Why Does It Make Sense To Use An All UK PAT Testing Company?

In the UK, Republic of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, PAT testing is the routine service inspection and testing of electrical appliances. Although British companies are not legally required to carry out PAT testing, there is legislation that obliges firms to maintain their electrical equipment in safe condition.

In the UK, regular PAT testing will minimise the risk to your employees, clients and any visitors to your site whilst ensuring your firm does not find itself on the wrong side of the law.

Specifically, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 dictates that onsite electrical equipment must be constructed and maintained in order to prevent danger to any persons on site, including employees, customers and visitors. Whilst there is no specific mention of PAT testing in the legislation, regularly carrying out the tests ensures a company’s appliances stay in line with the legislation. Residential and private properties are not required to PAT test their electrical appliances.

In terms of time, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have set out recommended intervals for PAT testing of appliances. Low risk appliances should be tested annually, medium risk appliances biannually and high risk appliances quarterly as to ensure their safety. The industry within which an appliance is being operated often dictates which category it fall into. For example, appliances used in the construction industry are almost always deemed high risk and must be tested every 3 months. On the other hand, most common appliances used in schools (plugs, etc.) are deemed low risk and need to be tested annually.

Detailed records should be kept of all PAT tests. These records demonstrate a company’s compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, protecting them in case of litigation or civil proceedings. Furthermore, detailed records can draw the attention of future inspectors to existing or previous faults, allowing them to quickly identify reoccurring problems.

The legislation dictates that inspections of electrical appliances should be carried out by a competent person. Not only must that person be able to understand the appliance, he or she must be able to competently use the test equipment and have the ability to decipher the test results. In terms of qualifications, the City and Guilds Level 3 Certificate for In-Service Inspections and Testing of Electrical Equipment is the most widely recognised PAT qualification.

A PAT test usually consists of two parts. Firstly, the electrical appliance is visually inspected by the competent person. Obvious defects such as lose wiring, frayed cables or cracks to the appliance are detected in this initial inspection. Following it, there is an electrical inspection which can vary depending on the appliance being tested. Typically, however, it consists of applied current tests, earth resistance checks and polarity testing, for example.

As PAT testing is fairly unique to the UK, it makes sense to use an all UK PAT testing company. When choosing a company, it is essential for you to ensure they understand the relevant legislation, which categories your appliances fall into and how often they need to be inspected or tested. An all UK firm is a great place to start your search.

There are a number of steps to take in choosing a PAT testing company and each are important in ensuring your company complies with the Health and Safety legislation. Look out for client testimonials, industry recognised qualifications and free quotations or project proposals. Serious questions should be asked of any firm unable or unwilling to provide you with these criteria. By doing your own research, you will quickly be able to identify whether a PAT testing company is competent or suitable for your firm.

To summarise, PAT tests are the safest and most effective way to ensure your company stays in line with UK Health and Safety legislation. Choosing an all UK PAT testing company will give you peace of mind and leave you reassured that your firm meets the stipulations set out in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. When searching for a company, look for client testimonials, industry recognised qualifications and free quotations or project proposals. Doing your homework in the short term and employing a reputable, British company to carry out your PAT testing will ensure you stay on the right side of UK law and minimise the chance of an accident occurring on your site.

How To Look Younger

The aging process is inevitable, with wrinkles and sagging skin making their appearance sooner or later. As much as we’d like to, nobody can look 21 forever. This said, it’s not all bad news: these days there are plenty of things you can do to make yourself look years younger than you actually are – even if only on a temporary basis. Some of them cost more than others, some of them will show results gradually whilst some will give you an instantly more youthful appearance. Some can be incorporated into your daily routine at home whilst others will require a trip to a clinic. It all depends upon how much time and money you are willing to invest in looking younger and try anti-aging treatments.

Here are some of the things you can try:

In the Clinic

Botox: This is a brand of botulinum toxin which is injected into problem areas of the face, such as the forehead, around the eyes or around the mouth. The effects are immediate – you will notice that your skin is smoother and many of the wrinkles will have disappeared. It works by relaxing the muscles of the face and is very easy to administer: you can even have it done during your lunch break and go straight back to work. However, it doesn’t come cheap and the results will only last three or four months so if you want to continue the effect you need to keep going for repeat treatments.

Fillers: Dermal fillers, such as Juverderm or Restylane, are injected into your skin to instantly restore its volume and smooth away wrinkles. The result will be a fresher-looking complexion. Typically, dermal fillers will be used to fill ‘smile lines’ around the eyes or nasolabial folds (the creases running from your nose to your mouth). These fillers are generally very safe as the majority are composed of hyaluronic acid – a substance that occurs naturally in the skin.

