Page 2 of 8  Fax machines.  Fans.  Table lamps. It is also important to remember that:  Extension leads.  Plugs and sockets.  Cord sets which supply portable equipment. are classified as portable equipment because they operate in the same environment and are subject to the same use as the equipment they serve. 3. HOW TO ACHIEVE SAFE USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT 3.1 The procedure requires that all portable electrical equipment used within WATMOS be inspected and tested by a nominated competent person (see Section 4 for definition of competent person), to a pre-determined programme (see Appendix 1 for guidance). 3.2 WATMOS in undertaking to carry out such testing must nominate one or more Competent Person(s) to carry out the following:  Co-ordinate the registration of new and existing items.  Conduct the inspection and/or testing of new and existing portable electrical equipment.  Be responsible for the recording and monitoring of the whole operation.  Ensure that all items carry a registration number and a test label with an expiry date of the period for which it is certified for service.  Ensure that no equipment is used after the stated expiry date. This process can also help to identify equipment in use in WATMOS that should be recorded on inventory records. 3.3 If any item of equipment is considered to be defective in any way, it should be reported to the appropriate Competent Person who should remove the test label, withdraw the equipment from service and, if appropriate, arrange for it to be inspected, repaired and re-tested. 3.4 If there is no Competent Person available it may be possible to arrange for an external contractor to carry out the testing and recording. However, it is essential that only external contractors approved by WATMOS be engaged to carry out this work. Arranging for an external agency must be organised through the Asset Management Section. 3.5 The Asset Management Section is responsible for ensuring that the testing and inspection of portable electrical equipment is carried out. 3.6 Portable electrical equipment should only be used for its intended purpose and in the environment it was designed and constructed for. Not even an effective maintenance regime will allow for safe use of equipment in situations it is not intended for, e.g. using a table lamp as a hand lamp, or equipment that is not waterproof in a wet environment.