Regular Testing Responsibilities

There are no absolute rules regarding how often an item of electrical equipment should be tested. HSE Guidance Notes advise "regular testing" and this is generally interpreted as a requirement for annual testing. However, circumstances and conditions of use will vary. The competent test person should be able to advise on the frequency of testing resulting from his own experience and discussions with the user or dutyholder (who may be a non-technical person) regarding the "lifestyle" of the equipment.

Personnel responsible for the safe use of electrical equipment, for example contractors, managers of electrical / electronics laboratories (test equipment and tools) office managers (electrical office machines) are each regarded by the Electricity at Work Act as "dutyholders" and should operate a routine safety testing programme.




Principle For Frequency Of Testing

The underlying principle for frequency of testing is that the dutyholder (i.e. the person with the equipment "within his control") with the advice of the competent test person when necessary must assess the need for testing the equipment against the following:

  • Type of equipment (portable, hand held or transportable)
  • Style of use (continuous, infrequent, rough)
  • Age of the equipment
  • If regularly moved or transported and by what means
  • Type and competence of personnel using the equipment
  • Environment of usage (outdoors, construction sites, hazardous atmospheres etc).
  • Results of previous tests
  • Manufacturer's recommendations
  • Effect of any modifications or repairs to the equipment
  • Suggested Initial Frequency Of Inspection And Testing Of Equipment
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