Posts Tagged ‘PAT labels’

AOK PAT Labels are an Affective Means of Harm Prevention

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

AOK PAT labels are a popular kind of PAT testing label that are used in the United Kingdom to display the results of required PAT tests. PAT tests are important tests required by the British government to test the safety of any appliance that depends on electricity for its usage. Electrical appliances used in any variety of locations, such as residential, commercial, and industrial, need to be tested on different intervals of time depending on how potentially dangerous the appliance is.

When technicians perform the Portable Appliance Test, they look at the functioning of several key features of the appliance and make a decision based on that. Technicians have to test the internal circuits, the external cable and even in what sort of environment the appliance is found. Some appliances have to undergo other tests, as they have unique functions, such as the microwave’s emission test. Once a decision has been made regarding whether the appliance has passed a test, undergone electrical testing, or should not be used (which are the three possible answers for most PAT tests), a label, oftentimes an AOK PAT label, can be affixed to the machine. One of these labels holds valuable information, and can come in a variety of forms such as one that wraps around the external cable, adheres to the inside of a microwave, or fits over a plug.

The information on AOK PAT labels is very important information and needs to be displayed effectively and completely, and these types of labels are perfect for doing just that. Besides displaying the most crucial information, which is how the appliance faired in the PAT test, there are locations on the labels for a variety of other necessary information. With information regarding who it was that performed the PAT test, when the PAT test was performed, and when the next time the test should be performed, these labels truly help the technicians or testers that have to perform these duties. There are even AOK PAT labels that are color coded, which makes the identification of any possible danger instantaneous and effective, without any need to get real close to the potentially dangerous appliance.

AOK PAT labels, combined with the information obtained from PAT testing, is probably the most critical tool in providing effective information in the use and operating of possibly dangerous appliances in a number of residential, commercial, and industrial locations. Without these devices, employees could be subjecting themselves unknowingly to harmful rays from microwaves, or experience a possibly life-threatening shock from a hand drill that should be labeled “DO NOT USE”. That is precisely why it is necessary to display this information, and displaying it in the most visually effective way is the way that these PAT testing labels to the job. These labels are often highly customizable, and available in a variety of patterns, color schemes, layouts, designs, and discounts depending on how many are purchased. The one thing that unites all PAT labels, no matter how they appear, is they have the ability to save lives.

PAT Labels Ensure the Safety of Appliance Users

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

To ensure the safety of electrical appliances commonly found in residential, commercial, and industrial locations, the United Kingdom requires that certain tests be carried out on a continual basis depending on the potential hazard of the appliance in question. The PAT test, or Portable Appliance Test, is used to designate potential appliances as hazardous, and others as fit for use and safe for anyone around. After a PAT test has been undergone, which includes such processes such as checking the internal electrical components for any possible danger, observing the external power cord, and taking notice of the environment in which the appliance itself it situated, then PAT labels are affixed to the machine with an indication as to how the appliance faired in the PAT test.

PAT labels are a very important role in Portable Appliance Testing and without them potentially harmful appliances wouldn’t be marked as such. Once testing has been successfully completed, a label is affixed to the appliance to allow for users and testers of the machine to know if a test has been performed, how the test turned out, and a number of other important pieces of information. The main and most important information that is displayed on a test label is the results of the test, and most commonly comes in three forms. The results of a PAT test can come in the form of ‘passed’, ‘tested for electrical safety’, and ‘DO NOT USE’, and this information can be coupled with the use of color coding to more effectively put across this information. The color green is most commonly used to denote an appliance as safe for use, as the color green is a fairly universal color denoting “safe”, or “go”. Labels with a red color, as red is a color typically interpreted as “stop” or “danger, is used to color certain PAT labels so that the danger of a ‘DO NOT USE’ result from a portable appliance test can be noticed from afar without the need to get real close to the potentially hazardous appliance.

PAT labels come in a variety of different forms, depending on what sort of appliance they are to be affixed to, their usage, and a number of other factors. These labels are also made to last, and usually comprise of a laminated surfaced and strong adhesive to ensure durability and that their message will stay right where it needs to stay. PAT labels are also available in different modes of application, such as ones that are meant to be wrapped around power cables, ones that are specifically designed to fit snuggly over plug tops, and the most standard labels which are simply labels with adhesive which act as stickers to display the pertinent information. There are also labels that are specifically used for the testing of microwaves, as microwaves are a very commonly used appliance and also quite potentially dangerous and their emission levels must be measured to ensure the user’s safety. These labels play an important part in safety awareness.

Cable Wrap PAT Labels

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

In environments where the use of electrical appliances is commonplace, such as residential, commercial, and industrial settings, the United Kingdom requires that these electrical appliances undergo specific tests to ensure that the safety of these machines is maintained. PAT tests, or Portable Appliance Tests as they are named, are tests performed on electrical appliances where the safety of its use is judged on several factors. The internal electrical components of the appliance, the external cable, and the environment in which the appliance is located in all play crucial parts in the designation of the safety factor of an electrical appliance. Once it is decided upon, a label is a affixed to the appliance to that people who may use the appliance, or future technicians who will have to perform the PAT test on the machine, will know how safe the machine is to use.

These labels, called PAT labels, come in a variety of forms and applications, and one such label is the cable wrap PAT label. As with other PAT testing labels, these specific kinds of labels are used to be wrapped around cables, which provide several sorts of benefits and advantages over other traditional styles of PAT labels. As the name implies, these labels wrap around power cords and leads, and are useful on a number of appliances where there is not adequate space to affix a typical PAT label sticker. These cable wrap PAT labels are usually much more durable than other sorts of PAT labels, as they are made with a very strong adhesive which assists in keeping the label in place, so as to prevent any possible mix up that could arise with the lack of a proper label on a potentially hazardous appliance.