Collagen Stimulation: Products such as Sculptra or Radiesse are proven to smooth deep lines and wrinkles and help restore the facial volume lost in the body’s natural aging process by stimulated the production of collagen. They work differently from fillers or Botox: the effect of the injections is more gradual as the collagen begins to replenish itself. There can be some side effects such as redness or soreness but these will generally subside after a day or so.

At Home

Skincare Routine: To keep your skin fresh and hydrated it is essential that you maintain a good skincare routine at home. Firstly, every morning and evening you should cleanse, tone and moisturise. Remember to use a gentle cleanser rather than a harsher one designed for teenagers who have oilier skin. Take time choosing your moisturizer and find one with active anti-aging ingredients that have been proven through rigorous scientific study.

Sun Protection: You should cover any exposed areas of skin in sun protecting cream every day – even during winter. Nothing ages the skin as quickly as UV rays so dermatologists recommend you should wear a sun screen with a factor of at least SPF 15 every day to avoid wrinkles, brown spots and a dull complexion.

Make-Up: It’s amazing how much clever make-up application can do to give you a more youthful appearance. Use a soft pencil to define your eyes and only use mascara and eyeliner on the upper lids as this will give your eyes a ‘lift’. It’s worth spending money on a really good foundation to even your skin tone and give you a glow. When it comes to lipsticks, choose lighter shades as these will give your lips a fuller appearance.

Clothing: You may have been sticking to the same styles for the past decade in the mistaken belief that this will keep you looking younger. In fact, this can often have the opposite effect as it will highlight the differences between the styles you are wearing and the natural aging of your skin and body. What you should be doing is looking for flattering cuts that suit your shape. You certainly don’t have to start dressing conservatively if this isn’t for you, but go for styles that accentuate and show off your best assets without being too revealing.

An Introduction To Industrial Gearbox Installation

Industrial gearboxes are a key component in many companies across a wide variety of industrial sectors. Whilst many companies employ engineers qualified to install and maintain their gearboxes, outsourcing this task to specialist gearbox firms is also fairly common. This is particularly true for SMEs who often simply do not have the budget to take on extra staff.

In order to understand exactly what is involved in industrial gearbox installation and make a sensible, informed decision on outsourcing such tasks, what follows is an overview of the steps involved in gearbox installation along with a few tips for installation companies themselves.

1. Fixings

The feet or pads of the gearbox must be fixed your equipment in line with the gearbox manufacturer’s specifications. Manufacturers typically provide a guide linking screw size to necessary tightening talk. Most manufacturers specify screws with an ISO grade of at least 8.8 must be used.

2. Motor Connections

The task of connecting an electrical motor should be carried out by an adequately qualified electrical engineer. Ensuring the correct cable size and electrical regulations are met is essential for safe motor and gearbox operation. The motor plate will specify the motor’s current rating in Amps.

3. Oil and Lubricant

Most industrial gearboxes are installed free lubricant, which is essential in gearbox operation. The manufacturer will specify the grade and amount of lubricant required for the gearbox operation: these guidelines should be followed exactly. An over application of lubricant can be as dangerous as under application, causing overheating and serious thermal degradation within the gearbox.

4. The Installation Process

The installation of foot mounted gearboxes is slightly different than shaft mounted units.

4.1 Foot Mounted Gearbox Units

A foot mounted unit should be bolted to its foundations once the shaft extensions and ventilator has been cleaned. Once the installer is confident that the baseplate is not distorted, the unit must be carefully aligned before the guards and safety features are installed. After thorough checks of the motor wiring the gearbox’s lubricant sump should be filled with oil in line with the manufacturer’s specifications.

4.2 Shaft Mounted Gearbox Units

Once the shaft extensions and ventilator have been cleared, the gearbox should be located as close as possible to the motor bearings. After securing the unit in place the installer should fit the torque arm and install the necessary guard and safety features. Finally, once the motor wiring has been thoroughly checked, the lubricant sump can be filled with oil in line with the manufacturer’s specifications

The Benefits of Attending A Trade Exhibition

Q: How do you get to meet all your industry’s movers and shakers under one roof?

A: By visiting a trade show, exhibition, or business event.

Whatever type of business you are in there will almost certainly be a number of regional, national and international events dedicated to serving your professional interests and here are 10 good reasons why as a wholesaler, retailer or service business owner, you should attend:

1. You will discover the latest industry trends, developments, products and resources – ‘hot off the press’ practical information your business could use to forge ahead in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

2. Whether you are speaking, exhibiting, or simply visiting an event, taking one day out of your busy schedule to soak up the atmosphere, mix with like-minded people and glean new ideas is certain to reinvigorate your passion for your business.

