PAT testing a school is similar to PAT testing an office as the equipment is usually similar, consisting of IT equipment including; Computers, Monitors, Printers and communication equipment.
Testing in schools is good work, but can be very seasonal and will mean that you need to have other work for when you are not testing in schools.
Most school PAT contracts are carried out during school holidays such as; the summer break so that children are not around when testing is being completed.
The biggest risk when testing IT equipment is the possibility of damaging the electronic circuits. To prevent any loss of data, gain permission from the person in charge of the area and, if possible, ask them to shut the system down while you work. But make sure they bring it back up again afterwards.
Another consideration will be access. Some access in schools may be difficult particularly under desk areas and in small spaces.
If you PAT machine is mains powered it may be difficult to get access to a power supply in easy reach of the appliance you are testing.
A battery powered PAT instrument would be a way around this potential problem, however you will need to consider whether the battery operated tester you are buying has all the features you will need, such as the ability to perform earth continuity and insulation tests as well as the touch current test.
It should be noted that a touch current test is not usually carried out on modern computer models and is done on older computers in place of a 500 Volt insulation test.
Ultimately PAT testing in Schools can be very rewarding work, if you can get it, and once you have completed a contract for a school, it is more likely they will ask you to come back again next time.
