CAG Oxfordshire

14 members of the CAG network are now fully trained PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) testers. PAT testing is not only an important part of the EU Health and Safety directive but, more importantly, goods that have passed a test are deemed safe to be reused. There's a huge potential to reuse electrical items rather than to throw them away, and this marks a big step forward for CAGs.

Oxfordshire Waste Partnership funded the course and 7 sets of testing equipment.

Ruth Finar from Low Carbon West Oxford said "I thought the course was very comprehensive and certainly demystified all the terms and technology."

Paul Bailey from Wheatley CAG, PAT tested for the first time at their swap shop on 10th January 2009. He said "PAT testing went well and I thought it was well worth doing although about 1/3 of the stuff failed the test, mainly due to items being very old without CE markings. The things that passed and were subsequently taken away included a tea maker, yogurt maker, PC monitor, hairdryer, and several AC/DC power supplies (for phones, PCs etc.). We will certainly PAT test small electrical items at all our future swap shops."

Swap shops are becoming increasingly popular with one nearly every weekend. 7th March 2009 marked the annual County Wide Swap Shop and there were simultaneous swaps all over the County, 5 of which had PAT testers on hand. Please check the events guide or individual CAG websites for details of which swap shops will accepti and test electrical items.