Health and Safety Regulations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 February 2010

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

Questions (553)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

683 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if all portable electrical equipment in his Department and subsidiary or grant-aided companies 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. [6465/10]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

My Department is committed to a policy of maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all its employees. In pursuance of this policy and in compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, systems have been put in place to ensure that equipment and machinery are properly maintained and that adequate training is provided in the use of equipment/machinery where this is appropriate.

I am aware that a portable appliance test (PAT) must be carried out on all movable electrical equipment as required by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. The Health and Safety Unit in my Department is currently organising a PAT programme in cooperation with the Office of Public Works to ensure compliance with the regulations as set out by the Health and Safety Authority. It is a matter for subsidiary/grant-aided companies to ensure they are in compliance with health and safety legislation.