Industry News » A Dual PAT Test and Asset Audit Will Provide Efficiency Savings to Companies & Schools Suffering Under the Weight of Regulations

23-04-2009

The combining of admin tasks for duties falling under the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive is providing a degree of relief to businesses and schools looking to enhance efficiencies.

A typical example is the PAT test and the compiling and checking of the businesses or school's asset register.  Both involve an outside company visiting the premises - and so it makes sense for one company to do both jobs at the same time - especially if montetary savings can be made.

PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)

The PAT test is an annual survey of all portable electrical equipment on site ie computers, printers and kettles.  PAT testing can only be carried out by qualified technicians and although some companies and schools have put their own staff through such a course, work loads can push PAT testing to the bottom of the 'To Do List' making it simpler to bring in an outside contractor to get the job done.

"This is where we come in," says Jamie Norman of SG World.  "Obviously when we are asked to undertake a PAT test, we have to walk around all the rooms in all the buildings.  So we are also able to undertake a complete asset audit of all assets at the same time."

Asset Management

The compilation of an asset register is a particularly important task.  This is especially true for schools, since in a survey last year the School of Educational Administration found that 85% of schools reported that they had "lost" (ie misplaced or had stolen) at least one item of value in the previous year.

"The double impact of the PAT test and the asset audit, undertaken on the same day each year, can be huge.  The PAT test can be undertaken at the end of the day, at the weekend, in the school holidays or during a company shutdown period, ensuring disruption is kept to a minimum and that schools and businesses have an annual review of equipment for the purposes of insurance."

"Even better, the results of the PAT test are held on a secure website, which negates the need for printed reports which can run to many pages.  The results of the PAT test are also available immediately so you won't be waiting weeks whilst the report is prepared."

To find out more about PAT testing or Asset Management with PAT testing please click on the links below.