Health and Safety Regulations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 February 2010

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

Questions (5)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

140 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach if all the portable electrical equipment in his Department and related offices 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. [6458/10]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

It is the policy of my Department and NESDO that all portable electrical equipment used complies fully with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 299 of 2007. A programme of regular inspections in relation to portable electrical equipment covered by the scope of the regulations is in place in my Department and NESDO where necessary to ensure that all relevant equipment is safe to use and certified in accordance with the Regulations.