is being withdrawn from general sale. If you have purchased a Lloytron A134 travel adaptor from a Student Union shop on campus, take it back to the shop and you will be given a full refund.

A European travel adaptor which complies with UK safety standards is available to purchase at the Copy Centre and Student Union retail shop, Colchester campus.