24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

[typhoon_driver]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

Both machines signed up, its going to be good

[widow_twanky]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

PAT testing is not actually that hard to do yourself. The HSE publish a guidance note which outlines how to manage these things.

In summary a test every 3months plus a visual inspection every time equipment is used is essentially what is required.

In terms of competance, the HSE recognise two basic levels of competence depending on the test equipment being used.

1) Using a simple pass/fail machine which needs users to be trained on how to use the equipment.

2) Using a machine which gives actual readings which needs to be operated by a person competent to interperate the results.

It would probably be cheaper in the short term and certainly in the long term (considering testing should be done every three months) for event organisers to invest in a cheapish machine to do this themselves.

If people want a copy of the guidance note I can send it to them. Just email me.

I would also be happy to work with people to develop an ongoing testing & inspection regime. We would just need to sort out a few issues, liabilities being the main issue (not insured for personal stuff). Just contact me to discuss.

I would say this type of thing should really be part of the FRA event regs. Afterall the events whilst fun are for some a workplace and as such the legal requirements should be met.

Andy

[leorcc]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

Both Hannibalitos signed up.

[john]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

damn thought this was next event but its ages away lol

when do you want entry fee?

robots need to get fixed up for this event - cant be having the problems we have had this yr

few events to get it sorted tho

[grant_ploughbot]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

Payment forms will be sent out when the 2 weeks for the reserved seeded spaces have finished. If you have signed up multiple robots we will first send you an e-mail regarding drivers of the robots as the rule on sign-ups requires 1 robot per driver.

We have a very local campsite all booked up for the friday night and saturday night - If you would like to stop if you could post on here or send me an e-mail that would be great thankyou.
We currently have had almost 30 robots sign up, so places are going fast.
We are still looking into the PAT testing and will keep you updated on it.

Tickets are now on sale on our website and at the venue reception, so lets hope they sell!!!

[typhoon_driver]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

We will be camping

[beast]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

LJ they have our entry fee`s

looking forward to beating you LJ

[grant_ploughbot]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

Update on PAT testing
Robo Challenge have invested in a PAT testing machine to try and get roboteers equiptment tested easily during events.
We have spoken to the other event organisers and can confirm that we will be allowed to test your equiptment at Roaming Robots Stoke on trent event, and hopefully Aylesbury.
Due to the cost of the machine and time we will have to charge £1 per item to be tested, and free if your item fails. We understand that this is not a cost we want to charge, but will only result in around £2-4 per team.
Anyone who will be attending the UK Championships and not any of the above events we will be testing as early as possible at the event.
I would just like to note, that to avoid dissapiontment of failing the test, please make sure that all your mains leads/plugs are in good condition and free from damage.
If you have any qeuiries please get in-touch.

[ady]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

Hi grant, is the test required at every event, or do you put a sticker on it with a retest date of 12 months.

[beast]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

at my works they are tested every 6 months

Grant if i have mine tested at work and have a sticky lable on is that ok ?

John

ps we evan have to do mobile chargers

(Message edited by jct on April 11, 200

[widow_twanky]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

As the equipment is transported I think youll find the HSE recommends every three months. They also say that equipment should be visually inspected every time it is used in a new location.

Grant needs to have a record of the tests. I dont think the sticky label would be sufficient but if you can provide an actual record of the test that will probably meet his needs. (Obviously Grant will need to confirm).

Andy

[geoff]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

I think we should all be aware that at this time Robo Challange are the only EO that is insisting on PAT.
It is arguable that the circumstances under which we use our personal equipment are even coverd by PAT regs which are designed to protect employees and the public from defective electrical equipment. A team attending an event and using their own electrical equipment is neither an employee of the EO or a member of the public.
The EOs own equipment is another matter and is more than likely covered by the PAT regs.

I & others would be interested to know precisely which section(s) of the PAT regs Robo Challange have interprated as being applicabe to personally owned equipment.

Im sorry, but its a requirement of the venue doesnt work for me, seems very strange that this is the only venue in the country to ever mention PAT!


Therefore I have to ask the question as to why this paticular EO is burdening teams with yet another expense in addition to the sign up fees already announced.


I think that this whole business needs to be throughly investigated by the FRA and professional advice taken from the IEE.

[ady]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

im guessing a bit here, but perhaps its compulsory for the buildings insurance etc.... in the event of a claim (e.g euipment causes building to go on fire or something)or it may be they have had a problem at these premises in the past with using untested electrical equipment(hence it not being raised at other events) but then if their was a accident or damage would it be covered under robochallenges own liability insurance?? i dont know.

But i believe robochallenge wouldnt have shelled out money for the required equipment unless they had no choice.

[geoff]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

The point Im trying to make is if you take the PAT regs at face value they simply do not cover personal equipment used for your hobby, regardless of location, providing the mains supply at that location is compliant with current IEE standards.
An example would be you checking into a hotel room and them saying you cant plug your mobile phone charger into a socket in your room until we see a PAT certificate for it!
But the same hotel would be required to have PAT certifcation for the TV in the room because they have a duty of care to you as their customer to ensure the TV is safe to use.
In other words you use your personal equipment at your risk.
Given the above I wonder if the venue could actually enforce such a clause in their contract?

(Message edited by scorpion on April 11, 200

[grant_ploughbot]

24th, 25th & 26th May 2008 - Robo Challenge

As Ive mentioned before, the venue (as do most venues) require all mains powered items to be PAT tested before used in the building. This is part of the venues own insurance policy.
Alot of venues just dont enforce it, but this one does, and I know of atleast 1 Robots Live event who are also requiring all equiptment to be PAT tested.
If your items have already been tested and are within date on the label with no obvious messing with them then we will allow them to be used. We will check your cables during tech check to make sure that they have not since been damage since your previous test.
Geoff, if you have any questions on this could you please call me to clear things up as I just want facts pointed out on this thread rather than false speculation. No disrespect.

Without all equiptment PAT tested then the venue will not allow them to run!