Cable wrap PAT labels still hold all of the valuable information regarding the Portable Appliance Testing performed on common appliances, but this form of the PAT label is just simply a different form that has a particular use for specific kinds of appliances. With information regarding the results of the PAT test, such as the three designations ‘Passed’, ‘Tested for Electrical Safety’, and ‘DO NOT USE’, (or for different kinds of appliances such as the microwave, there is a different set of safety requirements as the emissions level must be tested) there is other information included. Information about who performed the PAT test, the date the test was performed on, and the date the next test is to be done on all are found on these cable wrap labels. There is even a place to indicate the appliance I.D., so there is no confusing whether a particular PAT label belongs on a specific appliance or not.

There are a number of different forms of PAT test labels, and cable wrap PAT labels are just another form of PAT test labels that help ensure the safety and security around the use of electrical appliances. Without these important labels, it would be hard to avoid potential dangers involved in the usage of electrical appliances.

The Various Uses of Visual Inspection Labels

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

The maintenance of a regular inspection schedule is vital in so many different areas of industry. Visual inspection labels allow for the immediate assessment of conditions which are necessary to monitor for their current and continued safety.

The more common types of visual inspection labels can be found on electrical devices. These portable appliance test labels, or PAT labels, reveal the status of a device as to its safe usage as well as the identification number and the dates of the current inspection along with the next recommended inspection. PAT labels come in a variety of sizes and materials which allows for a greater freedom of application to the various components of an electrical device, including circuit boards and wire bundles.

Of course, other industries are required to present the safety status of their particular wares and devices. The construction industry, the food manufacture and distribution industry, and the various scientific and medical industries make use of visual inspection labels as well. Safety hazards, health concerns, and biohazards related to science and medicine demand that the products and instruments of manufacture, distribution, and disposal involved in these industries display their safety standing and any potential hazard they may present to the public and the environment.

In the past, visual inspection labels amounted to a primitive label made of paper that would be affixed to the surface of a device or product with wire or adhesive. These labels were most often filled in by hand and tended to be a bit unreliable and susceptible to deterioration.

The advances in scanning technologies have widened the scope of application in reading labels and the attainment of historical data pertaining to devices and products. The introduction of barcodes and the systems that read them has presented the possibility of a much more rapid download and assessment of the nature of a particular device or object, thereby allowing a more reliable and accessible system of inspection and reporting.

The textile industry is just one of many that have integrated the use of visual inspection labels into their manufacturing and quality control operations. Rather than inspecting fabrics for flaws at the point of purchase or as they are used in a manufacturing process, high-speed scanning equipment can instead scan an affixed visual inspection label to ascertain the status and history of the textile as it moves through the various levels of preparation for its eventual sale.

The automobile manufacturers have certainly availed themselves of the advancements in quality control and safety. While the old inspection label would have hand-written signatures and status information as an automobile received its various components on its way down the production line, today’s robotic and
hand-held scanning systems can peruse a visual inspection label that has been barcoded, allowing for a more rapid and precise process of manufacture and quality control.

The innovations and advancements that have been made in the area of safety inspections and manufacturing processes have contributed to not only a less hazardous workplace, but a more efficient and reliable system of providing products and services which promise a productive and competitive work environment for the future.

Usage of PAT Labels and PAT Test Labels in the Workplace

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

The requirement for the portable appliance test, otherwise known as PAT, began in the United Kingdom as early as the 1960’s within governmental offices and buildings. Although it was not mandated as a regulation then, it was seen as more of a responsible step to take to protect against fires and other hazards that might be caused by faulty electrical appliances.

The inspection and testing of these types of electrical devices originally fell to the Ministry of Public Works up until 1970, when this responsibility came unto the Department of Environment Services and Property Agency until the year 2000. Today, the Qualifications and Curriculum Agency oversees this service.
This testing and inspection of hand-held, plug-in, or other portable electric appliances has naturally become more necessary with the increased appearance and usage of such types of devices, not only in government facilities but in the general public as well. Depending on the potential risk of the device, the PAT is conducted in either 3 month or 6 month intervals.

When the inspection and testing is completed on a device, a PAT label is applied to indicate the passing or failure of the electrical operation of the device. PAT labels, or PAT test labels, provide an instant status report on the safety level of any device.

PAT labels will appear on a portable electric device in one of three forms. PAT test labels will read as “Passed”, “Tested for Electrical Safety”, or “Do Not Use After”, which will then give the last day of safe usage of the device. Information on PAT test labels will also include the name and ID number of the inspector, as well as his agency or department.

PAT labels were initiated as a response to concerns of fire and related hazards which would provide a modicum of inspection and reporting capability as to the safety of a device and the environment it was used in. PAT test labels actually predate the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, as well as the Electricity at Work Act of 1990. These legislative actions were taken as accidents and concerns about safety in the workplace increased proportionately.

The current system of testing, more formally known as In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, falls under the jurisdiction of the QCA with the voluntary but necessary participation of the Guilds and the City. The usage of PAT labels and PAT test labels is taken quite seriously, and any failure to apply or update PAT labels or PAT test labels can cause grave consequences for the responsible agency or department, especially if an accidental electrical fire should occur due to faulty operation of a device.
Therefore, the usage of PAT labels is a common practice of routine portable
electric device inspection. Considering the reason for PAT test labels, they should be seen as valuable safeguards against calamity in the workplace and should be taken quite seriously as well. Heeding such warning labels could actually save lives and property in the future.