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PaulB
Active Contributer
61 Posts |
 Posted - 12/04/2012 : 13:34:45
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Has anyone had their gear tested recently? We get all of ours tested as some venues insist on certificates and proof of testing and we've just had all of our gear done. Now the new test certificate states that the next test is not due for 3 years?
Am pretty sure that last time it was only valid for a year - have the rules changed? |
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Rocket
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
4078 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 13:51:27
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The IET code of practice recommends different intervals for both visual and functional checks depending on what the equipment is that it being tested. But it seems to be generally accepted to test everything for one year, I've never actually heard of a tester issuing a 3 year certificate.
If you have got one that clearly states it's valid for 3 years then you're quids in. I can't imagine anyone at any venue questioning it and they'd have to know what they were talking about and know in detail about your equipment if they did. |
www.shakeysbrother.com
www.arena-lighting.co.uk
If everything in life is a success, you aren't taking enough risks. |
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shoestring
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2875 Posts |
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Rocket
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
4078 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 14:06:05
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| I used to think the same but I have to admit I've seen and tested (and failed!) some pretty dangerous stuff. |
www.shakeysbrother.com
www.arena-lighting.co.uk
If everything in life is a success, you aren't taking enough risks. |
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scoobydude
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2485 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 14:26:49
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| It proves virtually nothing. I've seen brand new guitar amps fail before now. It proves that the piece of equipment passes a very limited test on the day it's tested. It doesn't prove it's safe, and it certainly means nothing afterwards. If it was tested ok in January, it doesn't mean it's still safe in November, but the certificate will still be accepted by people running venues that want to see it. it's a huge money making scam dreamt up by people that don't really know what they're doing to prove that they've taken action. |
www.scoobyband.com |
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Rocket
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
4078 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 14:57:30
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quote:
Originally posted by scoobydude
If it was tested ok in January, it doesn't mean it's still safe in November, but the certificate will still be accepted by people running venues that want to see it.
Much like an MOT on a car, but they'll still accept your MOT certificate in November to tax your car.
Or is that also a huge money making scam dreamt up by people that don't know what they're doing? |
www.shakeysbrother.com
www.arena-lighting.co.uk
If everything in life is a success, you aren't taking enough risks. |
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OriginalAnimal
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
19295 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 15:43:49
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I have seen the other side and no inspected equipment electrocuting people!
Generally the test is valid for a year, Hire companies have to test everytime the equipment goes out.
We used to inspect lighting every three months, but do an informal inspection every time it was used.
With your own gear, you should visually inspect it each time you use it, but never leave it longer than a year for a formal inspection, unless you never take it out of the house. |
I have no time to practice, I'm gigging. Leicester Drum Sniffers Anonymous. #17 of the 582 & 17 0f the 798 World Record Holders.
Jobeky, 2Box Drumit 5, Premier, Highwood/DM drums Paul Brook Snare, Matt Nolan cymbals, Silverstone Drum (seats) Thrones. Los Cabos drumsticks
Re Cycling drums is the future. |
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Bazarre
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
7983 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 16:32:30
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Guy lives opposite me is a carpenter and he works on many different construction sites in London. Maybe only a few days on each site sometimes. It's got silly now, because he has to have a new PAT ticket on his mains powered stuff each time he goes to a new site!
His solution:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/kewtech-test-report-pads-pack-of-500/97150
DIY PAT - no probs.
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Sex, magic and R n R! -- all in ZOLIN! now on Amazon for Kindle readers |
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MrNoisy
Advanced Contributer
9905 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 16:44:47
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| SHOCKING if you ask me |
If you don't like my outlook on life ...Then get one of your own |
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Yard
Advanced Contributer
Uzbekistan
5228 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 17:00:25
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They could also insist that the power supply in venues is up to scratch so that the backline feed trips off sharpish...
Our stuff is Pat tested by our tour 'boffin' which makes him an even smugger,real ale drinking,bumbag wearing,365 day shorts wearing mug...oops that slipped out? |
Shut it and whack the poxy things!
www.vintagedrumyard.co.uk
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Rocket
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
4078 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 17:11:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Bazarre
Guy lives opposite me is a carpenter and he works on many different construction sites in London. Maybe only a few days on each site sometimes. It's got silly now, because he has to have a new PAT ticket on his mains powered stuff each time he goes to a new site!
If this is true this is ridiculous.
By the way, people say 'DIY' PAT etc - all PAT can be DIY. You do not actually need any formal qualification to do PAT testing, and in fact there is no recognised qualification in 'PAT Testing'.
You do need to be competent however! The commonly recognised qualification is the City & Guilds although there are loads of people offering 'unrecognised' courses. |
www.shakeysbrother.com
www.arena-lighting.co.uk
If everything in life is a success, you aren't taking enough risks. |
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Yard
Advanced Contributer
Uzbekistan
5228 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 17:30:52
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I am surprised that any work gets done on site these days due to the filling in of H&S forms before you can even knock a nail in?
The paperwork these days is killing the business long with Risk Assessments etc...
I know the old saying is 'If it saves one life' but theres a few that just need to go to do us a favour!! |
Shut it and whack the poxy things!
www.vintagedrumyard.co.uk
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Dezzie
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
3431 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 18:55:25
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| Surely the nature of the work and the abuse the gear takes (Load In/Out) would require strict safety ruling..? |
David.
