Hi everybody, I’ve just jumped into add this conversations to #community-repair with a #uk tag on it.
I tend to agree with all of the other advice given, thanks @philip @Dave @Ian_Barnard for your helpful contributions.
It’s important to recognise the overwhelming number of faults are detected by a proper visual inspection prior to actually using the PAT tester. Adding here that we do PAT testing for our own peace of mind, and ensuring our own process is safe. (I do feel that regular calibration is an important element of this. And while it’s not cheap, I think we need to be funding this through contributions of participants and local authorities.)
We do not offer PAT testing as a service. That is, the owner/participant is not offered a sticker and we do not maintain permanent record of the test. Firstly, we feel that would be more than we can handle at events, and secondly, it would also create more of the feeling of a transaction/service and would potentially heighten our liability.
We are very strong about these events not being a free service, but an educational event where ultimately the participant retains responsibility for their own device. Our disclaimers on every table and on our website reinforce this. Some groups have people sign a form acknowledging this.
I would also point everybody to our Wiki page - and ask if based on this conversation, it’s due any updates?