I used a Robin PAT testing machine in one of my jobs which would record all the tests, and I had to write in my own test for many of the items because the standard tests either did or did not do some thing.
One example was long extension leads with RCD plugs, the earth loop impedance or earth continuity can be much higher when using a RCD so I had to write the test to suit.
There are two exams for PAT testing and where I worked it was considered the first PAT test for any item should be done by an electrician who had the skill required to select what tests were to be done with that item, it would have a equipment ID assigned and once that first test was completed then it was considered that a semi-skilled person could then do the testing after using the code selected by the electrician.
Since then there has been the court case where a woman was killed which the court considered was due to the testing being done by semi-skilled personal, this resulted in the foreman being found guilty of manslaughter for using semi-skilled labour to do inspecting and testing, the semi-skilled guy only had to write down the results after plugging in a tester and pressing the button, however instead of putting down the reading which was likely OL he went into the rest rooms and asked his mates and put down a figure which would have been expected, as a result the damaged earth caused by a plaster putting a fixing through the cable was missed, after that court case there has been a rethink as to using semi-skilled labour.
I think most electricians would expect the semi-skilled guy would have been found guilty, simple enough press button and write down the reading, however that was not the case. With an automatic PAT tester it is likely the courts may allow it to be used by semi-skilled labour, however as you start to put in options then the skill required increases, it is down to the manager to decide if the semi-skilled person should one have the option select which test, and two if so can they write the test?
When I tested radios with fig 8 leads in the office I would pass them, exactly the same radio in the factory I would fail, the reason was in the factory there could be water, and the lead could be pulled out and fall into the water, this is why PAT testing needs you to go to the device rather than people bringing the devices to you. Also of course the equipment register has the location which is important.
When one does PAT testing one is using your professional knowledge, and you need insurance to match that, I am not saying you need professional indemnity insurance as some other insurance also covers, but where working for a company it is important what title you are given, I have worked for Laing many times, in the main as an electrician, however when building the seven bridge I was given the title foreman mechanic to give me extra pay, as a result I was not permitted to work without another electrician being with me. My skill had not reduced, but the title I had been given resulted in an insurance problem, and of course the whole idea of PAT testing is for some one to take responsibility for the equipment they are testing, so you have to dot all i's and cross all t's or no point in doing it.
