Australian workplace health and safety standards are strict and tightly regulated, and inspectors can impose hefty fines for every electrical appliance violation they find.
Our job at Anmar Solutions is to take the stress out of your test and tagging and ensure you remain compliant, ready to pass the harshest of audits. With that said, here are our most asked Test and Tag questions to help you make an informed decision.
What is Test and Tag?
Test and Tag is the process of inspecting the electrical safety of portable electrical devices and equipment.
The inspection process involves two parts: First, the equipment must be visually inspected for signs of damage, wear and tear. Then, electrical testing is conducted.
Second, after testing the equipment is tagged. This confirms that the appliance was tested, test date and the next test date.
Why do I have to test portable electrical equipment?
As an employer, you have a duty of care to ensure employees and worksite visitors are safe from electrical injury and risk. This means electrical hazards must be managed under OH&S and WorkSafe regulations.
Here is a sample of control measures:
- Regular inspection
- Repair / Replacement
- Re-testing of electrical equipment before date stamp is due
How often do I need to Test and Tag?
Testing frequency depends on the type of environment your appliance is utilised in. What’s more, many workplaces/sites set their test and tag schedule to minimise risk management and for OH&S planning.
Here at Anmar Solutions, we recommend the following test and tag frequencies:
- 3 months: Building and construction industry, demolition
- 6 months: Industrial and commercial; warehouse/factory/production
- 12 months: worksites/offices where electrical equipment is prone to flexing, wear-and-tear, or heavy-duty traffic
- 5 year intervals: any environment where electrical appliances and cords are not prone to flexible
What is AS/NZS 3760?
The electrical safety of portable appliances is regulated by the Australian Standard AS/NZ 3760. This standard ensures workplaces/sites are safe and electrical risk is managed correctly.
The recommendations laid out in AS/NZS 3760 cover-off Test and Tag frequencies, inspection protocols, testing specifications, record keeping, and other guidelines.
Does new equipment need to be tested and tagged?
No. When equipment is purchased new, the duty of electrical safety falls on the supplier, initially.
If your workplace/site requires new equipment to be tagged, a ‘New to Service’ tag will be used. This tag indicates that the appliance has not been tested and will require testing at a future date.
Do mobile phone chargers need to be tested and tagged?
In short, no. Technically, they do not fall within the remit of WHS. However, we would recommend including them in your annual test. The reason for this is, over the years cheap and dodgy charges (non-OEM) have caught fire, combusted and/or fired-off electric shocks. In turn, creating a risk. And Test and Tag are all about risk management then minimising said risk.
Do power tools require test and tagging on construction/building sites?
If you are carrying tools onto a building, construction, mining or demolition site, your electrical equipment must adhere to AS/NZS 3012 2010 Standard.
Under this Standard, electrical equipment must be inspected, tested and tagged every 3 months.
NB: If you turn up on a building, construction, mining or demolition site WITHOUT tagged equipment, you may be locked out of the site until you adhere to OH&S policies.
Don’t risk it. Have your tools tested and tagged by the professionals.
What happens if an item fails the test?
If an item fails testing our trained technicians will report and label the defective appliance. Said item is then withdrawn from use until repairs are carried out or replaced entirely.
How long does it take to test my equipment?
The testing time depends specifically on the type of appliance being tested; however, it usually takes a few minutes.
Look out for Part 2 of Test and Tag Questions, where our experts answer even more frequently asked questions to help you make the right choice.
Want to speak to an expert about the right Test and Tag solution for your business, click here.
Look out for Part 2 of Test and Tag Questions, where our experts answer even more frequently asked questions to help you make the right choice.