The Barn Theatre,
25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey
RH8 0AA.
Tel: 01959 561811
Email: barntheatre
@btinternet.com

Maintenance of Portable Electrical Appliances
Inspection and Testing of Stage Lighting Equipment

In a recent paper presented to the ABTT, the HSE set out a number of guidelines concerning one of the key issues - the frequency of inspection and testing. As a general guide, it was stated that testing should be carried out at least once a year but more onerous conditions will demand more frequent inspection and testing.

The Theatre owns about 60 lanterns of various types (excluding battens which may be regarded as 'installed'). Given the rigorous environment and the way the equipment is used i.e. moved around frequently, it was considered appropriate that testing should be carried out once a year and a visual inspection be made as frequently as is practicable.

The Barn Theatre Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) policy is therefore set out below. The Theatre's portable stage lighting equipment is to be inspected and subject to the appropriate tests in accordance with the relevant HSE guides concerning the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, every 12 months, normally in the Theatre maintenance period in July. The equipment is to be inspected visually once during the year, normally at the conclusion of the winter productions. A record showing the date each equipment was inspected and tested is to be maintained and available for inspection when required. Labelling of the equipment is not required but each should be capable of identification e.g. numbered.