Health and Safety Regulations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 February 2010

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

Questions (471)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

606 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if all the portable electrical equipment in his Department and subsidiary or grant aided companies such as An Post, RTÉ, Coillte and so on have portable appliance test certificates as required by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulation S.I. No. 299 of 2007; if not, the reason for same; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a PAT must be carried out on all moveable electrical equipment in offices, centres and so on, to ensure the safety and welfare of both employees and employers; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that records of all such tests must be kept for at least five years to allow the Health and Safety Authority to carry out random spot checks and that insurance companies and underwriters are already seeking proof of compliance prior to renewal of policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6464/10]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

I am aware of the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and in particular the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulation S.I. No. 299 of 2007. The issue of Portable Appliance Testing and certification of all relevant equipment in my Department is in the process of being implemented. Proposals for the invitation of tenders to carry out this work are being prepared at present and it is hoped to have the process completed and the testing carried out before the middle of the current year. When completed all certificates will be retained for inspection as required. The issue as it relates to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for those agencies and one in which I have no role.