Testing and tagging is an incredibly important task for any workplace. Ensuring workplace safety is a requirement by law. Electrical hazards can cause life-threatening injuries, so read below to discover how testing and tagging your electrical appliances is the right move for you.
What is Testing and Tagging?
Test and Tag is the name for the process of checking the safety of electrical appliances.
To test and tag, firstly, the tester will visually inspect an appliance for any damage. Then, the tester conducts an electrical test measuring the following: insulation resistance, leakage current testing, polarity, and earth resistance. A Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) can complete these checks. This machine automatically interprets results and provides a PASS or FAIL result based on the measurements made. Australian standards do not mandate that a PAT needs to conduct testing. However, PAT remains one of the most comprehensive of ensuring electrical safety.
Why Test and Tag?
Testing and Tagging is an important task to ensure the safety of your workplace.
Best practice for workplaces in Victoria is to follow the Australian Standard, in this case, the AS/NZS 3760:2010 standard. Should there be an incident involving electrical appliances in the workplace, WorkSafe will refer to the AS/NZS 3760:2010 standard.
Test and tag regulations vary across Australia, and even a small difference can have a significant impact on your potential liability. Therefore, a tester which is an expert in the requirements of your state should undertake the testing. For example, an expert in Victorian requirements should complete the testing and tagging in Victoria.
ANZ3760 standard states testing and tagging must be done by a ‘competent person‘.
While a person is not required to be a licensed electrician to test and tag (provided they can demonstrate relevant qualifications and skills), it is always safest to use a qualified electrician with expertise in this area. A qualified electrician will able to identify any hazards in the inspection and provide you with a solution on the spot. Using a qualified electrician in this way prevents delays to your business operations.
Testing and tagging your equipment ensures all devices are safe to use. Additionally, frequent testing will help you find potential problems with your equipment before they become significant issues. Maintaining your workplace equipment safeguards you against unexpected breakdowns, which prevents a situation where you and your business unable to complete work promptly.
How often should I Test and Tag?
The frequency that you should test and tag varies depending on the workplace and equipment in question.
The following recommendations should are a minimum standard. You may need to test more regularly depending on the nature of work undertaken by the appliance. You also should consider the age of the appliance and the conditions under which you use the appliance.
Three months – building, construction and demolition. The harsh nature of the industry is likely to damage equipment at a faster rate, therefore requiring frequent checking.
Six months – factories, warehouses and production
Twelve months – an environment where the equipment/supply cord is frequently bent or moved
Every five years – an environment where the equipment/supply cord is not frequently bent, moved or otherwise regularly moved
Safety is most important…
By regularly testing and tagging, you reduce the potential for electrical hazards on your premises. By law, it is your duty to provide a safe workplace for all in the vicinity.
Testing and tagging also can assist in the maintenance of your electrical equipment. The process can detect problems before they become a major issue. As a result, your equipment will perform optimally and prevent delays in business operations. Additionally, not only will you potentially catch problems while they are inexpensive and straightforward to repair, but you could also prolong the life of your electrical equipment!
Don’t underestimate the danger of electrical hazards. Ensure workplace safety with regular testing and tagging, done by qualified electricians. Twin Electrics & Plumbing can assist with all your commercial electrical repair and maintenance, including testing and tagging. Also Check out what to do in cases of overloaded circuits and other electrical emergencies.
With over 30 years delivering exceptional results, you can have peace of mind leaving your workplace in the hands of our qualified and insured electricians. Twin Electrics & Plumbing will provide a service that meets all business requirements, and can handle even the most demanding commercial projects.
Twin Electrics & Plumbing are Melbourne-based, so our experienced and reliable teams can get to you quickly when you need them! Call us on (03) 9808 7555 or enquire online via our contact forms.