Power Tools

Power Tool FAQS

1. How often should power tools be inspected and PAT tested?

In the UK, the recommended frequency for inspecting and PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) of power tools can vary depending on the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used. We’ve provided some guidelines to assist with safe tool usage:

Visual Inspection

Power tools should undergo a visual inspection before each use, to check for any obvious signs of damage or wear.

Formal Inspection and PAT Testing

The UK government’s Health and Safety Executive has guidelines in place for the testing of portable appliances, termed PAT (Portable Appliance testing) which is applicable to power tools. Here’s what you need to know according the HSE:

You don’t have to test annually

The main stipulation of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 is that any electrical equipment that has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition.

Source:HSE

The regulations do not however specify how often this needs to be done; the main objective is to ensure tool safety for your specific use case.

Test frequencies will vary

There is no formal requirement for how often potable appliances and power tools in particular should be tested, however the HSE does say that:

“The frequency of inspection and testing depends upon the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. For example, a power tool used on a construction site should be examined more frequently than a lamp in a hotel bedroom.” 

Source:HSE

There are a number of factors to think about when assessing the risk factors associated with power tools and how often they need testing, including:

• The type of power tool (e.g. handheld or stationary)
• The frequency of use – tools used more regularly will obviously need to be checked more frequently
• The age of the power tool
• The environment in which the power tool is used (if it is used in wet, dusty, or hazardous conditions it will need checking in more detail)
• The manufacturer's recommendations

The above factors will determine how often power tools should be formally inspected.

Do records need to be kept of testing, or appliances labelled?

Technically no, however it is certainly a good idea to do both to adhere to safety best practices.

If you have concerns about the safety of your equipment, whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast, we would always recommend that you consult with a qualified electrical or health and safety professional.

2. What times and days are power tools allowed to be used in the UK?

Regardless of whether you’re a trade professional or just a keen DIYer looking to make some home improvements, one thing you will want to be aware of is noise control. Power tools typically generate between 80 and 110 decibels when in use, which is certainly on the loud side, and you’ll want to use hearing protection for yourself if using them for extended periods. From the point of view of being courteous to residents it’s important to be aware of accepted times and days to use power tools. Below we’ve listed the commonly accepted hours for power tool work:

For professional building and construction work

the Royal Borough of Greenwich in their “noise from building works” page provide a good guideline for general building and construction work, although you will still need to be aware of circumstances and restrictions relating to the individual area in which you will be working. They suggest that general construction work should be limited to:

• Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
• Saturdays 8am to 1pm
• Noisy work should not take place on Sundays and bank holidays

Exceptions can be made for urgent or emergency work.

DIY usage

For DIY and non-professional use, restrictions are more relaxed, although Oxford City Council recommends that power tools are only used between 7am and 9pm each day. Many local councils and communities expect considerate use, which will include avoiding early mornings, late evenings, Sundays, and Bank Holidays in order to be considerate to the community. You can also be more considerate by:

• Giving neighbours advance warning/apologising in advance for the noise
• Agreeing with them what times are best for tools to be used, to cause minimal disruption – this will be particularly relevant if they have children or work night shifts, for example
• If what you are doing is going to be unavoidably disruptive, consider if it can wait until better circumstances present themselves – a day off where you can use your power tool at a different time or waiting until the neighbours go on holiday, for instance.

3. Will my Power Tool be in its Original Packaging?

Our products are always provided to you brand new and we retain all original packing where possible. However, in some cases, some products may arrive with limited/no manufacturer packaging due to the nature of the item; with regards to power tools this may mean that if you order a ‘body only’ power tool the packaging for it may be more limited. If you want to ask any questions about the products we stock then please Contact Us and we'll be happy to help.

If you have further questions about us and our products please visit our FAQ page.

4. Extended warranties and product registration

If you buy any of the following brands of power tools with us, you’ll be able to register for an extended warranty with them:

• Bosch
• Dewalt
• Eibenstock
• Makita
• Milwaukee

For more details on registering your power tool please visit this link:

https://twwholesale.co.uk/product-registration/