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The HSE recommend a three-stage process for this.

User checks

Users of any electrical appliance are advised to carry out inspections prior to use to ensure any potential problems are discovered before they can result in any danger. For example, if the user discovers the power cable is frayed or the plug is cracked, he should immediately advise a supervisor or senior colleague and NOT TO USE the appliance.

This rest of the staff can be informed by way of a poster or internal memo etc.

Formal visual inspections

This is a process of simply inspecting the appliance, the cable and the plug for any obvious signs of damage and recording the inspection by way of appliance register check sheet.

According to the HSE, this process can find more than 90% of faults. This is the most important part of maintaining appliances.

Combined inspections and PAT testing

 At periodic intervals, it is essential to test the portable appliances to measure that the degree of protection to ensure that it is adequate. At these intervals, a formal visual inspection is carried out and then followed by PAT testing.