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Henry Piper
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
320 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 20:00:08
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I played a wedding gig a couple of years ago,in a posh hotel complex outside Maidstone in Kent, the venue insisted on Pat certification, which we provided, (one of our members is a pat tester)
when we arrived, no one even asked to see the certification, and the power supply on stage was a double 13A socket, hanging of the wall by its supply wires !!
We refused to play until we were given an alternative power source, but in conversation with the maintenance man who jury rigged us a safe power supply,I found out that the venue had no testing of any sort on the power supply,itself only on items attached to it like lamps, teasmades, etc.
Surely it should work both ways. |
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Bazarre
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
7983 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2012 : 20:20:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Henry Piper
I played a wedding gig a couple of years ago,in a posh hotel complex outside Maidstone in Kent, the venue insisted on Pat certification, which we provided, (one of our members is a pat tester)
when we arrived, no one even asked to see the certification, and the power supply on stage was a double 13A socket, hanging of the wall by its supply wires !!
We refused to play until we were given an alternative power source, but in conversation with the maintenance man who jury rigged us a safe power supply,I found out that the venue had no testing of any sort on the power supply,itself only on items attached to it like lamps, teasmades, etc.
Surely it should work both ways.
... and you didn't pop in for a cup of tea and a chat? Shame on you. |
Sex, magic and R n R! -- all in ZOLIN! now on Amazon for Kindle readers |
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Rhythm and Blooze
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
4669 Posts |
Posted - 13/04/2012 : 13:30:48
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There was a PAT inspection during summer last year and one of the guys left a roll of stickers with dates on & all ready to attach to devices when he left.
I waited a day, no one came back for them so now all our gear has the requisite sticker to show it is PAT tested, even though it hasn't and no one has ever challenged us for the certificates.
I can't decide if that is because, they are lazy, assume we have the certificates or more likely IMHO, CBA.
It makes a mockery of the whole set up. |
www.ricklacey.co.uk
http://www.doctortruth.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/DoctorTruth |
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Henry Piper
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
320 Posts |
Posted - 13/04/2012 : 16:15:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Rhythm and Blooze
There was a PAT inspection during summer last year and one of the guys left a roll of stickers with dates on & all ready to attach to devices when he left.
I waited a day, no one came back for them so now all our gear has the requisite sticker to show it is PAT tested, even though it hasn't and no one has ever challenged us for the certificates.
I can't decide if that is because, they are lazy, assume we have the certificates or more likely IMHO, CBA.
It makes a mockery of the whole set up.
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Henry Piper
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
320 Posts |
Posted - 13/04/2012 : 16:21:51
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The whole thing is a mockery, as I understand it provided your equipment is regularly inspected, and conforms to the various electricity in the workplace requirements there is no legal requirment for any specific testing or certification, although possesion of some sort of paperwork,might reassure a prospective booker.
as far as I am aware there is no standard examination or recognised qualification as a "P.A.T Tester" anyway.
since the "regulations" appeared we have only been asked for certificates a few times, (mainly by Agents), and NEVER been asked to produce them at a venue. |
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piph
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
578 Posts |
Posted - 13/04/2012 : 16:32:07
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| There certainly isn't a blank roll of blank PAT stickers in my gig bag, just incase... |
Ludwig, Rogers, HipGig. Too many snare drums. Lots of K's. Endorsee for Protection Racket, KickPort and De La Cruz Custom Drumkeys. |
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Yard
Advanced Contributer
Uzbekistan
5228 Posts |
Posted - 13/04/2012 : 16:44:00
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The venues supplying the power should be checked and trips fitted.
If your equipment is dodgy you lose your power in an instant. |
Shut it and whack the poxy things!
www.vintagedrumyard.co.uk
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Rocket
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
4078 Posts |
Posted - 13/04/2012 : 17:12:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Henry Piper
The whole thing is a mockery, as I understand it provided your equipment is regularly inspected, and conforms to the various electricity in the workplace requirements there is no legal requirment for any specific testing or certification,
Correct, however most/all insurance policies will have a clause in relating to regular service/maintenance of electrical items and ensuring they're safe and fit for use...PAT testing is 'the' most accepted way of doing this. If a faulty kettle starts a fire and burns the building down, your PAT testing logs will show you had taken reasonable steps to ensure the equipment was fit for use.
quote:
Originally posted by Henry Piper
as far as I am aware there is no standard examination or recognised qualification as a "P.A.T Tester" anyway.
Correct. |
www.shakeysbrother.com
www.arena-lighting.co.uk
If everything in life is a success, you aren't taking enough risks. |
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Nationwidepattesting
New Contributer
United Kingdom
1 Posts |
Posted - 15/04/2012 : 21:58:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Henry Piper
The whole thing is a mockery, as I understand it provided your equipment is regularly inspected, and conforms to the various electricity in the workplace requirements there is no legal requirment for any specific testing or certification, although possesion of some sort of paperwork,might reassure a prospective booker.
as far as I am aware there is no standard examination or recognised qualification as a "P.A.T Tester" anyway.
since the "regulations" appeared we have only been asked for certificates a few times, (mainly by Agents), and NEVER been asked to produce them at a venue.
Hi, the recognised qualification is City and Guilds 2377 for in service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. |
http://nationwidepattesting.com |
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meat2veg
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
8444 Posts |
Posted - 16/04/2012 : 09:41:46
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| See, the thing with the fake stickers is that I regularly get stuff turning up on jobs which has a sticker on which cannot possibly have passed a PAT test. A cable with either a socket at both ends or a plug at both ends, for instance. |
The sooner we lose the smiley faces from this forum the better. |
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