Portable Appliance Testing
This information concerns Showlite’s compliance with the regulations as we understand them to apply to our business. In no sense does it constitute legal advice.
Under the ‘Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)’ it is a legal requirement that all portable and transportable electrical equipment operating on voltages between 50V and 230V must be maintained in a safe condition. This includes most lighting and sound equipment, electronic musical instruments and associated amplifiers, power tools used during set construction and rigging, electrical items used by performers in dressing rooms and practical items used on stage during the performance.
Although the Regulations do not specify any particular way of complying with that requirement the currently accepted methods of compliance are regular visual inspections, periodic safety testing and the keeping of accurate records.
Prior to release to the customer our hire equipment and any equipment repaired by us will have been inspected, tested and labelled in compliance with the current guidance. For our equipment full records of the results of these tests are maintained. A copy of these results can be supplied if you require them. A Certificate of Test along with a copy of the test results will be supplied on return of customers’ equipment following repair.
The whole subject of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and the recommendations surrounding it can appear complex. For further detailed information see the current edition of the IET Code of Practice or theatre specific guidance can be found in Advice on Electrical Safety and Portable Appliance Testing in Theatres which is an ABTT Code of Practice.
