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==Electrical Safety Testing==

Electrical Safety Testing - commonly referred to as PAT Testing ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_appliance_testing Portable Appliance Testing]) - is an essential Health & Safety requirement which is carried out in the Chemistry Department by [[CRTS:Chemistry_Research_Technicians | Stefanos Karapanagiotidis]], our qualified PAT Tester.

PAT Testing, done properly, can be quite a lengthy process and given the multitude of electrical items in use in the Department it takes up a considerable amount of Stefanos' time. For that reason we would ask that you follow the procedure given below.



==Procedure==



* Please make contact with Stefanos to arrange a suitable time for the testing to take place. Bear in mind that he has a very busy timetable so you should aim to plan in advance.

* Identify all the equipment (new, out of date, damaged) that requires testing.

* Decontaminate a suitable area of work bench for both the (decontaminated) items waiting to be tested and the testing itself to be carried out.

* Decontaminate the items and sort by type then brand and model. Where the item comes with detachable leads (mains or other), please decontaminate these as well and locate them separate from the other equipment.

* Large (immobile) equipment should be decontaminated ''in situ'' with a suitable amount of clear space around it to allow full access for testing. Please pay particular attention for broken glass and needles in or around the equipment.


===Decontamination Procedure===

* Wipe down with a damp cloth followed by wiping with isopropanol or ethanol.

* For particularly greasy surfaces you may use petroleum spirit or an appropriate domestic cleaner. Be aware that petroleum spirit is an aggressive solvent and prolonged use may remove paint from the exterior of your equipment. Do not use acetone unless it is explicitly recommended by the manufacturer.

* Once complete please note down the items on a standard decontamination form, available [http://www.imperial.ac.uk/workspace/safety/public/Public%20Access/Decontamination%20Certificates/Equipment%20Decon%20Cert%20July%202009%20Protected.doc here]. One form is sufficient for all items to be tested.