3. Networking with vendors, suppliers and other industry professionals can be a smart way of gaining insights into others’ perspectives. Seeing what other people in your field are up to at first hand could help you become more creative, practical or innovative. Most of us these days spend far too much of our time sitting in front of a computer that we forget what it’s like to interact with people on a one to one basis. You may even come away with some new business as a result of being proactive.

4. Seek out press representatives and see if you may be able to help them fulfil their news or feature requirements. Why not have some specialist business cards made up in advance to hand to journalists? These could contain one or two lines about your areas of specialism and direct them to the Press section of your website.

5. Choose one or two seminars you would be interested in attending. Most seminars will need to be booked in advance and although many will incur a fee, these sessions usually amount to excellent value for money. Perhaps you might even manage to wangle an introduction to some of the speakers afterwards.

6. Exhibitions and trade shows are the perfect places to see how your competitors operate at close quarters. What first impression does their exhibition display stands give? What about the personnel manning the stand? Warm and friendly, or cool and impersonal? Almost certainly you will want to pick up a company brochure and other ‘giveaways’ to scrutinise upon your return to the office.

7. Consider how you might further relationships with key people you meet at the event. Could you arrange a joint venture with a non-competing business which shares your target audience for example? The easiest way to do business at a trade show is by coming up with a reciprocal arrangement which suits both parties and because these kinds of events offer face to face communication, it’s quite astonishing how quickly a rapport can be established and deals done.

8. Use the show directory and the business cards and brochures you collect to create your own personal Rolodex of contacts – and follow them up at regular intervals. If you have promised to get in touch with some of the contacts you made, then be sure to do this the week following the event.

9. Plan who you wish to meet or be introduced to at the event and try to secure meetings with them in advance. The key influencers in any industry are sure to be popular, so if you don’t manage to fix some time with them beforehand, there’s always the prospect of ‘bumping’ into them on the day (particularly if you plan to – if you get my drift!)

10. Enjoy yourself! Sure your visit will be educational, but make sure you allow yourself enough time to browse at leisure. One of my associates often tells of an exhibition he went to at London’s Earls Court a couple of years back. As he lives on the coast, the journey by train and underground took him three and a half hours each way, he spent precisely one and a half hours at the exhibition, collected a sackful of brochures, before heading home, having not ‘pressed the flesh’ of a single exhibitor.

What a complete waste of time and energy – particularly as I know for a fact that the brochures and business cards haven’t yet seen the light of day!

Exhibitions, trade shows and business events are a proven way to keep up with everything that is happening in your industry right now. Not only that, but you are sure to encounter any number of networking and joint venture opportunities which could help drive your business to the next level. Above all, you be motivated by what you see and hear and with any luck you should come away with a collection of inspired ideas for helping your business not only succeed – but prosper.

Building Professionals: Could Market ‘Positioning’ Make Your Company More Profitable?

This week RIBA’s 2012-2013 Business Benchmarking Survey revealed a combined turnover of £1.58 billion for RIBA Chartered Practices.

Whilst this would appear to be promising news for the construction industry as a whole, it must be pointed out that 50% of this declared annual turnover was achieved by a mere 3% of large practices surveyed. Indeed, almost 40% of respondents in this category make less than 10% profit a year.

Following publication of the report, RIBA President Angela Brady commented on the “acute split in business management, profitability and specialisms between large and small practices on how to make the most of their own position in the marketplace.”

Certainly the survey produced some interesting insights. For example, 62% of practices do not have any form of business plan, and of those who do, only 13% plan beyond a single year at a time. Another interesting (and perhaps surprising) statistic is that 50% of the industry’s work won is through a “direct approach with no competitive process.”

This would appear to give the green light to the more proactive practices that use direct marketing in their armoury. Angela Brady also made mention that the survey results would indicate that great design skills alone would not be enough to ensure a thriving practice. She said: “Practices must identify a clear proposition to its target audiences with client-focused leadership and efficient business management – as well as great design.”

Incidentally, if you want to know which sectors account for the majority of the profession’s fees, the figures are:

One-off house projects – 9%

Residential market – 25%

Education – 15%

Mixed use – 13%

Offices - 11%

Those listed above were the only sectors to contribute more than 10%.

If you run an architects’ practice, construction company, or building machinery hire firm , then ‘positioning’ your offering could help you narrow your focus, as well as market your business more effectively. It’s becoming increasingly harder to ‘sell’ businesses which view themselves as ‘Jacks of all trades’, whereas focusing on a particular area or specialism within the business, could mean you will attract greater recognition within your particular niche market.

By the same token, building machinery hire companies could also increase demand for their services by focusing on a niche: for example telehandler hire.

By focusing on a single area of expertise and promoting your offering vigorously and consistently, you could establish yourself as the ‘go to’ company in your sector, whether you are promoting architects’ services, construction services or telehandler hire.